From my experience house churches are like families. Some are healthier than others. My job, among many other things is to be a coach. I come in when groups need a little advice or encouragement. I listen, observe, pray and leave. I rarely give any advice on the spot, which is very frustrating to some.
Most house churches don’t think they need any help. They think they are handling things just fine and that they could improve but they will figure that out together, on their own, “organically.” Organic is good, right?
When our son was born we took him to the doctor a lot in his first year. He needed his shots and checkups. He was healthy, but we weren’t taking any chances. The older he got the less we had to go and see the doctor. Now we take him in once a year for a checkup. Unless, of course, he is sick of has a problem that we can’t diagnose.
If more groups sought out outside help early they would be healthier. In their first year they should seek out a coach often, ask a lot of questions and be open to advice. Pride can kill a church quickly.
As they get older they need less check ups. They still, however need good diagnostic tools and help along the way.
A few months after starting my first house church I found a great coach. Being hundreds of miles away, we corresponded on the phone or by email. But he talked to me every other week over the course of two years. His coaching was invaluable.
Are coaches essential for long life? Preventive medicine never hurts.
I think Jesus was the ultimate coach. He knew exactly the right question(s) to ask. I agree with you that in the early stages a house church needs help (mentoring, teaching, coaching etc.). Getting that help is not always that readily available. What advice would you give to someone just starting a house church? Where would you advize them to go for coaching?
By: Rob Ross on September 17, 2011
at 1:29 PM
You’re right Rob, Jesus is the best coach. The key is getting the church to listen to him and let him lead.
In my opinion there are a few key essentials for new groups. The House2House team and I are available for coaching. I would be happy to talk to anyone new to house church.
By: Ken Eastburn on September 17, 2011
at 3:47 PM
another thought is to use tools such as Reimagining Church or Finding Organic Church by Frank Viola to use as a discussion in parts of the gathering to think about and reflect on the body’s life together, letting the Holy Spirit guide the hearts of the believers as they discuss living by the life of Christ together. This at least is what we have been doing for a while.
By: John Wilson on September 17, 2011
at 4:15 PM
Of course, all churches need coaches. We are humans, and we are not perfect. We always need to be humble and accept suggestions from our church family and outside coaches. Chance is hard, to hear any criticism, even when it’s given in a loving manner is hard sometimes, that’s where the being humble comes in. Of course, more than anything, we want our home churches to be healthy and teaching the Word correctly. We desire to please the Lord in all we do, so we must be open to help that may come in the form of coaching or constructive (not destructive) criticism.
Lord, help us to receive help and listening to suggestions with an open mind and heart. Stop any anger or pride that honestly does come in. Instead, open us up to hear and receive the help You have sent to us through different people and circumstances. Help us to see when they are truly from You, and help us to act on them to improve the efforts of each church.
By: Kathie Fierro on September 18, 2011
at 12:12 PM