Simple church, and or house church movement.
I do agree with the idea that the standard church my have gone astray in some avenues but here are a few questions that I have for you house church people. One, what do you fine the main difference between your small gathering and say a church of 200 that has small groups? Two, how do you guy's fight off wrong teaching seeing as you allow anyone to speak and many people misinterpret, so do you let them speak freely because even that wasn't allowed in the early church as some authors are trying to shove along, Also, what do you do when your house church becomes two big to you stop having people meet at your house, or do you meet at a bigger building? Because if you stop people from coming you seem like you don't allow the body to come. Also, if you are growing and you become known as a place or community that does good things in the community and speaks about God you will become bigger and establish and isn't that what the church is? Also, once you start to grow leadership is organic and is natural, for example Moses was the head of Israel, all the Judges were head of Israel, the High priest that God establish was in charge of the church, and Paul was the head of the church of Antioch. So saying that headship is wrong... please don't say that because its a lie. Please don't think I'm trying to speak down on the house movement its something that I've been looking into a lot, I just was wondering why you go to them over the modern church that has small groups.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dena Brehm on -
I do agree with the idea that the standard church my have gone astray in some avenues but here are a few questions that I have for you house church people. One, what do you fine the main difference between your small gathering and say a church of 200 that has small groups?
An absence of over-lording. The only Head is Christ. No human acts as head (thus usurping His role).
Two, how do you guy's fight off wrong teaching seeing as you allow anyone to speak and many people misinterpret, so do you let them speak freely because even that wasn't allowed in the early church as some authors are trying to shove along,
Tell me, how does the IC "fight off wrong teaching"...? It's called "divide and denominationalize," LOL! Yeah, that's how they know we're Christians, by our "love".
How 'bout if we all learn to love each other, while in this journey into all truth, and let the Spirit be the one who both leads, and corrects...? Novel concept, no? ;)
Also, what do you do when your house church becomes two big to you stop having people meet at your house, or do you meet at a bigger building? Because if you stop people from coming you seem like you don't allow the body to come. Also, if you are growing and you become known as a place or community that does good things in the community and speaks about God you will become bigger and establish and isn't that what the church is? Also, once you start to grow leadership is organic and is natural, for example Moses was the head of Israel, all the Judges were head of Israel, the High priest that God establish was in charge of the church, and Paul was the head of the church of Antioch. So saying that headship is wrong... please don't say that because its a lie. Please don't think I'm trying to speak down on the house movement its something that I've been looking into a lot, I just was wondering why you go to them over the modern church that has small groups.
As I said before: overlording.
Sounds like you prefer to answer your own questions. ;)
When a group gets "too big" it's simple ... let each one then go to their own home, and start a new group. Multiply.
Just an observation about Moses ... we're not in the old covenant anymore (though we sure can act like it, no?).
House church is not "the answer" ... following Jesus as He leads is the answer. And house church could very well be a stepping stone in that journey ...
Shalom, Dena
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Permalink Reply by PerfectlyOne on -
Jacob,
Blesings to you and your family. Amen to Chris's and Dena's prior comments. My comments for each question of yours follows your question in italics.
One, what do you fine the main difference between your small gathering and say a church of 200 that has small groups? - Most churches that I have been a part of where I led a small group, I was only allowed to do so if the scope of the proposed small group was acceptable to the "Small Group Pastor." If the small group was "Carpentry for Christ" and I was a master carpenter, I still needed to speak in tongues or not depending on what denomination was ruling over this small group. I needed man's permission to do what God had laid on my heart to do. God's permission, however, was not required by the church leadership. These policies were always in writing no matter what "denominational" flavor I was a member of. Secondly, participants in small groups normally come and go after just 6; 9, maybe 12-weeks. Sometimes they even birth long-lasting friendships. They rarely, however, birth a new family who shares everything with one another, who lives for one another, who would lay down their life for one another. Since God designed and created everything including us, the family, and the church, I believe we are all made in His image individidually as well as social entities, triune in nature. There is a glorious servant relationship inside each of these triune entities. This is also where I see a major difference between the tradutional church with small groups and a simple/organic church. God = Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Family = Husband, Wife, and Children. Institutional Church = Jesus Christ, Man-Appointed Leaders, Flock. Organic/Simple Church = Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Flock. This does not mean that the church should not have those who are elders. That does not mean that there are gifted for certain ministries and those gifted for others.
