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Church Comes Home: Start a House Church Network Anywhere
People have lost faith in all collective institutions: government, corporations, the media, and the church. We are in the midst of a spiritual disaster, a flood of biblical proportions, and house churches provide lifeboats for people who are seeking a more authentic, life-giving form of Christian community.
Many people remember that the early church started in homes, but they don't understand that house churches are still a legitimate and viable model today. House churches can create the intimacy so many people are hungry for. They can nurture life-changing discipleship for individuals and create justice-centered communities. Networked house churches can become truly diverse, multi-ethnic communities that spread the Gospel by emphasizing practices over programs. These communities de-center the preacher, opting instead for grassroots organizing, but they are not leaderless -- they are leader-full. This book provides an alternative model for denominations and established churches to consider. It will help pastors reconnect with the traditions of community organizing, itinerant preaching, and discipleship training that sparked Methodism and other church movements in the United States. Church Comes Home offers alternative ways to look at some of the problems facing our church and our culture.
Many people remember that the early church started in homes, but they don't understand that house churches are still a legitimate and viable model today. House churches can create the intimacy so many people are hungry for. They can nurture life-changing discipleship for individuals and create justice-centered communities. Networked house churches can become truly diverse, multi-ethnic communities that spread the Gospel by emphasizing practices over programs. These communities de-center the preacher, opting instead for grassroots organizing, but they are not leaderless -- they are leader-full. This book provides an alternative model for denominations and established churches to consider. It will help pastors reconnect with the traditions of community organizing, itinerant preaching, and discipleship training that sparked Methodism and other church movements in the United States. Church Comes Home offers alternative ways to look at some of the problems facing our church and our culture.
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Published September 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 19, 2020
In the midst of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the thought of going to your local megachurch might give you the willies, and with good reason. Rethinking the normal way of doing things seems to be the theme of the year, so why not church?
When you hear "house church" you may think of extreme fundamentalists with a separatist theology, but there's a growing segment of progressive house churches as well. This book holds useful information for anyone seeking to try out a house church. It's also useful for those who just want a fresh perspective on a different way of doing things. Many people are baffled by the concept of house church, and this is an excellent introduction to what that can look like in a modern day setting.
Rev. Dave Barnhart's book takes on the topic of house church with an approach that is largely "how-to". He discusses the benefits and drawbacks of doing church at home. It's a practical guide rooted in experience. His voice will be extremely valuable in a time of massive cultural change. The unique community aspects of house churches can appeal to those who have been hurt or burned by traditional "steeple" churches but want a church home of their own.
When you hear "house church" you may think of extreme fundamentalists with a separatist theology, but there's a growing segment of progressive house churches as well. This book holds useful information for anyone seeking to try out a house church. It's also useful for those who just want a fresh perspective on a different way of doing things. Many people are baffled by the concept of house church, and this is an excellent introduction to what that can look like in a modern day setting.
Rev. Dave Barnhart's book takes on the topic of house church with an approach that is largely "how-to". He discusses the benefits and drawbacks of doing church at home. It's a practical guide rooted in experience. His voice will be extremely valuable in a time of massive cultural change. The unique community aspects of house churches can appeal to those who have been hurt or burned by traditional "steeple" churches but want a church home of their own.
December 10, 2020
Even if you're not considering starting a house church, this is a great read. Barnhart does an excellent job arguing for house churches--not over and against institutional, brick-and-mortar churches, but as a mutually beneficial symbiosis. The reason, biblical support, and modern experience are all detailed thoroughly and in a fun way.
If you are considering starting a house church, though, or some other related ministry, such as Wesleyan style small groups, the rationale and advice Barnhart includes are good and exceptionally easy to understand.
If you are considering starting a house church, though, or some other related ministry, such as Wesleyan style small groups, the rationale and advice Barnhart includes are good and exceptionally easy to understand.
August 22, 2021
Solid book on house church networks
There is some great nuggets in this one, alongside some good basics on house churches. I appreciate the push into networks and the justifications around this.
There is some great nuggets in this one, alongside some good basics on house churches. I appreciate the push into networks and the justifications around this.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews