House Churches Verses Church Buildings | Which Is Best?

Which is better, a house church or a church building? I would argue that house churches ought to be preferred by Christians instead church buildings. There are some great congregations out there that meet in dedicated church buildings, however, I think Christians should meet in houses instead. The house church model is more biblical. The New Testament church never owned any buildings, all their worship services took place in the homes of those who believed. The day of Pentecost took place in the upper room of a house (Acts 1:12-14, 2:1) which was quite possibly the same house that Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover (see also Luke 22:12, Mark 14:15). On the day of Pentecost 3000 people believed the gospel and joined the church (Acts 2:41) and they met from day to day in the Temple (a public place of prayer) and in their homes (Acts 2:46). The Apostles would go house to house teaching and preaching about Jesus Christ (Acts 5:42). Acts 2:47 tells us that the Lord added to their number daily. House churches are mentioned all through the NT (Acts 12:12, Acts 20:20, Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:9, Colossians 4:15 and Philemon 1:2) but there is not a single mention of a church building in the NT. If we believe that the scriptures are sufficient then why do we need church buildings? There is no mention of church buildings in the bible. The people are the church.
I've been to many church building congregations and to be honest I never really found them to be edifying. They are more often apostate and compromised. They are very worldly and more like a show or concert event rather then a New Testament fellowship. I've been to Baptist churches, Pentecostal churches, Presbyterian churches and many others. They all seem ridged and controlled. No freedom to fellowship in a biblical manner.
False teachers could never be as rich or powerful as they are in church buildings. People like Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn and all the other charlatans rely on the church building model of worship. Without it they would never have rose to such an influence in the church world. Being a house church pastor is not as glamorous as being a pastor in a church building such as Baptist, Presbyterian or Pentecostal. There is less money involved and less prestige in the eyes of me. Therefore, there is more chance that the elders of a house church will be in it for the right reasons. It's more humbling to be a house church elder.
There is also more accountability for both the members and the elders in a house church. In a church building pastors are often a law unto themselves. People come to here them speak rather then to meet with the family of God and fellowship. Even preachers that are considered as biblical are filthy rich. In a house church the pastors are more intimately acquainted with his flock. I bet Joel Osteen doesn't visit people in their homes. Nether does Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn or Creflo Dollar. They are too big for their boots.
I think the church that Jesus started began in a house and that's what we should continue to do as we serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

[@timothycarigon9783]

I love what you have presented. I have been in ministry for over 30 years as a Sr. Pastor, Youth Pastor, Missionary to China and church planter. We now have transitioned to a gathering in homes. It's been awesome! Everything changes when you have zero budget, zero committee meetings, zero staff and zero arguments over those things. We take up offerings for people in need in our gatherings and around the world. We give 100% of what is given because we don't have monthly obligations for our gatherings. I work and am able to follow Paul's example and minister freely. Breaking out of the modern church mentality takes years, and you will find it changes everything. One of the big things it changes is how you use words to describe "church". We don't call what we do on a Sunday morning "going to church". We gather in His name. We have no official name, no signs, no business cards etc. If you want to go down this path think through the words we use. This takes quite a bit of time to rethink everything. Example: In this video the term "the pastor" is used many times. The pastor of our gatherings is Jesus himself. "A pastor" or "pastors" is a better way to use the term pastor. That simple article of "THE" denotes the old mentality that there is ONE pastor assigned to pastor the congregation. Pastors are elders, multiple, so staying away from the mentality that a man is THE pastor brings health to your gatherings. Think through your references about church it will tell you some of the things you might need to rethink. Blessings in your journey down this road. It's makes all the difference.

[@lancemarchetti8673]

What a brilliant comment! I'm saving this.

[@nickduggan3084]

Thank you, brother for the wonderful comment. I appreciate all the time you took to create it. Very edifying! Praise God

[@lW9497]

I too am a house church planter in the PRC. I would love to swap stories with you.

[@jasonpassofaro3305]

This past week has been a revelation. I literally told all my coworkers today that this is my dream. I didn’t know how to word it, a commune or business under a church, but this is exactly what I needed to see. I’m still in awe at your comment as Iv been saying all day “I want to be the leader of the new world Christian’s” I want to be one of the first to show as much of the world as possible that we don’t need to live our lives working 40 hour work weeks to barley scratch by just to pay gobs of money for basic things like shelter. I want to build a community of people my age that see little hope on the finances of the world and see that Jesus will provide everything for us. I still don’t know where to begin, as I’m young and broke, but there is something inside of me that wants to spread hope…

[@charliethornton2891]

I'm with you!!!

[@janey7115]

I know this video is two years old, but I am grateful for it! I have long desired a church not dependent on buildings, ownership, pastors surrounded by yes men, not to mention the focus on MONEY. I cannot tolerate being a yes congregant any longer and long to find a house church with bible study, interactive discussions and relief from hammering on tithing rather than giving as needs arise to others, cheerfully. I don't need a pastor that thinks he has to be funny or witty or have his talking points all put together. I just need sober minded fellowship with true believers that are given to prayer and who seek to learn and understand scripture.

[@faithfullydreamingmysterio2522]

Amen, same thoughts

[@susan3661]

Me too! I need to pray that the Lord will connect me with like-minded people. May He lead you as well.

[@grandpianist4423]

Are you a Filipino?

[@fotw]

We have been doing home church for some time now, that time was when the most spiritual growth happened in our lives.

[@iThinkBiblically]

That's great bro, thats what I think too

[@krakoosh1]

It was also when Christians were persecuted, which has always been when the church grows the fastest

[@matthewdunn7321]

Does your church have a website? I want to setup a model like this

[@fotw]

@@matthewdunn7321 yes, check the link on my youtube page

[@growintruth2685]

I totally agree! In bigger gatherings it is difficult to have the "family" mindset, which is what we should be. Home churches create the atmosphere which will bring people closer together.