Two, how do you guy's fight off wrong teaching seeing as you allow anyone to speak and many people misinterpret, so do you let them speak freely because even that wasn't allowed in the early church as some authors are trying to shove along. - The Holy Spirit guides us unto all truth. Church with truly regenerated believers and this is not an issue. This does not mean somebody will not teach something off when compared to God's nature and His will now and then, but it will be peacefully corrected fairly quickly or one individual will leave the body.
Also, what do you do when your house church becomes two big to you stop having people meet at your house, or do you meet at a bigger building? - The church under the guidance of The Holy Spirit sends and new churches are planted.
Also, if you are growing and you become known as a place or community that does good things in the community and speaks about God you will become bigger and establish and isn't that what the church is? - The church is the bride to be and she should be making herself ready for the bridegroom. The members are to do good to one another.
Also, once you start to grow leadership is organic and is natural, for example Moses was the head of Israel, all the Judges were head of Israel, the High priest that God establish was in charge of the church, and Paul was the head of the church of Antioch. - Who called Moses, Paul, and Peter and what were they called to do? Was it really to rule over church members or was it something else? Jesus said he could do nothing that was not our Father's will. Like Jesus said, he came into the world serve and give (Mark 10:45). Paul said it was no longer he that lived, but Christ within him (Gal 2:20). How could Paul live for anything else but to be a servant then? The head of the church has always been Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone. When I gather I do so at His feet. However, I agree that God allows "kings" to rule over men as heads of the state (not the church), but again this is another entity that God designed: State = God, Kings, and Citizens. And when the king gets out of line, God will take care of him. Ask King Ahab and King David.
Please don't think I'm trying to speak down on the house movement its something that I've been looking into a lot, I just was wondering why you go to them over the modern church that has small groups. - Only if we renew our minds will we ever understand His will (Romans 12).
P.S. Organic/simple church can be very hard. Unlike the traditional church where we typically get together for maybe 2-3 hours a week at the most and never let each other see our dirty laundry, we tend to get spiritually naked before each other and become undone. We cannot hide, because we have REAL relationship and unity with one another (John 17) like a close-knit family and we are continuously edifying and perfecting each other and doing good for one another. If believers come together to gather church at home simply because they are disgruntled with their traditional church life, they will often split or fail. The beauty, however, is so much worth the risk. It is not about what building we meet in though, it is about who we follow.
In Christ,
Michael
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Permalink Reply by Tom LeCompte on -
These are good questions. I can't speak for the whole house church movement, but I'll give you some opinions based on our church's experience:
1. The main difference between cell groups and house churches is the autonomy of leadership. In a cell church (small group church) you still have a hierarchy of leadership on multiple levels. In a house church, you may have only one level of leadership and that group is free to serve Christ as the Spirit leads. Also, in our church at least, our "members" are free to tithe to whatever ministry or mission they choose, since we have very little overhead expenses.
2. False teaching. You will be surprised at how little this happens in a small group. When 15 people are searching the scriptures in an attitude of humility, there is little room for false teaching. When it does come up, it is easily exposed and swiftly dealt with. For example, in our group we have many international students who visit. These students might be Hindu, Muslim, secular or whatever. When they contribute to the discussion, it may not be sound doctrine. But knowing their background, we are patient with them. However, we do not let them have the last word. We will gently follow up their comment with a counter point or another question which leads back to the scriptures.
Our church has had to deal with a false teacher. I define a false teacher as one who claims to be a follower of Christ, yet his or her message is clearly unscriptural. We dealt with this person patiently according to the guidelines in Matthew 18. Eventually, that person left our church.
3. What happens when we get bigger? This is a wonderful "problem." Over the past six years, our church has grown from one group up to five groups and now we currently meet in three groups (two groups have moved on). When one group outgrows a house, that group multiplies by dividing. One group becomes two. Two groups become three or four. And so on. Each group is autonomous, yet is overseen by a group of elders. Once a month, we gather all our groups into one large group worship in a rented facility. In that way, our particular house church network functions like a cell church. The main difference is that we refuse to buy any property, or hire a professional staff. That is money that can be used on the mission field.
