eklektos

I've decided that I'm going to start the process to begin a home church. I have decided to do this for the following reasons: (1) I better learn how to do it before I go out into the field, (2) it would provide a good environment for others my age to work out doctrinal issues, (3) and it can be a church that actually does balance between striving for good, God-glorifying doctrine while keeping the Commission at mind.

I like the name for the church: "eklektos" which is the Greek word translated "elect." In fact, the Greek word for church is "ekkleÌ„sia" which literally is an assembly of "called out" or "elect" ones (church and elect are rough synonyms in Greek). I believe it encapsulates the commission of the church which is the meeting of the elect or saints of God. The following are doctrinal distinctives of the church:

  1. Sovereign Grace. We hold fast to the truth that the natural man is incapable of coming to Christ. Therefore, God's divine decree of election is what avails the opportunity for salvation, and Christ specifically died for those given to Him by the Father. This operating grace is irresistible, and once God has regenerated the believer he will never be lost.
  2. Independent. The church is not to be a part of any hierarchy but only responsible to the Lord Jesus and the congregation. The church is not to be affiliated with a convention or ecclesiastical hierarchy.
  3. Baptist. By this, I mean that we hold to the believers baptism. All other distinctives of Baptist ecclesiology are still to be decided (separation of church/state, membership, deciding who can partake of the Lord's Supper).
  4. Missional/Evangelical. We teach soundly the call of Christ to reach all of the nations (people groups) while practicing evangelism anywhere we might be.
  5. Covenental. The church holds to the view that there remains no distinction between Old Testament Israel and the New Testament Church. We would hold that the Church has completed Old Testament Judaism and now has the bearing of "true Israel" or people of God.
  6. Traditional. The church would favor a traditional or hymn-based mode of worship through song.

I just need to see who is interested.

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7 total comments, leave your comment.
  1. Katrina
    Oct 30th 2005

    Is is a "Chris-idea" or a "God-idea"? And when are you going to the missions field? If you still have some years ahead, be aware of each step of what God is leading you to do..be aware that it is really easy to do something because it is logical, but that it won't succeed unless it is something God also wants us to do. God trains people in phases, step by step, and we need to follow each step and not bound ahead lest we fall on our face because our legs are not strong enough yet.

    I would just really pray about it and be sure that it where God is leading you, not something that you are doing because it makes sense to do it.

    We started a church plant in Scotland out of necessity( 35 street kids became Christians, and when we tried to plug them in to the local churches we were working with- they didn't like it because they were totally unchurched and causing fights etc. And they didn't know what to do with them...), but even then..it was very hard because we did so many things wrong at first- and it was hard because we definitely did not have enough workers. Starting a church is not a light thing- and something that takes massive commitment, responsibility, and prayer- not to mention the right people to come alongside of you and help.

    And also, don't limit more creative forms of worship. Worship through song is just one aspect of worship...

  2. Chris
    Oct 30th 2005

    Well, finding distinction between "my" and "God's" idea is pretty much impossible. I don't even think there is a way to know if any decision we make is God's idea outside of His revelation (pessimistic epistemology showing through). I know "His Idea" is Commission focused while stressing the importance of edifying believers to fulfill that Comission. Therefore, after much consideration (months), I have decided that I am just going to start the process to build a church.

    I don't really understand how this could not make sense. In my consideration I have given much thought to the ecclesiastical issues at hand while pondering deeply upon my ability to sheperd a flock. It is something ultimately that will be successful through trial and error, but with the leading of the Spirit I believe it can be done.

    Honestly, I have no idea when I could be in the field. It could be next June or next decade; I just don't know. I do know from mobilization resources that I must familiarize myself with the tools for being a successful ambassador of Christ. Ultimately, the goal and end of missions is to start a church movement in unreached people groups that is self-sustainable; so, I want to see what that looks like here. I've heard it said that if you're not evangelizing and discipling people in the U.S. things are not going to "click" when you go overseas. This is a testing ground and a testing time for all these ideas.

    About worship. Did I say I limited creative forms of worship? No. I do believe however that the NT is clear in the mode and manner to which worship should exist inside of the church body. That is why I make a stance on the "traditional" as opposed to "contemporary" mode of worship.

    Again, this is just my thesis. I don't know what will come of it; but I at least want to get the ball rolling on these ideas. So, are you on board?

  3. Katrina
    Oct 31st 2005

    What does the NT say about worship? I'm not familiar with what you are referring to, can you explain further?

  4. nick
    Oct 31st 2005

    I've done quite a bit of reading on the 'house church' movement and there are many great things in them. However, there are many important traditions that house churches don't do well, such as preaching, lack of structure. I think in a lot of ways the housechurch movement is in reaction to the over-institutionalized church. Still I'm not giving up yet on the institutionalized church. For some the HC is better, and maybe it is for you Chris, but don't start one because the church at large (or IC) stinks. I'm all about church-planting, and as you know I want to do it myself, however, there are tons of books written to help you weigh out what is best in proclaiming the gospel of Christ today. Just some random thoughts for you to think about...

  5. Chris
    Oct 31st 2005

    Katrina: Read about the Regulative Principle to worship:

    "But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God, is instituted by himself; and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshipped according to the imaginations, and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way, not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures."

    Nick: I'm not "disillusioned" with the IC (I attend one now); I'm just wanting to learn more about what it means to do church planting. Plus, the whole goal--AGAIN--is that a house church becomes sustainable on its own and in essence becomes a IC.

  6. Alecia Niese
    Oct 31st 2005

    Hey, by the way, speaking of home churches. My friends, their parents, a few couples, and myself are into our third week of participating in/creating a home church environment. Are you interested? I know I have mentioned it before, but you skipped out last evening on it. We are still in the works of what we would like to do. To sum it up, we are taking the 'radical' route. By that I mean we are going/looking back to the original source (aka Bible :) ) of what church, prayer, worship, discipleship, and ministry formats as well as what that incorporates rather than looking at what society claims what church is. You are more than welcome to be a part of it or simply check it out for ideas. More about that later... Grace and peace, Alecia

  7. nick
    Nov 3rd 2005

    one of me mentors pastors a house church here in Louisville! http://www.ekklesianet.com/

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