[@myfatherschild5820]

@donovan Hendricks i absolutely love your comment, and i'm so thankful for you, god bless you mightily and all the home groups you mention, they have laid down their life, as christ laid down his life for us, this is the most generous "TITHE,", surrender our life to the will of god, lots of love:)

[@jamiepoems]

What i find sad is Christians need to be taught to have fellowship at home which should be so natural.

[@iThinkBiblically]

Yeah it is quite sad. It should be natural and I personally have found the church building model very discouraging.

[@GioTummy3463]

@@iThinkBiblically This is not the year 30 AD, you can't use that model in our modern society. House gatherings are not hygienic as your 1 or 2 restroom can't accommodate the needs of a large crowd. You also put the house owner at great risk of being robbed or have his place vandalized. These are not the same times as Paul's

[@GioTummy3463]

@Pat Lance You can't compare the world of the apostles to our world in terms of logistics. Imagine in-house gatherings with 15 or 20 people in a single house. It's not biblical it is just inconvenient, unhygienic and even dangerous for the home owner

[@anessarodriguez1320]

@@GioTummy3463 I've heard of quite a few local house churches that are actually faring well with no issues, just need more space. Also, if families can have gatherings of 20+ relatives on the holidays or even house parties, then it's not much of an issue for believers to gather in a house :)

[@lW9497]

People complain about space but that is easily rectified by splitting to form a second house- church growth. Of course, this raises another problem, leadership. With House Churches new leaders have to be trained more often. But that is good. Many Building church pastors complain that no one wants to lead. This is because building churches expect everyone to sit and soak. House churches require participation.

[@revchurchcv]

I started a home church in September of 2020. Thank you for opening my eyes to the reality that I don’t need a building to do church. I’ve been fixed on having to get a building. I haven’t collected any salary since starting just to save up and get a building. My focus now is on the flock the Lord has given me in my home. Have a blessed day!

[@iThinkBiblically]

Your welcome bro! Just split into two groups when you have too big and have a network of house churches.

[@youknowitstrue3826]

@@iThinkBiblically It's going to be hilarious when every house invent their own version of Christianity like we already see in American Evangeliclownism.

[@ritadyer9295]

@@TheRealRenn if you read his entire comment, he is rethinking of how to handle it to avoid what he didn’t want to do. This is new to most and so it takes creative thinking and thinking outside the box to figure out where to go on a new journey different than tradition.

[@tiberiuskuja6764]

Jesus Christ is the one who founded his church/the body according to Scriptures Collosians 1:16-18

[@kimberlyd7398]

And just remember let the Holy Spirit lead.,, don’t dominate the time.. pastors have it messed up! They are brainwashed.. the gathering example in Corinthians shows everyone taking part., sharing ., a song , edifying.. it never shows a one man show! God bless you!!

[@HarryWebb-lo2iv]

Good points! The huge expenditure on buildings, and pastors expenditure puts a lot of stress on small congregations!

[@Jacquesam]

I agree home churches are a better way to go. You will identify the sheep and goats and the wolves pretty quickly in a smaller group setting.

[@iThinkBiblically]

That's right. You will quickly work out if they are biblical or fruitcakes.

[@youknowitstrue3826]

J S Lmao. Who's going to do the identifying?

[@youknowitstrue3826]

@@iThinkBiblically There isn't any singular "biblical" narrative and Christianity is not a "biblical" religion, so how is that going to happen exactly. And who compiled and canonized your Bible, polytheist? According to which authority?

[@BronsonLivesHere209]

I really want to start my own home church. I have been trying to find a house church for a while and haven’t had much luck. This video has really encouraged me to start one.

[@swordman802]

Going to church in a large building allows lukewarm or false Christians to hid in the crowd and avoid accountability..

[@Rueuhy]

I agree with this teaching. I have met many who want the intimacy of a family feel but feel guilty or think they're "doing it wrong" if there isn't a big building with a name on the front. There will come a time when many will have no choice but to meet in secret to worship together. The freedom that many, in the United States and other countries enjoy, will soon expire. But those who truly seek will find each other and find a way to worship in unity and truth. And it will be a time of blessing in true tribulation. Where two or more are gathered together in His name He is present.

[@iThinkBiblically]

Yeah there are so many people who love God but just don't seem happy in these church buildings. Hopefully I will encourage a few to start a home church.

[@vikkiomalley5633]

Please have another look at the verse Mathew 18:20 You are taking it completely out of context as it does not mean what you are presuming it to mean otherwise you are denying that He is always in our midst even if we are on our own . You actually need to start reading from Mathew 18 : 15 to get the context. It is talking about discipline within a church not about worship.

[@iThinkBiblically]

@@vikkiomalley5633 I agree with that but TheRueuhy raised that as a footnote and small point. I didn't even notice it.

[@brishawnsanders5873]

@@vikkiomalley5633 I’m sure it also clarifies what is the minimum number needed to be considered a “church” for the sake of gathering together with the people. We are never alone but we are exhorted to gather together. If Jesus is there in the midst of two people, then one could rightly consider that this is the minimum needed to be considered a “church.”

[@markferguson1338]

@@iThinkBiblically Hi team. Good teaching. The Holy Spirit has begun to restore his people back to living like a Christian Ekklesia which is a house gathering but nothing like the man made structure that's called church.

[@darrellfromdayton]

I've watched a few of your videos brother and you present the truth in way that can't be refuted by the cherry pickers... I praise God for you

[@iThinkBiblically]

Thanks mate! Very encouraging. Hopefully people will start a few house churches after watching this video :)

[@grandpianist4423]

Godspeed, brother! I thought I'm the only one having these kinds of realizations. I'm a Baptist, here in the Philippines. I grew up as a Baptist, father, mother, and siblings. Sadly, there is a lot of heavy shepherding and prosperity gospel happening here. I know I am not backsliding, as some would say right away. My heart is crying for growth. Not self-imposed growth, but growing in grace, in the knowledge of God. It's been three years since I've been having these thoughts. To God be the glory for showing the light.

