WELCOME TO EUROPE’S HOUSE CHURCH FINDER
House Churches are flourishing all over Europe but they can be difficult to find. house-church.eu serves to help you connect with other like-minded steadfast believers in Jesus Christ.
Why a House Church or Fellowship?
The Early Church met in homes.
GOING BACK TO THE ROOTS
Before 300 AD, there were no church buildings or denominations. People practiced a decentralized, house-to-house kind of faith that grew on its own. It was the Ekklesia in its simplest form.
MANY HAVE LEFT TRADITIONAL FAITH COMMUNITIES
It’s completely understandable why so many feel hurt, exhausted, and weary with the way things are—whether it’s seeing funds go toward buildings instead of people or feeling uneasy about how the church handles issues. Those feelings are real. But even if the 'traditional' way didn't work out, we still need each other. Finding a way to do life with other believers is what keeps us from feeling isolated and helps us stay close to God.
SIMPLICITY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING
Traditions and structure can sometimes give us a sense of security. But often they require a lot of work, money and effort to keep going. And sometimes we question how much benefit they bring. Many who have started down the home church path just love the ease and uncomplicated enjoyment that comes from simplicity.
A Healthy House Church
Here are some characteristics that can serve as indicate you’re heading in the right direction.
NEW PEOPLE ARE WELCOME
Jesus commissioned us spread the gospel or good news to others. If a house church is not inviting to new people and not looking to grow then it could become very insular and self indulgent – just a group of friends enjoying each other's company. An Ekklesia or gathering of Christians is charged with effecting positive change in their area and having an outward focus.
MEETING REGULARLY
"..not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hebrews 10:25.
Being a Christian who didn’t meet regularly with other believers would be inconceivable in New Testament times. A home church needs to meet on a regular basis so that we can grow in relationship with others, support those that are struggling, and ultimately multiply in numbers. Jesus didn’t spend his time fishing by himself, or reading books at home. Rather he took others under his wing, discipled them, and grew them into leaders themselves.
STUDYING THE WORD
The Bible contains many answers, encouragement and wisdom. It’s absolutely vital that a house church meditates on the word of the Lord regularly, to study it and apply it. We all face issues and struggles in life, but the Bible has so many answers that can shed incredible wisdom and peace as we study and diligently obey the truth.
SHARING MEALS - COMMUNION
Communion was never a special ceremony in the New Testament, but generally a shared meal between believers where Christ was remembered and honored. Enjoying a meal together is a great thing to do, but it’s equally important to bring Christ right into the centre of it and acknowledge his body and blood that was sacrificed on the cross for us all.
BEING THERE FOR EACH OTHER
In the book of Acts funds were shared to support widows and the poor, not buildings and infrastructure. We all go through seasons in life, and there’s times when we’re prospering and others when we need a helping hand. I’ve heard it said if God has your wallet then he has your heart. It’s a beautiful thing to be generous when others are in need.
WORSHIP
Let's worship our Lord Jesus in Spirit and truth.
GROWING IN THE GIFTS
Maybe gifts of the Holy Spirit are controversial for some. But one thing I’ve noticed is that attending a traditional church service doesn’t help us grow in this area. Often we sit as spectators and the leader up front moves in the gifts as they discern. Home Churches are brilliant places though for you to contribute and grow in your giftings. Everyone has the opportunity to pray for the sick, bring words of knowledge etc, and practice what God’s put in your heart. It’s amazing to see the confidence and excitement that comes when we see the Holy Spirit moving through us.
TAKING AUTHORITY IN YOUR AREA
The Greek word Jesus used for Church in the New Testament was Ekklesia which was actually a governmental word. In Jesus’s time Israel was ruled by the Roman empire. While the leadership of the Roman Empire sat in Italy, the Ekklesia or local government authorities oversaw each of the different countries under it’s control. So it is with the gathering of Christians in house churches – we have the authority to effect positive change in our street and area because we have been given responsibility and authority.
CONSIDER STARTING ONE YOURSELF?
If there’s no home church in your area we can help you get something going. The great news is you don’t need a theology degree, an eloquent speaking ability or a beautiful musical talent. You just need a desire to meet with like-minded Christians in your area and a thirst to grow in your faith. We’ll help you with the rest.
You don’t need to join an organization, pay any fees, or become part of a movement. In the New Testament Paul often wrote to the Church of a certain place. For example Corinth. Churches were known simply by their town or area, not a denomination, movement or what particular constitution they aligned with. Some would say there’s a risk of heading off in a tangent if you’re not part of a movement or denomination, but it seems in Germany the risk is more with some of the denominations – some seem to be heading off on tangents and perhaps pose a greater risk than a small group getting around the Word on a regular basis.
Lord God Jesus Christ continues to add people to the House Churches. Please feel free to contact us for location-specific information.
Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
About Us
Families in Christ
We are a little flock near Heidelberg Germany, devotedly following the Lamb.
Kingdom of God
Eagerly awaiting the Kingdom of God.
Fellowship
Gathering together in fellowship, encouraging one another, especially as we see the coming of the Lord drawing near.