4. Leadership: I'm not sure what question you are asking. Do we think that headship is wrong? Only if it is centered on one person, such as a pastor. We have no single leader. Instead, we have a plurality of elders that oversee the affairs of the church. That doesn't mean they make every decision for the church. Each church decides the day to day and week to week happenings. The elders are there to cast vision, protect the flock from harm, guide the church, practice church disciple when necessary, counsel members when necessary, teach the flock and then teach other members how to teach.
In your examples, you mentioned Moses, the High Priest, and the Judges. These were necessary for Israel under the circumstances of the Old covenant. They are no longer valid in the New Covenant. Christ is our Head. We are a kingdom of priests and Jesus is our mediator before God. In the New Testament, we see the example of elders (plural) appointed in various churches. But I don't see any office in the New Testament that equates to our modern Pastor. It just isn't there.
By the way, Paul was not the leader of the Antioch Church. He and Barnabas did teach there temporarily. They were servants there. It was the Antioch Church that sent Paul and Barnabas out on the first missionary journey. At the completion of that journey, they came back to report to that church. Paul had a unique authority as an Apostle, which allowed him to take authority temporarily to establish churches. He always relinquished that authority as soon as capable leadership was appointed. Apostolic leadership is another subject for another post.
In summary, I am in no way attacking cell churches. They have the right idea about gathering people in small groups for the purpose of accountability, intimate fellowship, encouraging people to use their gifts and talents, and learning through dialogue. These are good things that no house church person would object to. What we do object to is the unnecessary levels of leadership (small group leaders answering to the small group pastor answering to the discipleship pastor answering to the head pastor, etc.) and/or the concentration of leadership in a single pastor.
Instead of arguing against these things, I want to argue positively for the house church movement. I will tell you the biggest reasons I'm a part of this movement.
1. Missions. Missions. Missions. The house church model is the single most effective model being used overseas. It makes disciples quicker than the conventional method (build a church building, hire a pastor, train a choir, etc.). It is easily reproduced in any culture and any location. It engages new believers and puts them to work instantly in ministry. The house church model is the same model that the Holy Spirit used in the first century to "turn the world upside down."
2. If it works on the mission field in other cultures, can we expect it to work the same way here in North America? That remains to be seen, but I'm betting that it will. We are a post-modern, post-Christian society. For all practical purposes, we are just as much a mission field as India, China, Africa or the Middle East. If we are going to reach our own people for Christ, we have to start thinking like missionaries. Duplicating the traditional churches of the past will probably not work as well as organic churches.
3. Wise use of God's resources. Why must my tithe go to pay for the mortgage of a church building that sits empty most days of the week? Why must my tithe go to pay for the salary of a youth minister who could never disciple my children better than his parents can? Why should I tithe to a church budget that might MIGHT allocate 10% of the church's budget to pioneer missions when I can give 100% of my tithe to a mission that will do pioneer missions? As a house church member, I am free to give my tithes and offerings to the ministries that God leads me to give to. There is almost no overhead to pay for in my church.
4. Sadly, I think the church as we know it is in decline and will continue to decline. I will not be surprised if within my lifetime that Christianity will undergo some harsh persecution in America. I'm talking about prison and even death for Christians. Going to church might become illegal in the generations to come. If this happens, then the church will only survive underground. The house church movement may be the survival of the church in America in the not too distant future.
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Permalink Reply by Katie Mather on -
Nice Job Tom.
As a former "pastor" might I add, Now I get to worship Father alone instead of worshiping a building, a service, a program, the form, the leaders, the denomination, the doctrine, the...
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Permalink Reply by John Walker on -
Jacob wrote >>
Two, how do you guy's fight off wrong teaching seeing as you allow anyone to speak and many people misinterpret, so do you let them speak freely because even that wasn't allowed in the early church as some authors are trying to shove along, >>
John:
The best way I can answer your question is to ask another. Who is it that protects God’s children from the false teaching that has been ceaselessly put forward over the centuries and to this day by the church institutions?