[@edwinholcombe2741]

I am in the Philippines also - Puerto Princesa, Palawan, although I am an expat. Do you know of any home group here in the Philippines?

[@grandpianist4423]

@@edwinholcombe2741 To this date, none that I am aware of. Majority are in the highway of building their own church buildings and its prerequisites.

[@karenrodriguez8806]

I have been planning to do bible study with my friends and i started doing that with my sister. Andito ako NZ now and dito ako mas nag grow in faith kasi nag babasa na talaga ako ng bible and nag pi pray kahit kami lang ng husband ko. if u want you can create a group and meet kayo virtually to study the word of God like what i did with my sister. I can join your group if maka create kayo😅😊

[@grandpianist4423]

@@karenrodriguez8806, kumusta? It took me long to reply due to some errands. I'm interested to what you and your husband is doing. How can we connect?

[@grandpianist4423]

@@karenrodriguez8806, kumusta? It took me long to reply due to some errands. I'm interested to what you and your husband is doing. How can we connect?

[@trinidadmartinezsr]

Yep I agree with this 100%. I had a pastor get upset because we left. He text me and I told him I decided to move on. He lied and said we been friends for many years and I should have spoke to him first. I left because I did not agree with the false teachings. Like tithes, pre-trib rapture, cursing his congregation because we don't pay tithes. I exchanged words with him over 35 yrs ago under five words. I was not in any way a "friend". I did not even recognize him this many years later. Home church is the way to go for sure. Thank you again as always... This makes so much sense....

[@salt1956]

Well presented. Thank you. I have never thought about this before. Whenever I've heard someone was going to a house church I assumed they must be misfits. I have only known the church building model. My wife and I attend an Australian megachurch. All of the giving, except for a tiny fraction, gets spent on the enormous scale of 'running church' with all the technology, special events, fancy programs, hundreds of staff and the complex production of worship songs and a TV channel. I do not feel connected to anyone. The pastors call me only when they want something. I long for a simple church model, meeting with real Christians.

[@thebiblebasher6119]

Where are you based?

[@markferguson1338]

Ekklesia-what is it and why is it important for Christians to understand the difference between an ekklesia and a church Matt 16v18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it. During the New Testament days, there were 3 main institutions in Israel: 1. The Temple was where Gods people met with representatives of God, the priests. 2. The Synagogue was where God’s people met with each other. (Note: Both Temple and Synagogue were Jewish religious institutions) 3. The Ekklesia was an assembly of people deputized by the Roman emperor to introduce and implement the culture and laws of the empire So what is a Church and why is it not an ecclesia?- Oxford Dictionary defines a church as a building used for public worship The Greek work for church comes from the greek word kyriakon meaning “ruling, governing, Lord, master, owner” one interpretation is the “Secular Lord of the house” which actually describes most churches operational structure. Most operate with a person at the top and a governing board of elders under that with the congregation right smack at the bottom, some operate with a committee at the top and the congregation is still at the bottom. In an ecclesia all members are equal and all members are expected to participate and in a Christian Ecclesia the congregation are top and the leaders are servants, Eph 4 clearly states that all believers have been given gifts and it’s the function of the apostles; prophets; pastors; teachers and evangelists to prepare Gods people for works of service. Most church leaders realise that the work church is not what Jesus talks about and so have changed the meaning to mean assembly which fits better with the meaning of ekklesia ( a gathering of the chosen) This interpretation of the meaning is correct but assembly and congregation does not express how an Ekklesia operates anymore than the meaning of the word parliament tells us how parliament functions. If a Roman Ekklesia was an assembly of people deputized by the Roman emperor to introduce and implement the culture and laws of the empire then a Christian Ekklesia must be a meeting of the people of God who are deputized by God to introduce and implement the culture and laws of the kingdom of God to the world. The early believers were structured and functioned as an Ekklesia so we already have a model. A model so powerful that it spread the gospel across the entire known world and changed the culture and economy of Rome itself. Not long after the early apostles died out the ekklesia began to fall away and the whole world plunged into the dark ages ruled by the Papal system and the Roman Catholic Church who had a policy of killing millions of believers who tried to live outside their religious system. This continued up until 1517 when God used a monk called Martin Luther to spark what is now know as the protestant reformation, a restoration move of God that restored the truth that we are justified by faith and not by works. Since then we have seem many truths restored to the body of believers such as water baptism by immersion, speaking in tongues, personal prophecy, the expression of the gifts of the spirit and many others. Several truths we have not yet seen restored are the complete unity of the body of Christ the expression of the love of the father within the body and expressed to the world to see and the correct function of the body in ephesians 4v1-20, all were expressed in the early Ekklesia. The engine room of Chistian Ekklesia is the passionate ideal that there is only one ekklesia and also the sacrificial love of the father expressed, both of which make up the apostles doctrine in acts2 and is taught throughout the entire NT. To get and express the love of the father poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit one must repent (change ones mind) and forsake the love for the world and everything it stands for 1 John 2v15. There are many people who call themselves Christians but do not have the love of the father in their hearts. We must choose who we must serve and to love Jesus and the things of the world makes you a spiritual prostitute commiting adultary and disqualifies you from being part of the bride of Christ. James 4v4 and 5 however you do qualify to be part of the prostitute church in Revelations. The world culture of selfishness, Greed, control and fear vs Gods kingdom plan of serving one another, giving generously and having all things in common.- meditate on acts 2v43-47 and allow the Holy Spirit to show you just how beautiful this culture looks and then turn on the news. Here is some of the apostolic culture expressed by Ekklesia A Christian Ekklesia is only interested in the business of building Gods kingdom on Earth, It dosent entangle itself with wordly politics and dosent tell the world how to live-Col3v1-2; Rom13 There is only one Christian Ekklesia, one body, one nation, one spirit, one loaf of bread and one crucificion 1 COr1v10-13; Eph 4v4-6 A christian Ekklesia has no name and is described in the NT like this “at the Ekklesia that met at their house” Rom16v5; Col14v15; 1 Cor16v19; Phil 1v2 but local ekklesia also meet together as a town or city A christian Ekklesia promote the unity of the body of christ-col3v13-15; Eph4v4-6 A christian Ekklesia is run by Jesus and has only one mission statement Matt 28v19. A christian Ekklesia gives via a generous heart (100% of everything) and understands that teaching that christians should tithe (10%) to an institution is a heresy A christian Ekklesia meets the needs of those rich in faith but financially poor and treats everyone the same-James 2; Acts 2v45 Almost all money given to a christian Ekklesia is to meet the needs of the believers-Acts2v44,45; Acts 4v32-37 A christian Ekklesia is about finding out what each individuals ascension gifts are and ensuring they develop and express them to the ekklessia and to the world-no sitting in pews A christian Ekklesia have no clergy or elite, all members are able to move in the gifts and pray for anyone and are encouraged to do so. (yes it does have leaders) All leaders including apostles; prophets; pastors; evangelists are servant ministries and as such carry no title but do carry the respect of those they minister to and raise up. Look at how the apostles describe themselves at the beginning of each epistle. The power of a christian ekklesia is not the apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers and evangelists but Gods people that they prepare for works of service, we have all been given ascension gift ministries. Eph 4v1-12 All individuals in an ekklesia have a ministry that started the day the Holy Spirit began to live in their lives. (all members are expected to participate) A christian Ekklesia congregations produce change in society one soul at a time (this is how the early ekklesia changed the culture and politics of Rome) A christian Ekklesia can only operate out of the love of the Father poured out in out hearts so ekklesia do not love the things of the world but only Jesus 1 Jn 2v15; James4v4 A christian Ekklesia encourages that all believers can move in the gifts of the Spirit and personal prophecy is encouraged 1 Cor14 A christian Ekklesia is the new wineskin and is a reformation movement (early church was an ekklesia) A christian ekklesia is geography structured- Local Ekklesia, Town or City Ekklesia and of course the world Ekklesia. The restoration of the Christian ekklesia is perfect and represents the bride of Christ on earth (expresses agape love and righteous acts of faith) Rev19v8 A christian Ekklesia has shared agape meals along with the bread and wine to celebrate the death and resserection and the unity of the body regularly-Jude1v12; Acts2v42,46; 1 Cor11v17-34 Individuals in a christian Ekklesia are working with the Holy Spirit to live what they learn-James 1v22-25 A member of a christian Ekklesia understands that we live under the new covenant and that the Holy Spirit puts his law in our minds and writes it on our hearts and that each invividual is at a different stage of their walk with Jesus.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

