【台灣必看】如何準備開始一個家庭教會？｜Matt Dabbs

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a House Church
   1. Has God Called You to Do This?
   2. Has God Gifted or Equipped You?
   3. Do You Have a Support Network?
   4. Do You Understand What a Church Is?
   5. Are You Humble and Teachable?
3. Five Things to Pray About
   1. Ask for Wisdom
   2. Pray for Clear Vision
   3. Seek Help and Support
   4. Establish a Biblical Foundation
   5. Identify the Mission Field
4. Five Things to Study in Preparation
   1. Read a Gospel
   2. Study the Book of Acts
   3. Explore the Letters of Paul
   4. Learn about the Work of the Holy Spirit
   5. Develop a Biblical Foundation
5. Five Conversations to Have
   1. Talk with Your Neighborhood
   2. Engage with City Officials
   3. Connect with the Community through Prayer
   4. Discuss with Your Family
   5. Communicate with Your Immediate Neighbors
6. Five Essential Relationships
   1. Seek Personal Accountability
   2. Foster Discipling Relationships
   3. Find a Person of Peace
   4. Build a Prayer Team
   5. Learn from a Teacher
7. Conclusion

What You Need to Know Before Starting a House Church 💒

Are you feeling called to plant a church but unsure where to start? You're not alone. Many individuals like yourself are drawn to the idea of house churches but lack guidance on how to begin this journey. In this article, we'll provide you with the essential steps and considerations to help you get started. Starting a house church is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires careful thought, prayer, and preparation. So, let's dive in and explore the five main areas you need to focus on before starting a house church.

1. Has God Called You to Do This? 📞

Before embarking on the path of starting a house church, it is vital to discern whether God has specifically called you to this ministry or if it's merely a personal desire for a change. Starting a house church should be born out of a genuine calling from God, rather than a reaction to dissatisfaction with traditional church practices. Take time to reflect, pray, seek guidance from your spiritual mentors, and listen attentively to God's leading.

2. Has God Gifted or Equipped You? 🎁

To effectively start and lead a house church, it is crucial to consider whether God has gifted or equipped you in any way for this task. This doesn't mean you need formal theological education, but it does require an understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and the necessary skills to lead a congregation. Examine your spiritual gifts and see how they align with the responsibilities of a house church leader. Additionally, seek support and training from experienced mentors or attend relevant workshops or conferences to further develop your leadership skills.

3. Do You Have a Support Network? 🤝

Embarking on the journey of starting a house church is not meant to be a solitary endeavor. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals and potential co-leaders is essential. Look for partners who can offer encouragement, support, and hold you accountable throughout the process. Collaboration fosters diversity of ideas, shared responsibilities, and prevents the potential pitfalls of working in isolation. Remember, unity is key to creating a healthy and thriving house church community.

4. Do You Understand What a Church Is? ⛪

Before starting a house church, it is vital to have a solid understanding of what a church truly is. It is not merely a fellowship group or a Bible study. A church, as described in the Bible, is a gathering of people who are dedicated to following Jesus and worshiping Him in alignment with biblical teachings. Educate yourself on the scriptural foundations of the church and its purpose. This knowledge will guide you in ensuring that your house church aligns with the biblical definition.

5. Are You Humble and Teachable? 📖

Starting a house church requires having a humble and teachable spirit. It is not a venture driven by personal ambitions or a desire for control. Instead, it should be rooted in a surrender to God's will and a commitment to serve others. Check your motives and ensure that you are starting the house church with pure intentions. Be open to correction, accountable to others, and willing to learn from experienced leaders and teachers in the faith. Humility and teachability are essential qualities for a successful house church leader.

Now that we have addressed these five crucial questions, let's move on to discuss the next steps in starting a house church. Praying is an essential part of the process, as it aligns our hearts with God's will. Let's explore the five areas you should focus on in your prayers.

Five Areas to Pray About 🙏

Starting a house church is a significant undertaking that requires divine wisdom, guidance, and discernment. Here are five key areas to focus your prayers on as you prepare to start a house church:

1. Ask for Wisdom 🗝️

Seeking wisdom from God is vital when considering whether to start a house church. Ask God for guidance and discernment, seeking His will in this endeavor. Pray for clarity and wisdom, allowing God to guide your decisions and actions. Trust that He will provide the wisdom you need as you embark on this journey.

2. Pray for Clear Vision 🔍

In your prayers, ask God to provide you with a clear vision for what your house church should be like. Seek God's specific direction regarding the purpose, values, and goals of your house church. A clear vision will help guide your actions and decisions, ensuring that you stay aligned with God's intended direction for your ministry.

