It reinforces or creates a clergy/laity distinction. It can cause others to aspire to "move up the ladder" spiritually. Others in the body are tempted to let the paid person do all the work (after all, they are paid to do it!) Within a network of simple/house churches, there isn't enough work to do to… Read More
Category: Leadership
Some months ago I had the privilege of reading the manuscript of Neil Cole's latest book, "Journeys to Significance." I have found myself thinking back to it and applying its principles on numerous occasions since then. For a long time, I have prayed, "Lord, help me to finish life well." Too many Christians start their… Read More
A few posts ago, I alluded to the fact that some good friends of ours in India, who see many tens of thousands of new believers in their network each year, have illiterate women who are able to teach others, including Bible references. Several people have asked me to expand on this. The fact that… Read More
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What about elders and deacons?
The problem with words is that they change in meaning over the years. I would love for the word,"church," to never be used because the word itself conjures up a building with a spire, or a denomination, or a meeting. But the word is Scriptural, and we can learn to use it rightly. The same… Read More
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Spiritual parents
If the primary metaphor for church in the New Testament is family, then the primary model for leadership of an individual house church is spiritual mothers and fathers. Healthy families need healthy parents. Parents care what happens to their kids. They are always looking out for their good. They love it when their kids succeed.… Read More
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Who covers a simple/organic church?
Here's the idea: everyone needs covering–a kind of spiritual protection against the storms of life. If someone moves out from under covering, (as in leaving a particular church, or more specifically a particular leader), they somehow become vulnerable to demonic attack and are likely to end up with all kinds of problems. House churches are… Read More
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The A-team: A question
For years I have been pondering a question. Should we be looking to form five-fold ministry teams? I hear this subject talked about quite a bit. It seems fairly obvious. A team consisting of an apostle, a prophet, an evangelist, a pastor and a teacher would provide a well-rounded team to help lead a network… Read More
According to Ephesians 4, Christ has given gifts to the church. These gifts are people whom the Holy Spirit uses in specific ways. They are the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. They work together to help the body to mature fully and in every aspect of body life. They do this by equipping everyone… Read More
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Teachers in house churches?
This is the final post of my "wanted ads" for five-fold ministries. Again, please note that I am not advocating these as positions within the body. Rather they are ways for people to lay down their lives for others. Wanted: teachers Job description: The successful applicant is able to communicate the truths of God’s word… Read More
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House churches need pastors
This continues my series looking at the five-fold ministries as a series of "wanted ads." Some have misinterpreted these posts, thinking I am serious about these being jobs in the church! Please note: these are funtions only. Please see my posts here and here. Wanted: pastors Job description: Caring for others in the body of Christ,… Read More