if you long for a simple church, then start a home church yourself

[@leeroyexcavator9149]

Yes I think you are correct, although have always gone to a church with usually about 150 tops. We did move to a another church that kept growing and they decided to build a large building that would seat about 500. The old church would only seat about 200 or less. When they moved to the larger building the closeness of the people and atmosphere changed and it became more of a production and we left and went back to a older smaller church. Now we are thinking about starting to go to a house church with just a few people like you are talking about..

[@BeKind4ever-bt5co]

Will your city demand a business license and will there be enough available parking spots to accommodate your Home Church? Will your neighbors be open to the extra traffic on their street? Just trying to see how it all works.

[@Iere-TT]

Totally agree...became convinced about this after seeing it in the Word.

[@debbie6036]

This has blessed and helped me so much. I thank God for using you to help so many of us. God is so good to lift such a heavy load from me.

[@QueenOfLevelUp]

Thank you so much for making this video. For to long I felt alone on the concept of having a home church. Im glad to know there are others💪🏽

[@jdean4268]

You are not alone, You are right! God Bless!!

[@tacticaltradingpennystocks7206]

God has put this on my heart heavily of late. I have been blessed with the room to do so and I am watching several videos on exactly how to get a Home Church started. Excellent video Brother

[@JanetJenks-fq2fo]

Another benefit of home churches is that a small gathering of people will be less likely to split into popularity groups and clicks. No more walking down a hall and most always having to be the first one to say ‘good morning’, or to initiate a friendly conversation😕 We recently started a bible study with a couple of our adult kids and grandkids and their friends. They’ve said they have learned way more in the 6 studies we’ve had than they ever did at ‘church’. There’s definitely something non intimidating about a living room/dining room table setting that’s conducive to asking questions and contributing to the study! Thank you for putting this together!! God bless you!

[@sallylara1102]

I love this! All glory to God 🙏🏽🎚️

[@christopherhinton5930]

Very well presented. I participate in a couple of small groups and always enjoys in home fellowship with other believers. And I usually experience awkwardness and feel out of place in church services. I was not certain why that has been the case for all these years but understand better now. God bless you for this clear teaching and encouragement. I appreciate it.

[@OrlandoVergelJr]

We do both. We have a church building which helps us to do things that we could never do in a home church. I also encourage home services throughout the week where our church members and myself attend. It helps to develop others to preach and teach and provides a more intimate fellowship.

[@OrlandoVergelJr]

@@endtimesareuponus8930 Jesus isn’t hungry. What in the world are you saying? Make it make sense. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@OrlandoVergelJr]

@@endtimesareuponus8930 I read the Bible. You wrote a nonsensical comment that has much to do about nothing.

[@faithfullydreamingmysterio2522]

Nice, we recently connected to a church doing the same thing

[@moniqueberrian5880]

I absolutely love how you break down the Word of God so people can truly understand. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@sheturb]

Thank you for a great analysis of house church versus BIG BOX! The scriptural reference are awesome! I'm starting a house church this week and I'm going to share the scriptural references with those attending!

[@duaneleach9675]

Again another awesome message.. I took time to write down everything. You are totally correct. I am a pastorOff and on for 30 years. Not operating for a while but I plan on starting up a new fellowship and I agree with what you're saying and your message has confirmed it in me to do a home fellowship. Thank you brother. Love in Christ

[@KingJonathanThe1st]

We are All pastors. Your job is to make them spiritually mature so that then they can make others spiritually mature and so on.

[@hanspisa]

So true what you have shared. I've been feeling this very thing and I agree with you re the house church modle. I've always heard about being an Acts 2 church but sadly never seen in in a large setting with all the mod cons. It's becoming more of a mornings entertainment than anything else, which saddens me.

[@ummadi1]

Thank you, brother. Insightful and a blessing. All for His glory.

[@luizcorona777]

Love what your doing beloved, all glory to the Lord Jesus Christ and may He bless your walk and the ministry.

[@Tinstared]

Our church has been meeting in a house for over 19 years. The first 15 years of my Christian life was spend in building churches.

[@gabrieltorresartacho1293]

Very nice dear brother. Security is also a big and important reason why Home church is better, specially in this end time we are leaving. Jesus's church start in our homes and when He return, He'll find us again in our homes because the church is a family. Also, we need to grow in horizontal, in many may homes, in may places, not in vertical with lots of people inside of a building. The main mark of his disciples is the love one another, which is very ease in our homes, and impossible inside a building with hundreds of people. Lets go back to the Bible, the inspired Word of God. Much love in Jesus!!!

[@aikhongchua8978]

Keep teaching brother! Very clear teachings you give.

[@iThinkBiblically]

Thanks for the encouragement :).

[@TheSALT123]

Thank you, my dear brother! I plan to share your video with others this Sunday. We are outside of Los Angeles, California, and the concept of house churches is not easily accepted here. Your well researched presentation makes it hard to deny.

[@iThinkBiblically]

Sounds great!

[@kennethschweighardt4920]

Thank-you for sharing! I have felt this for years, never being comfortable in a 'church' setting. Home fellowships are more intimate and kind of have a tendency to allow EVERYONE to share as opposed to attending and paying for (the 'tithe') "The Pastor Show" Staring a man who probably is not a Pastor, but maybe a business man, a teacher, an evangelist, but not a Pastor.

[@andrewilliams1745]

Praise the Lord brother that message you is encouraging and makes a lot of sense!

[@iThinkBiblically]

You are welcome :)

[@jarthurpaxton9223]

Thank you, sir. You speak the Truth. God bless you and keep you.

[@loudantproductions5407]

I agree 100%. We started a house church more than 5 years ago. For a season we went to another house church, (and I'll admit I knew something wasn't quite right), that seemed to start well but became a SDA cult. Discerning people simply left and started a more solid home fellowship. This confirms one of the points you made on your video. The worst thing about building based churches is they are too immersed in the world and paganism. They are not interested in changing, so there is no point attending. I have given up on celebrity pastors, teachers, apostles and so called prophets. I read my Bible and it doesn't line up with the church culture we see today. The other thing I love about house church is all my giving goes directly to the poor or missionary based ministries. Not a single cent into buildings, salaries, insurance etc. Another advantage of house church is it doesn't have the fingers of the government involved in it's affairs. The registered churches failed woefully during during covid restrictions. Thankfully, we weren't impacted because we are not tied up in that scene being in a house church, but we know many who suffered at the hands of these false pastors and institutions. I recall in the early church, many were killed by the Roman authorities because the would not bow down to Caesar, yet others bowed down and just went on living as "Christians". That sums up the institutional church today. Lukewarm, compromised, government worshippers who say they are "Christians", whilst the genuine paid a price for faithfulness to Yeshua. Nothing has changed. Many still haven't learnt the lessons on history.

[@adelebare1834]

I do agree with you, sir. Also, this video is God's answer to my longtime prayers. Thanks.

[@iThinkBiblically]

Thats great to hear! Just keep your doctrine sound :)

[@jimj1889]

Well done, good teaching. Unfortunately at my location and most places in the US , when trying to meet in a home so many come with there denominational baggage and just try to start another "church". I personally have never seen 1Cor.14:26-33 in practice. I believe it will be fulfilled at least that is my hope as more and more come out of the institutional church system. God Bless.

[@iThinkBiblically]

You can always find someone likeminded to work with and when others come and cause trouble tell them to leave your house and start their own thing.

[@s.lockwood-childs3259]

What part of the US? (Agree with you about 501.3c btw)

[@jimj1889]

@@s.lockwood-childs3259 Were in Southern CO. SanLuis Valley

[@s.lockwood-childs3259]

@@jimj1889 I don't know of any other brethren in that part of the country

[@GioTummy3463]

You try to do that in my neighborhood and you will have your house robbed, vandalized, and your bathrooms solied

[@alexandermichael117]

Truth spoken,very refreshing,Alex,Evangelist,UK.

[@suzijane1110]

Awesome teaching, Praise God for people like you who are willing to teach the truth of the word of God. Home church is truly doing church and being there to encourage build up support and strengthen each other, you truly have proper fellowship as God intended.

[@joelfields9807]

Excellent! I have been praying about starting a house Church for the reasons you mentioned.

[@Meowwolfwarrior]

Love this message praise Jesus amen

[@iThinkBiblically]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ronb4178]

Totally agree Brother, house church is all I visit. You're doing great work, I am learning from you. Thanks heaps. Blessings from the banana state.

[@laurietaylor4631]

I just found your KZbin channel and subscribed. We were a part of a home church for about 2 years and a family integrated church that met in a township building for 3 years before that. These churches ended for various reasons, so we are back to searching for a church family. Once we have tasted the wonderful fellowship of the home church, it has been hard going back to what we once knew. We are thinking about starting a home church and wondered if you have any counsel for us. We so desire many of the things you talked about in this video. Thank you and God bless!

[@jcassy2302]

Brother what you have presented is biblically correct. Praise the Lord our God. May the Lord brings to understanding to all the rest of His called out ones.