3. Seek Help and Support 🤲

Starting a house church is not a solo endeavor. You need a team of committed individuals who will come alongside you to support and help execute the vision. Therefore, pray that God will bring like-minded individuals into your path who share your passion for starting a house church. Ask God to provide you with a support network that will encourage, hold you accountable, and assist you in various aspects of your ministry.

4. Establish a Biblical Foundation 📚

Prayerfully seek God's guidance as you establish a solid biblical foundation for your house church. Pray that God would give you a deep understanding of His Word and that your house church's teachings and practices would align with the principles and teachings found in Scripture. It is important to ground your house church in the truth and wisdom of God's Word to ensure a firm foundation.

5. Identify the Mission Field 🌍

Pray for discernment and revelation regarding the mission field or community where your house church will be planted. Seek God's guidance in identifying the specific demographics, needs, and challenges of the community. Ask God to show you how your house church can be a transformative presence in that community, reaching individuals with the love and message of Jesus Christ.

As you pray fervently in these areas, remember that prayer is not meant to be separate from action but rather a catalyst for action. Next, let's explore five essential areas of focus for your preparations before starting a house church.

Five Areas to Study in Preparation 📖

Preparing to start a house church requires gaining knowledge, understanding, and insight into various aspects of church planting and leadership. Here are five key areas to study and explore as you equip yourself for this journey:

1. Read a Gospel 📖

Begin by reading and immersing yourself in one of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Delve deep into the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus Christ. By familiarizing yourself with the person of Jesus, you will gain a better understanding of what it means to follow Him and build a community centered on His teachings.

2. Study the Book of Acts 📘

To grasp the essence of the early church and its dynamic growth, study the book of Acts. Understand how the early Christians operated, what activities they engaged in, and how they relied on the power and leading of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts will provide valuable insights and inspiration for structuring and growing your house church.

3. Explore the Letters of Paul 📖

The Epistles written by the Apostle Paul offer practical guidance and insights into the functioning of the early church. These letters address various issues and challenges faced by the early Christian communities. Study Paul's teachings on topics such as love, unity, service, and spiritual gifts to gain a solid foundation for establishing a healthy and thriving house church.

4. Learn about the Work of the Holy Spirit 🕊️

In the book of Acts and throughout the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit's role in empowering the people of God is evident. Study the work of the Holy Spirit and His importance in the life of the church. Seek a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and depend on His guidance, wisdom, and power as you embark on starting your house church.

5. Develop a Biblical Foundation 📚

Ensure that your understanding of church planting and leadership is grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Continually study and deepen your knowledge of the Scriptures, immersing yourself in biblical truths that guide and shape the nature and purpose of the church. Commit to aligning your practices and teachings with biblical principles to establish a strong, healthy, and biblically rooted house church.

Through intentional study and exploration in these areas, you will gain valuable insights and wisdom to prepare you for the journey of starting a house church. However, knowledge alone is not enough; you need to engage in meaningful conversations to understand the needs and dynamics of your community.

Five Conversations to Have 💬

Building relationships and engaging in conversations is vital when starting a house church. Through these interactions, you will gain insight, cultivate support, and identify opportunities for impact. Here are five essential conversations to have as you prepare to start a house church:

1. Talk with Your Neighborhood 🏡

Engage in conversations with the people in your neighborhood to understand their needs and challenges. Listen attentively and seek to discover how your house church can provide solutions and support within the community. By being attuned to the needs of the people, you can shape your house church's mission and outreach accordingly.

2. Engage with City Officials 🏢

Reach out to local city officials or community leaders to learn about the specific needs and hotspots in your community. By collaborating with them, you can gain valuable insights and access resources to address community challenges effectively. Establishing relationships with city officials will help position your house church as a force for positive change.

3. Connect with the Community through Prayer 🙏

Prayer walking allows for encounters with individuals in the community. While walking and praying, engage in conversations with people you meet along the way. Ask about their lives, needs, and experiences. Look for recurring themes or pressing concerns that may indicate an area where your house church can make a significant impact. Before starting the formal church gatherings, begin by meeting those needs, showing the community the practical expression of God's love and care.

4. Discuss with Your Family 👪

Engage in open and honest conversations with your family members, particularly your spouse and children, about starting a house church. Ensure that everyone is on the same page and aligned with the decision. Starting a house church affects the entire family, so it is essential to have open discussions, seek their support, and address any concerns or reservations they may have.

