Two Types of Churches

Two Types of Churches

By: Phil Machalick (Contributing Writer)

 In the New Testament there are two types of churches mentioned: One is the temple and the other is the home church. ( Acts 3, Rom.16:5, 1 Cor.16:19)

 I want to uncover the importance of a home church; since it has been largely and almost completely neglected. I believe it would be safe to say that most of us are well acquainted with a large church, ministry or  professional looking church building and what it might include, therefore we do not need to cover that. 

 The home church on the other hand, has been looked down upon by most church leaders, religious people or the unconverted for that matter; probably because of the past reputation from cult groups that were kept low profile until a tragedy removed the cloak uncovering their ungodly practices, giving the general public a reason not to be part of a home group.

 One function of a home church is for believers to practice ministering on one another with their spiritual gifts. If someone surrenders their life to Christ and then seeks to learn how to be lead by the Holy Spirit in fulfilling their calling, they are supported by the local home church congregation that gets to know them more personally then in a big church setting.

One function of a home church is for believers to practice ministering on one another with their spiritual gifts. 

 Let's suppose that same person then discovers they have a gift of prophecy but needs to learn how to use it properly, where can they practice their gifting? A large church will not usually allow a person to practice on their members however; where are they supposed to practice?  The answer is: The home church

 Allow me  to clarify what I mean by a home church: A group of people that meets regularly in a house or building that is not advertised as a church, does not receive tithes or offerings, nor promotes a certain denomination or ministry; this setting allows no one person to be a representative for their church or denomination, freely allowing the Holy Spirit to do whatever he wants. I believe this is what many people deeply crave. 

What this type of platform opens up: 

1. Freedom to pray

2. Liberty to speak a word of prophecy to those directed

3. Freedom to practice a spiritual gift without criticism

4. Freedom to ask for prayer

5. Freedom from constraints of time

6. Freedom to minister to the hurting for as long as needed

7. Freedom for members to minister on each other as needed at the same time

8. Freedom to worship, pray, praise, soak, be delivered or whatever the spirit leads any each member to do 

9. Be under the experienced and loving eye of a seasoned believer

10. A more personal and spiritual interaction 

11. Freedom to minister using pinpoint spiritual surgery as needed no holds barred

12. Creates an atmosphere of learning as well as building confidence in the members.

 Q: Some churches have what they call small group, cell group or house group; is this the same thing? 

 A: I want to believe that is what the intent may be in some churches however; this type of denominational sponsored meeting maybe controlled by the church leader or pastor since they are the ones responsible for the group and it's subject matter and is therefore not known for embracing the freedom to learn how to be lead by the Spirit. Some of these church small groups are used for the purpose of having the members become more personal with one another and therefore form a bond of loyalty to that denomination or ministry, but seemingly are restricted in the spiritual gift department in many cases.    

The home church is really a specifically designed platform that creates an atmosphere of spiritual growth and development without fear of criticism. The members that develop their spiritual gifts and callings in these home churches can become a huge benefit to their main church body. 

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36

"Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Cor. 14:40