[@sherryharris1323]

THANK YOU! FOR CONFIRMING MY HEART'S DESIRE

[@iThinkBiblically]

Your welcome

[@TheSALT123]

@@balung Exactly! Thanks, Giovanni! A little Church History goes a long way, eh?

[@evemayo8939]

Totally Agree with the House Church model. I like how fair and balanced you described the two church models. God Bless.

[@ChristeneLuthey1260]

I absolutely agree with you in this very important video...just think if we all took this scripture advice and began meeting as likeminded trusting God believers ,,,how God's called people would grow and become true examples of His amazing grace to shine the true light Jesus Christ from within and share His divine love that should lead us righteously through this wicked world by His guiding Holy Spirit. Worship in Spirit and in Truth..Follow the One True Shepherd,, we must rid our places of genuine worship of the ravenous wolves in sheep's clothing and intimate held accountable gatherings would be a very wise move in doing just that. ❤❤❤

[@kimberlyd7398]

I love your content!

[@jonhart4563]

Everything I've heard from you is very sound. I appreciate what your doing and have benefited from it. Especially the clarity you bring with Chan and todd white. Although I had stopped watching todd after I saw the sensationalism , I had been reading some of chan and he had more respect from me because I saw him speak with ravi zacharias once. It can take awhile to get to a point where you realize where he's going. I can't tell you how much in my own family, aunt uncle's cousins sisters. I mean it's like something terrible happened and one by one they start to follow different paths. Some new age stuff some eastern bhudism, some a mishmash. It really is happening so fast. I would never have thought 10 years ago this would happen. Me I'm no better with my life, but I never let go of God or he never lets go of me. I'm not sure a day ever goes by when it isn't on my heart, or I'm not broken by it. Yeah I got off the methadone but for me, I still play my games and live selfishly. It's been a panic like man I can't change, I'm stuck knowing to an extent but a slave to me. Like I could but don't or won't. Yet I still say in my heart I will yet seek your face and plead for your Holy Spirit. I will yet hope in you, for you are merciful. Even when I listen to some deeply beautiful music or the deepest thoughts goto Him, there is no other. There's none so righteous all his ways are perfect and wonderful to me. He is my God. Yet here I am, not a good place. So I listen to them and then speak the truth, point out if Its not logical or contradicts scripture. I do it in love because I hav to even though I'm not able to show them through my life Christ in me. I have to because it's the truth and I know it upsets them, no one wants to hear it. But the youngest he's 19 he seems to listen but it's hard if it's just head knowledge. Has to be shown too, I believe we too should be as the christians in the scripture. They passed from death unto life and can we say we really believe and waste our time with the empty things of the world.. sorry to write so much up but once I started it just kept coming out.

[@goministry2013]

You are exactly right brother. I tell people no where in the new testament does it say to build big church buildings and cathedrals. A lot of church's are closing Home church is the future Great video God bless you

[@paulrutledge6818]

I really liked everything you shared. I have been meeting in a house church for over 7 years and it feels very natural. as well as scriptural. However, we do emphasize singing more than you did. A couple people play instruments and we have our own songbook. Anyone can request or initiate a song.

[@ooshi1]

Love this. Praise the Lord for His ways

[@iThinkBiblically]

Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@mrs_urgent_fury9819]

Excellent message and so very true. Once the “new sanctuary” verbiage comes out it changes the dynamics and things are never the same. Everything is focused on money to build.

[@rockon54635]

I did a small home church twice I liked it we would go to a restaurant and ask people if they wanted prayer some would say yes some no sometime we would read the bible together God did a lot during that home church! When my mom was alive she had a home church as well at times I felt the Holy Spirit! Sometimes God tells me go to church maybe cause He wanted me to love someone sometimes God tells me hug someone or encourage someone

[@iThinkBiblically]

Awesome

[@garyj879]

Hey brother just watched ur video and u really blessed Mr with this Word and confirmed what the Lord has been putting in my heart for many years. it was such a blessing to hear it! Also wanted to ask you what u would suggest to trying to find Christians that have home churches? I look online but home churches don't come up but only churches that meet in buildings so how can I find some good home churches where I live?

[@Gregoire0]

Thank you for your videos. Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱 ❤️

[@iThinkBiblically]

My pleasure!

[@slaugh77ify]

I always wondered why the Book of Acts seemed so different than church life in church buildings. In Church I might be acquaintances with people, but in house church, I think I would be closer to people, like true brother and sister. Then too, we would know if someone was living in sin or needy, because we would love each other so close and be there to carry each other's burdens. Thank you, for your work.

[@anandlal1834]

I Love to hear your preaching & teachings bcoz it's based on the Bible. I have been serving the Lord since 1981 and still having House Church in the Village of North India. Pastor Anand K Lal, India.

[@matthewmays3454]

Pastor Anand K Lal, the Lord has been placing northern India on my heart this year. Praying for you and your ministry!

[@errolsmith6259]

I enjoy listening to you my brethren I read the Bible and you give me more reason to read the bible 👍🙏

[@hermanotyler]

Brother you are the only KZbin pastor that completely agrees with all that I believe..I can't find anyone that preaches any of these things here in Florida..I live in Orlando, Florida and it's become very wicked here.

[@clintpospichal6498]

I've said for many years what is said here and been scoffed at many times and were called and idiot for saying it, I still continue to say it even though I stand alone here

[@iThinkBiblically]

Many wil scoff at the Word. Let them scoff and just fellowship with friends at home.

[@alessandrosanford5988]

Spot on, Brother. At best, the building-centric model of church is extra-biblical. We cannot find it in scripture. Keep spreading the word!

[@trevino37]

Awesome presentation. I wished for more christians to speak and practice this above to what we have now. We should separate ourselves from the apostate church buildings and meet in homes or in public places to fellowhsip, lean scritpure, break bread and pray....

[@royaldavis9787]

Well done, let the truth be told for all to hear!

[@leepretorius4869]

This was an excellent summary and I can’t fault you. Do you do this method yourself?