That answer to this question is easy. No-one. That is why so many are leaving the established churches and are looking for alternatives. In so doing they have brought themselves into situations where they have, at the very least, the opportunity to experience, in practical everyday terms, the realities of the new life that has been provided for them as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is this opportunity that the leadership of the institutional churches have conspired to deny them. Having distanced themselves from the crippling effects of this false church teaching, it is then possible for these members of the Body of Christ to understand that the “unsearchable riches of Christ” are not remote theological concepts but ever present realities which can and should be their constant living experience (Ephesians 1:15-23). As the glory of the Redemption that they possess in Christ increasingly dawns upon their consciousness, they begin to find themselves free of the debilitating sense of unworthiness that has been thrust upon them by those purveyors of guilt who have been masquerading as ministers of righteousness. Rather they start to embrace the “gift of righteousness” that enables them to “reign in life” (Romans 5:17). From here, by understanding that Jesus is the only mediator they need, they gain the ability to experience a growing and meaningful relationship with their heavenly Father (1 John 1:2).
Jacob, by even asking this question you are perpetrating the myth, vigorously promoted by those who control those church institutions, that we ordinary Christians are, as far as the things of God are concerned, a bunch of morons who cannot discern between good and evil, false teaching and true and between teachers/prophets/apostles who are false and those that are real. In actual fact, many who have left those traditional church organisations have done so precisely because they have correctly discerned the source of this false teaching. Church leaders have deceived their congregations into believing that because they have not been subjected to the brainwashing programs of a Bible College or Seminary that they are not worthy of entering the inner circle. Under the provisions of the New Covenant nothing could be further from the truth (Hebrews 7-13).
Your servant in Christ
John Walker
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Permalink Reply by John Walker on
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That last Scripture reference should be Hebrews 8:7-13.
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Permalink Reply by Jacob Zarris on -
First off I'd like to thank all of you for commenting on this topic, it’s full of good thoughts and people’s opinions. Some are rational thoughts some were still full of emotion showing hurt that they may have felt, in either way I'd like to thank all of you truly. I'm going to respond hopefully this will keep the dialogue going and not offend anyone, although slight emotion will be in my reply at times so thank you already for forgiveness.
Now as I have thought most of you have noted your disagreements with the common church set up. It's a healthy to question what you believe, and we all go through that period of our lives where we either agree with the truth that we are taught or revolt and form our own truth. (Not suggesting either is right) But a statement that many of you have addressed is that you feel "free to worship 'naturally', unhappy about Church spending, over-lording, and leadership is wrong." I love the last one by the way I love a good joke. But I think there is something I have to say before I speak of the three major points that were brought up. Well all point our finger and say, "Look the church is so wrong let’s leave and start our own." Well we are all the church, so first why don't we take a good look at ourselves before we cast judgment—whether deserved or no. If we would actually do are part and "Out-do one another in showing honor" (Romans 12:10.) We seem to be caught up on such small things, and seems like most people don't like to submit to any kind of authority but "Christ’s."
Start with "free to worship 'naturally." First was there some reason you Katie as "pastor" couldn't worship... and was that really the buildings fault, because guess what "A house is a building." In addition isn't worship a lifestyle, so would it really matter where we "worship" seeing as it is a life style and not bound by any walls? So, how having someone playing the piano and guitar in your house is any different then when a group of brothers and sisters meet in a bigger building and worship Jesus in singing together? There is no difference because God is in both settings.
Unhappy about church spending is an important one, but why wouldn't you just try to voice your opinion about it to the elders or pastor? Furthermore why don't you join the church or staff, so you voice your idea of what church spending should be either the local ministry or international? At times I also disagree with the way churches spend some of their money, but at the same time isn't their aim to fulfill their vision in that place. If it’s to witness to the local community and you want to give to a missionary, fine don't shake your fist at the church for helping the local body, just give your money to missions. I know plenty of missionaries if you need a list.
Over-lording is a tricky topic because you would have to explain the context of saying that phrase. I do agree that people have used ministry to take advantage of people and yes that is horribly wrong. Though just because you have a guideline in how to do a bible study, or maybe a common idea for discipleship is so far from over-lording. Just so you know even if there is a guideline from a pastor, they don't yell at you over leaving the guideline if the Holy Spirit leads you. I don't think that any pastor of any church or small group would ever be mad at a leader for following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. So don't use the idea that just because 'your' not in full control of the group that Christ can't work because that seems like a selfish spirit and prideful spirit 'if I don't have full control for Jesus, then Jesus can't work" that is rubbish
Now leadership, I would really like a pool to ask people who truly think that leadership is bad. If people said yes, I think I would just tell them to read the Bible, because there is leadership from Moses all the way to Paul, John, and Peter. Let’s just look at Paul's writings, "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." (Eph 4:11, 12) As we see Christ set up leadership to help the body of Christ to equip them for ministry and to build up the body so why again is leadership bad?
