House Churches - a PrimerPrøve

## Reasons for setting up a house church There are many reasons why people set up or join a house church. Some have been hurt by the traditional churches, while others are dissatisfied with the doctrines and teachings of the larger churches. Perhaps your beliefs and studies of the scripture are not reflected in the teachings of the church you attend. Or you may feel lost in a large crowd and seek a more intimate way to serve, praise, and worship the Lord. Whatever the reason, being part of a church is important because God works with His people through the Church. Church worship is a necessary part of our walk with Christ. It is not good to try to stand alone. Today, many people have left the church because they are dissatisfied. The bottom line is that people leave the church because of unmet needs. God will provide for our needs when we seek Him out. He has promised never to fail or forsake His people. Churches are run by men who sometimes fail their congregations. Preachers are not perfect; they make mistakes. But God will NEVER fail nor forsake His people. There may be issues in churches because of the failings of men, and some ministers in the church deliberately “fleece the flock.” They use the church for their own personal agendas or personal gain. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing, and the Bible warns about such people. Still, many genuine church leaders are doing their best to serve the Lord. Some preachers find themselves in a bad place because of church hierarchy rules, especially when those rules conflict with scripture. The house church is often a good option because everyone knows and gets to know everyone else. They can directly support and encourage each other, lifting one another up when they fall. This is impossible when you stand alone, and it can be difficult in large congregations where people are just a face in the crowd. A house church may be a better option in those situations. If there are people issues in a traditional church or the church ministry is lacking, the house church option may be a better fit. Call to Action: If you are considering joining or setting up a house church, have you carefully weighed up your reasons and sought the Lord in prayer to ensure it is right for you?