[@iThinkBiblically]

I wish I could but have not been able to start one.

[@OvercomerPinoyTV]

At the time me and my family started studying the Word of the LORD, we left the church building. Now I know that there is a thing called Home Church, I do pray that we can find one and one that could really preach the TRUTH about God's Word. Thanks for this. I liked it.

[@iThinkBiblically]

Just start a fellowship and share the gospel with the lost or people in apostate churches.

[@OvercomerPinoyTV]

@@iThinkBiblically Me and my husband, who is abroad and thru video call, started it together with our children. Now that we are in a situation where there are limitations esp meeting up with friends, we decided to put up a channel here on YT just to make sure that we could continuously share the Scripture. We fear of not obeying Him and so it's good that we can turn on people like you who could share your thoughts about the TRUTH so we could have that wisdom and better understanding. So thank you and will continue to watch and support your channel.

[@akinyimaureen2117]

We are here in Kenya

[@arturogomeziii8433]

Who is this chap? I am 100% on board with his mindset on this because this is exactly how it was in The Acts of The Apostles where the ministry of The Holy Spirit moved and breathed, and with St. Paul's missionary journeys as well. My only concern is that because American Christianity is dead, and in many other countries as well, and these times are getting worse, only the "few" who "get this" will be "underground" and worshipping in Spirit and in Truth. And I'm ok with that. Thank God for His remnant, and for Jesus, and their Spirit which is one and the same.

[@arturogomeziii8433]

@Desire Of All Nations ok I get that, I'm not sure on your point, however, what this man is saying is true. I also get that "persecution" is so nonexistent here in America as far as the "church" is concerned. So back to my point, WE are the temple for the Holy Spirit to reside in. And getting back to the original house setting for worshipping in spirit and in truth was always the Way of God for Christ Jesus to manifest His ministry hence family structure if you will. With that said, it was never Jesus's intention for organized religion to emerge.

[@iThinkBiblically]

Im not aware of any scripture that says they met in houses because of persecution. In fact the book of Acts says they enjoyed favour with all the people in this early stage (Acts 2:47). In most places the Roman Empire considered them to be Jews, at least in the early period. Thy were not hiding in houses they were evangelising publically.

[@arthur322000]

@@iThinkBiblically and just to add to that, I’m reminded of what St. Peter says in his first letter here concerning those scattered abroad, namely “the church”: “The time is near when all things will end. So keep your minds clear, and control yourselves. This will help you in your prayers. Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins. Open your homes to each other and share your food without complaining. God has shown you his grace in many different ways. So be good servants and use whatever gift he has given you in a way that will best serve each other. If your gift is speaking, your words should be like words from God. If your gift is serving, you should serve with the strength that God gives. Then it is God who will be praised in everything through Jesus Christ. Power and glory belong to him forever and ever. Amen.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:7-11‬ ‭ERV‬‬

[@kimberlyd7398]

Love this!!!

[@ClassicalProtestant]

House church here - it’s been quite the blessing. Same Structure as the New Testament minus the western amenities - it feels so NT and we have a fellowship meal every Sunday

[@Saint.questions]

this is refreshing. the day they said that home churches where i am were cults and had no "accountability" i had questions.

[@caroldonaldson5936]

The Church began in house groups but it would have died out centuries ago had it stayed there. As the 'original' church grew, churches became necessary as Christians need to be able to gather to fellowship & praise God together. If Christians retreat back indoors, there will no longer be a public community witness and that would be the death knell for Church growth. House groups should be supplementary, not exclusive expressions of church - we must remain outward-looking & available to the local community.

[@pmt7335]

Church community, church fellowship, not a building, not a denomination. I am alone in my region. I have tried several “churches” - and do not know how to find home fellowship. Currently, my church is channels like this, fighting for the faith, FAI and blessed hope chapel! We are going to need these Word based communities very soon! Draw in remnant!

[@M_2_X]

Great video. This is my experience as well. Very well articulated. Since 2013 my family and I have pursued the vision of #NoPlaceLeft via sharing the gospel, baptizing believers and gathering them together in homes, businesses, parks, etc to grow in Christ and go to the gospel to others. Really incredible to see how God is moving around the world when we simply return not only to His WORD, but the WAYs of Christ and His apostles. Come Lord Jesus come.

[@dgh5223]

We go to a small old church. They have spent over $10,000+ to remodel and update the floor, walls, chandeliers, video/audio, landscaping will make people come but it hasn’t. They want money all the time but never spend it on no one outside the church.

[@iThinkBiblically]

That doesn't sound very good. $10,000 could be spent on evangelism.

[@georgefeneysey619]

Amen ... it's about time we return to the biblical pattern of fellowship.

[@iThinkBiblically]

Agreed!

[@GioTummy3463]

Yes I guess John Macarthur and Justin Peters got it all wrong for using big church buildings

[@georgefeneysey619]

@@GioTummy3463... not just them, but a host of others too ... just because big named leaders go to church in the manner they do ... does not make it right ...

[@GioTummy3463]

@@georgefeneysey619 You can't compare how to share the gospel now vs in Paul's times. Paul did not move from town to town by car or by plane, does that mean that preachers today should travel by horse? A church buildings is safer and more convenient, what matters is the message that is being preached

[@GioTummy3463]

@Pat Lance We could also assume that since the apostles moved from town to town on foot, that we too should stop using modern means of transportation to spread the gospel. I think it's absurd.

[@wendymacdougall3471]

Lot of Godly truth here, thank you

[@parler8698]

I think you're right. Church buildings have different financial obligations than a paid off house which also serves as a home church.

[@myfatherschild5820]

i agree 110% :) god bless you my brother! tithing is also not biblical, some twist scripture when they read in the bible concerning blessings, provision, promises, generosity etc etc christ gave his life for us, and when lay down our lives in order for god to minister through us so that others can see his living word, we become 'spiritually rich' and not rich according to this world's riches:)

[@iThinkBiblically]

Its good to see others who share this view. It's healthy and the more the church moves away from money the better its reputation will be.