Now I want to say something to John, I think you still be very careful by saying what God thinks of leaders. You replied completely out of anger towards leadership, so I really question why you end with "Your servant in Christ" when you just a few words ago called other brother "Morons, and deceivers" be very careful to cast your judgment on people who are ministering to God's people. I question where your heart is if you can't show love at all, because there was no love till your signature. I would hope you would look into your heart and seek out the anger before casting lies on people again.
To all the rest thank you for speaking your belief without judging others.
Jacob Zarris.
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Permalink Reply by PerfectlyOne on
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Jacob,
First let me say I was encouraged by your reference to Romans 12. However, regretfully other than that your comments leave me with much concern. In your original post you attempted to answer all of your own questions. That was a sign you really never cared what anybody would have to contribute. It appears from your response my hunch was well founded. It seems you had little understanding if any of what was written in response to your original post by Christopher, Dena, Tom, or any of the others who responded. I do have hope for you though.
I myself have observed very few believers in the institutional church setting of any denomination from Catholic to Charismatic to Freewill Baptist to Mennonite (and I have tried on just about all of the flavors of the Christian religion) that have shown scripturally tested evidence of being authentic disciples of Christ whether they be layperson or clergy. That observation by no means indicates that nothing good comes out of the "institutional" church. I sadly believe most will hear the Lord say, "Go from me, I never knew you." - not "Well done my good and faithful servant." I believe, however, the same is also true for most who gather together in homes who are simply disgruntled former "institutional" church members, especially disgruntled former professional clergy.
First let's meditate the words of our Master - "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 (ESV)
Then let's meditate on the Lord's prayer for us - "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me." John 17:20-23 (ESV)
In Matthew 5-7 the Lord shares some details on what it means to be His disciple and finishes with telling us how few who say to me "Lord, Lord" will see the Kingdom of God.
Finally I ask us to meditate on Romans 12 (which you had mentioned briefly Romans 12:10). In Romans 12:1-21 Paul teaches us about being authentic disciples to include surrendering completely to His lordship, being separate from the world, having a sober self-assessment, serving one another in love, and supernaturally overcoming evil with good. You touched on this when you referred to Romans 12:10.
Show me those kinds of disciples in the church no matter where they meet if you can - it seems to me that they certainly are few and far between, just as the Lord said they were. However, I have hope - the church our Lord planted is built upon an solid rock and it will stand forever. I believe some those who responded to you already just might actually even be some of the few, the remnants, the authentic disciples the Lord and Paul were teaching to us about. Not everyone I have gathered together with in fellowship in my home or theirs has been an authentic disciple including the old me. Thankfully, the God who dwells within me is making me into one. It is my prayer too that someday we will all be "perfectly one" and with will be "so that the world may know." It is not so much about what we do, how much of it we do, or how we do it, but more about who we become.
In agape love,
Michael
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Permalink Reply by John Walker on
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Jacob wrote: >>
Now I want to say something to John, I think you still be very careful by saying what God thinks of leaders. You replied completely out of anger towards leadership, so I really question why you end with "Your servant in Christ" when you just a few words ago called other brother "Morons, and deceivers" be very careful to cast your judgment on people who are ministering to God's people. I question where your heart is if you can't show love at all, because there was no love till your signature. I would hope you would look into your heart and seek out the anger before casting lies on people again. >>
John
Yes. You are absolutely correct. I do not love those who are attempting to destroy the work of God in the lives of his children. I hate the ferocious wolves who have climbed over the fence of the sheep pen and are savaging Jesus’ precious lambs. I am angry with the false apostles, prophets and teachers who have long had control of the church institutions and who are leading the people down paths that profit only themselves and their organisations. It is they who have made captive to their religious systems those who, with pure hearts, have sought to serve God and his people. I abhor the “shepherds” who are feeding only their own ambitions. These blots on our love-feasts are rampant within the “church” structures and I condemn them in the strongest possible terms.