5. Communicate with Your Immediate Neighbors 🏘️

Inform your immediate neighbors about your plans to start a house church. Explain the nature of the gatherings, increased traffic, and potential parking implications. Communicate respectfully and lovingly, ensuring that your neighbors understand the purpose and impact of your house church on the community. By initiating open communication, you can foster positive relationships and minimize potential conflicts.

By having these conversations, you gain deeper insights into your community, build connections, and lay the groundwork for your house church. However, relationships within the house church community are equally vital for its growth and sustainability.

Five Essential Relationships 🤝

Establishing and nurturing relationships is fundamental to the success of your house church. These five essential relationships will provide support, accountability, and guidance as you navigate the challenges and joys of leading a house church:

1. Seek Personal Accountability 🔐

Find someone you trust and respect who can hold you accountable in your walk with Jesus and in leading the house church. Share your struggles and commit to regular check-ins for mutual encouragement and guidance. Personal accountability keeps you grounded, helps you stay on track, and ensures that you are leading with integrity.

2. Foster Discipling Relationships 🗣️

Cultivate discipling relationships with a small group of individuals who are committed to walking with Jesus alongside you. This intimate fellowship allows for mutual growth, encouragement, and accountability. Together, study the Scriptures, make commitments to apply God's Word, and support one another in the journey of discipleship.

3. Find a Person of Peace 🙏

The concept of "person of peace" comes from Luke chapter 10, where Jesus instructs His followers to look for individuals who are receptive to the message of the Gospel. Pray for God to reveal a person of peace in your community who will help facilitate relationships and open doors for the gospel. This person will act as a bridge between your house church and the broader community, enabling greater impact and outreach.

4. Build a Prayer Team 🙌

Form a dedicated prayer team consisting of individuals who commit to praying for your house church's specific needs and challenges. Regularly share prayer requests, such as upcoming outreach events, worship services, and opportunities for ministry. This prayer team will provide vital spiritual support, covering the house church and its members in prayer as you endeavor to fulfill God's calling.

5. Learn from a Teacher 🎓

Continually position yourself as a learner and seek the guidance of trusted teachers in the faith. Engage with resources such as books, YouTube videos, podcasts, or seminars that offer insights into church planting, leadership, and spiritual growth. By humbly learning from experienced teachers, you deepen your knowledge and keep yourself aligned with biblical principles.

These five essential relationships will sustain and guide you throughout your house church journey. Embrace them, invest in them, and prioritize them alongside other preparations.

In conclusion, starting a house church is a significant endeavor that requires careful consideration, prayer, and preparation. By diligently answering the five essential questions, engaging in focused prayer, study, meaningful conversations, and building key relationships, you will be well-equipped to embark on this exciting and challenging journey of planting a house church. Remember, this journey is not about personal ambitions or control, but about surrendering to God's will and serving His people. May God bless and guide you as you step into this call to start a house church.

Highlights

• Starting a house church requires careful consideration, prayer, and preparation.
• Ensure that you are called by God, equipped, and surrounded by a supportive network.
• Understand the Biblical foundation and purpose of a church before starting a house church.
• Seek wisdom, clear vision, support, and a biblical foundation through prayer.
• Study the Gospels, the book of Acts, the Epistles, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
• Engage in conversations with your neighborhood, city officials, and your own family.
• Establish essential relationships for personal accountability, discipleship, and prayer support.
• Continually learn from experienced teachers and remain humble and teachable.
• Starting a house church is a significant undertaking, but with proper preparation, it can be fulfilling and impactful.

FAQ

Q: How do I know if God has called me to start a house church? A: Discerning God's call involves prayer, seeking guidance from mentors, and listening to the Holy Spirit. Look for confirmation through circumstances and a growing desire to serve God's people.

Q: Do I need formal theological education to start a house church? A: While formal education is not a requirement, having a solid understanding of the Bible and a willingness to continue learning is essential. Seek training opportunities and learning resources to build your knowledge and skills.

Q: How can I ensure that my house church remains rooted in biblical principles? A: Establish a strong biblical foundation by regularly studying the Scriptures, seeking input from trusted teachers, and aligning your practices and teachings with the Word of God. Continually evaluate your house church's activities against biblical principles.

Q: What if I face opposition or challenges when starting a house church? A: Opposition and challenges are not uncommon when starting a house church. Seek guidance from your support network, lean on your relationship with God, and trust in His guidance and faithfulness. Remember that challenges can often lead to growth and deeper reliance on God.

Q: How can I ensure that my house church remains focused on serving the community? A: Regularly engage with the community, listen to their needs, and actively seek ways to address those needs with love and practical action. Keep the community's welfare and spiritual growth at the forefront of your house church's mission.