[@vikkiomalley5633]

Everything belongs to the Lord anyway so dont stop giving just because you dont have an understanding of what it means , I believe God expects more than 10% from a believer and not just money either

[@txwarriorbride5112]

Home churches are much more like the original "way" of the first believers. That is the true church, believers meeting together in fellowship. 🙏🔥😍

[@thomasharrison6367]

Totally agree.. do you think the Quakers have always had this right with their silent prayer and their Friends Meeting houses?

[@iThinkBiblically]

I think Quakers had some weird views. Not sure. Check them out.

[@kjvwarrior777]

Not to mention we got a lot of Baptist popes in Baptist church buildings. You brother, are 100% correct when it comes to church building religion. Christianity was born with no idols, temples, rituals etc. But in Rome it became organized, in Greece it became a philosophy, so they came to America to get away, but in America it became a business!

[@jamessheffield4173]

Needed. Hope people hear it.

[@BrownEyedSoulMan]

I agree. I think with the way things are, our thought process, we never want to share our homes It's much easier to say we have a pastor and still live our own lives in the setting of a church building

[@peterthomsett8733]

Amen! Amen! Amen! I totally agree. I use to be a part of a midweek house meeting. (We were from a normal church.) We did everything you talked about and it was the most beautiful experience. Unfortunately it got shut down. I searching to do the same now. Juist one comment. On the Day of Pentecost, although it is true that they prayer in the Upper Room, they would have been praying in the a section of the Temple. A aprt of the Pentecost Celebration was to go to the Temple and pray. Jewish people from all over the nations would come to the Jersuelam for the feast and they would have been all at the Temple. That is why the different nations were there, it would have been crowded and so heard the comotion, and why Peter was able to stand and preach to the people. That is why the Gift of Tongues was given on that day so the great things of Yahweh could be understood by all the people. You have done a great video on this as well! Thank you for your ministry.

[@valreisharpejji8039]

Excellent teaching. Scripturally correct.

[@gloriacoleman7012]

Agree with this message, need a home church please pray for me for God to provide.

[@andywong9847]

The late David Pawson taught the Norwegian churches years ago on NT church concept. Now Christians ought to be serious about this.

[@geraldarcuri9307]

Superb. Well explained. Still, home churches need oversight by someone outside just the small circles that meet together. That is the pattern in the New Testament. How do we achieve that function today?

[@aroundtheworld4173]

𝐼 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑐ℎ 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑚𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦. 𝐼 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐺𝑜𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑔𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝐴𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑢𝑝𝑡 𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑔𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑙 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑇𝐷 𝐽𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠, 𝐶𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑜 𝐷𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑟, 𝐽𝑜𝑒𝑙 𝑂𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 (𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑝𝑜𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝐴𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎 ), 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑎𝑠𝑘 𝑚𝑒 "𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑦𝑜𝑢?" 𝐶ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑐ℎ ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔. Blessings from Tanzania, East Africa where we said NO to COVID 19 and God is protecting us as we continue living a normal life.

[@LTJProductionOfficial]

Hi. I am from a sort of mega church, I would say that I agree with the home church settings. I feel more connected to my leader in home setting but more isolated when comes to services. Ironically my church named such home gatherings as "cell groups"

[@iThinkBiblically]

Yeah I know what you mean. The Sunday event is a sho0w not a church meeting. The house church is the best way to go. Just connect with a few people who feel the same and it will grow independently.

[@pierrelabounty9917]

That's the idea.

[@tomcisneros5965]

I go to a small "church" that we meet at only on Sunday mornings. Then we meet in home Sunday evenings. I find it refreshing to meet in home. Although I agree in concept of home church and what it offers I don't think it's a major issue as long as the church is preaching and teaching the gospel.

[@allhailjesuschrist5753]

New Sub!

[@alexandrinamayberry603]

Excellent

[@nishalp1747]

Thank you. May the Lord bless you. About a decade an a half ago (I can be wrong with my time frame) I asked myself a question: How big (maximum number of people) should a Church be to prevent the group (pastor and people alike) from becoming false Christians ? This was based on the following fact that was made through observation: the larger the Church, the greater the room for inaccuracy, brought on by mainly pride ,greed and overlooking sin. It was through understanding some scripture and knowing what happens in Churches that the conclusion was that the smaller the Church, the more accurate it will remain. Remember Mathew 18:20, where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. This is the basis that the smallest Church can have just 2 people and it is sufficient to have the presence of the Lord there. Thank you

[@angeladekock5665]

I think maximum 100...parable of 100 sheep one lost

[@classicfitness8478]

Good thought, but may not be practical in some places, like india where many houses are very small and not possible to gather people. But something nice to wish for 😀

[@ismaelntopoli8503]

Thank you brother for sharing this video and I quite agree with the effectiveness of home churches. I have been a cell group leader Nevertheless, we need to tie scriptures like " For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?" . House of God clearly refers to church so how does these work together to achieve the same goal

[@iThinkBiblically]

House of God refers to the people not the building. The distinction I see in this text is a mans own family and the people of God which he aspires to oversee.

[@ismaelntopoli8503]

@@iThinkBiblically that is kit the contextual point of that scripture. Read the whole thing

[@philpowell1162]

I agree with you 100 percent. I hav also given up on the Australian church system. I go to a home church and it is far more functional then these large mega churches!!!

[@John3.36]

The building can give house church people something to work forward to have a public showing, a source of unity. It is like working from home vs the office. There is motivation to get dressed and put on your best when you go in public.

[@John3.36]

@@endtimesareuponus8930 No, I do get it. House churches end up being an anti-church support group that go nowhere fast. Never lead anyone to the Lord, never have proper leadership etc.

[@KingJonathanThe1st]

@@John3.36not really. Simply don’t emphasize it. Emphasize Spiritual Growth

[@texan4jesuschrist559]

Do you happen to know who and when was the first church building came into place?