House Churches that Complement "Big Church"
They don't have to compete when their purpose is aligned.
Meagan M. Taylor
July 1, 2006
Dawn and Robbie Walker care about their neighbors. During weekly get-togethers at the Walkers' home in Lakeland, Florida, they've gotten to know their neighbors' likes and dislikes, spiritual beliefs, and personal stories. The idea for the regular gathering came from their church. Church of the Highlands (lakelandhighlands.org) emphasizes "small church families," a concept that serves not only to deepen relationships among members, but also to reach the unchurched in a personal manner. More than just small-group Bible studies, small church families provide an ongoing network of relationships for new and growing Christians. "There is a reason Jesus' disciples met in homes from the very beginning," explains training pastor Robert Beckman. Small churches don't start their meeting with a song, nor end with a benediction. These fellowships of 6-10 people may start out with conversation around the dinner table or a backyard barbecue. Laughter and stories are shared as they talk over life's challenges or daily bungles, something not as easily done in the rush of a Sunday church service, which Highlands calls "big church." As they bond and study the Bible together, the groups become a spiritual family, where members identify and cultivate their unique gifts, such as hospitality or wisdom. Beckman says that maturing process is more difficult in a big church format, where sometimes only the public gifts, such as leadership or teaching, are acknowledged and developed. In home church families, each person is expected to learn directly from Scripture and share their insights. "Robbie and I aren't Bible scholars," Dawn Walker says. "We were worried about that at first, but then we thought, 'We're just here to keep the group on time.'" "Each small ...
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