I read of the glories of the Redemption that was purchased for us at the cost of Jesus’ blood. Then I look at the gross spiritual poverty that afflicts the church of today and my heart cries out to God “hasten your judgement upon these emissaries of Satan.”
What you are advocating is that we should love such as these, turn a blind eye to the damage they are doing to the Body of Christ, make excuses for them and allow them to continue on their evil ways unchecked and unopposed. At this point you and I have a very fundamental disagreement.
Your servant in Christ
John Walker
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Permalink Reply by Tammie on -
Hi Jacob, you wrote:
It's a healthy to question what you believe, and we all go through that period of our lives where we either agree with the truth that we are taught or revolt and form our own truth. (Not suggesting either is right)
I think this is the crux of your problem. You think the error you were taught is truth. Reading your posts it is obvious you have never brought the matter to God in prayer but have come to all these conclusions in the futility of your own mind.
It is NOT healthy to question and then determine your own truth, ask God to show you His Truth and He will.
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Permalink Reply by Dena Brehm on
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Many have brought harm to others ... as they did to Jesus.
Wondering though, is hating them His response for us? Aren't we called to love others -- whether they be brother, friend, neighbor or "enemy"...? Didn't Jesus demonstrate the highest example for us, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do" (& they certainly *seemed* to know what they were doing - they certainly seemed intentional enough in their choices, and should have "known better"... but didn't Jesus see past the conscious choices they were making ... didn't He see into their confusion, about who He was, and who they really were, and thus feel both love and forgiveness toward them...?).
I've come to believe that everyone is doing the best they know how to do ... based on what they currently believe. We can only walk in the Light we've been given ... and to respond in love (however He would lead us) while in this process with others who are confused ...
I just don't see that hate is an option -- and it's certainly not healthful nor helpful...
Shalom, Dena
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Permalink Reply by David Evans on -
John
I have come to view 99.99% of the leaders in the IC as good people who want to serve God and chose the only paths they knew open to them. They did not create this business form of Institional Church they operate in they simply could not see or never even considered any other form. Except for the crooks and scam artists that will always be around the majjority of them are very good, very sincere, hard working, people loving, Christ loving individuals. The business form of organized Church has been around for many centuries before they showed up. They and the congregants are good people doing their very best to serve God the best they know how. Not much different than you and I are doing our best.
I do agree that the modern structure is bad and fosters never maturing dependent followers. I also (for various and many reasons) think it wounds and destroys those that get involved in leadership circles. I do not like the structure but I cherish the many good people that are in it and do not blame them for centuries old inertia of bad ideas. I trust that God will lead them where they need to be and even if they never leave the flawed system He will create for them wonderful lives as long as they do the best they can to follow and serve Him.
Your brother
David
John Walker said:Jacob wrote: >>
Now I want to say something to John, I think you still be very careful by saying what God thinks of leaders. You replied completely out of anger towards leadership, so I really question why you end with "Your servant in Christ" when you just a few words ago called other brother "Morons, and deceivers" be very careful to cast your judgment on people who are ministering to God's people. I question where your heart is if you can't show love at all, because there was no love till your signature. I would hope you would look into your heart and seek out the anger before casting lies on people again. >>
John
Yes. You are absolutely correct. I do not love those who are attempting to destroy the work of God in the lives of his children. I hate the ferocious wolves who have climbed over the fence of the sheep pen and are savaging Jesus’ precious lambs. I am angry with the false apostles, prophets and teachers who have long had control of the church institutions and who are leading the people down paths that profit only themselves and their organisations. It is they who have made captive to their religious systems those who, with pure hearts, have sought to serve God and his people. I abhor the “shepherds” who are feeding only their own ambitions. These blots on our love-feasts are rampant within the “church” structures and I condemn them in the strongest possible terms.
I read of the glories of the Redemption that was purchased for us at the cost of Jesus’ blood. Then I look at the gross spiritual poverty that afflicts the church of today and my heart cries out to God “hasten your judgement upon these emissaries of Satan.”
What you are advocating is that we should love such as these, turn a blind eye to the damage they are doing to the Body of Christ, make excuses for them and allow them to continue on their evil ways unchecked and unopposed. At this point you and I have a very fundamental disagreement.
Your servant in Christ
John Walker
2010 National House Church Conference
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