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NEWSLETTER re HOUSE CHURCHES
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March 2001 Newsletter
June 2001 Newsletter
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If you are interested in subscribing to this quarterly, free e-newsletter
in the future, please contact chcrn@hotmail.com
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WELCOME!
to the 1st edition of the
CANADIAN HOUSE CHURCH RESOURCE NETWORK
N e w s l e t t e r
March 2001 edition
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
INTRODUCTION & WELCOME
Why the Newsletter
What the Newsletter Will Include
CANADIAN HOUSE CHURCH RESOURCE NETWORK:
1. Vision
2. Purpose Statement
3. Our Web Site address
4. Who Are We?
5. How We Can Serve You
HOUSE CHURCHES AS A VITAL PART OF DISCIPLING THE NATION/S
6. House Churches Are a Vital Part of Discipling
the Nations
BOOKS ON HOUSE CHURCHES:
7. Houses that Change the World ¡V Wolfgang Simson
8. Free Books!
RESOURCES ON HOME-BASED CHURCHES
9. House2House Magazine
10. Learn To Multiply House Churches Via a CD Rom?!
11. Networking Opportunity
EVENTS
12. Surrey Meeting for Lower Mainland (BC) House Church
Planters
Web Sites
Next Time¡K
CONTENTS
===========
INTRODUCTION & WELCOME ============
It is a new millenium, and we believe a new day is dawning in Canada
as it is in many nations around the globe as God is increasingly stirring
the hearts of vast numbers of people from every nation in the directions
of home-based churches ¡V which aren¡¦t only meeting in homes, but also
in schools, businesses, restaurants, under trees, etc. ¡V wherever the
people are!
Believers internationally have been praying and interceding for renewal
and revival, and indeed there is a growing sense among Christian leaders
that we are in the transition to a third reformation ¡V of how the Church
lives out her faith and theology. The re-thinking of traditional church
practice is happening on every level and regarding every aspect of the
way the Christian life has been lived out and communicated in the past
decades and even centuries. Christian leaders and lay people all over
are prayerfully searching the Scriptures and sensing God leading them
to see with new eyes the way the Church operated and functioned in the
New Testament, and are seeing how relevant this model can be and/or
is to many in our societies as well.
As a result, there is a growing sense of urgency in growing numbers
of disciples to work together in unity in diversity as godly, biblical
and Christ-centered disciples of Jesus who long to see the Harvest come
in and the nations not only impacted on a small scale, but to actually
see nations DISCIPLED as we are commanded to do in the Great Commission.
Although Christianity has been in Canada for a long time, we see clearly
how the world has influenced the Church much more than the Church has
influenced the world, and while the traditional model is reaching and
ministering to various segments of society, the nation is full of people
who are missed, and yet who are hungry for the Truth.
Growing numbers of believers feel that one way to reach many of these
missed and disenfranchised segments of society is to return to the home-based
church model in order to see the development of Christ-centered, biblically-established
and whole-hearted worshippers/disciples of Jesus - who are discipling
others!
Many followers of Jesus in Canada and around the world are filled with
eager expectation at what God is leading us into as home-based churches
rise up and take their place alongside the traditional churches and
other gatherings of true disciples of Jesus in order to see the heart
of Jesus satisfied and His purposes accomplished as we obediently follow
the leading of the Holy Spirit and are empowered by Him to follow in
His steps!
It is our desire as the Canadian House Church Resource Network to help
facilitate what the Holy Spirit is doing in Canada through assisting
in the resourcing and networking of multiplying, reproducible house
churches that He is raising up to see this nation discipled!
Therefore, we WELCOME YOU to connect with us and to avail yourselves
of the resources and services that we can provide, and to begin to build
relationships with us and growing numbers across the country who share
similar heart and vision.
CONTENTS
WHY THE NEWSLETTER?
-------------------------------------
Although there are growing numbers of excellent resources on house churches
and networks connecting house churches in nations internationally, as
coordination team of the Canadian House Church Resource Network, we
believe that it can benefit and help to encourage Canadian planters
of house churches to have a tool such as this newsletter to help them
learn from and connect with other house church planters/networkers in
Canada so there is that additional support, and with a Canadian perspective.
This newsletter is intended to help facilitate the growing Canadian
home-based community of believers and house church networks as a tool
to help support, educate, encourage, resource and network other Canadians
that share similar vision: seeing healthy, multiplying, reproducible
house churches planted throughout the nation in order to be a vital
part of seeing this nation discipled - and reaching other nations with
the Gospel.
CONTENTS
WHAT
WILL THE NEWSLETTER INCLUDE?
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We expect that the newsletter will include information on upcoming events/meetings;
networking opportunities; stories of how God is working in various home-based
churches in Canada; stories of how God is working in/through home-based
churches around the world; resource information; educational information;
discussion of relevant issues regarding starting, strengthening or multiplying
home-based churches; opportunities for subscribers to contribute items
for future editions; opportunities to partner together on various ministry/Great
Commission-focused projects both locally or overseas; tips on helping
to develop home based businesses to support home-based churches and
ministry development, feed the poor and to help carry out the Great
Commission; helpful web site links, etc.
Unfortunately we are not able to send it out in hard copy by snail mail
since we don't have enough staff or budget for that at this point, but
you can feel free to copy it and pass it on to your friends who are
interested in having a copy.
We will begin by sending out a quarterly edition, but depending on the
need and requests, that could increase to a bi-monthly edition shortly.
If you or those you know are interested in receiving a free email edition
of this newsletter, please email us at: chcrn@hotmail.com to request
being added to ¡§house church newsletter¡¨ mailing list. Thank you.
--------------------------------
We welcome the input and thoughts/ideas/recommendations regarding the
newsletter and it¡¦s development (especially of Canadians who subscribe
to the newsletter).
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May God use these newsletters to encourage and inspire you and to help
equip you to fully enter into the role that He has for you in seeing
His Kingdom expanded in your neighbourhood or region in Canada as He
uses you to raise up whole-hearted worshippers/disciples of Jesus Christ!
It is our privilege to serve you!
Warmly,
Grace Wiebe, Editor
Facilitator, Canadian House Church Resource Network
-- A ministry of FRIENDS --
CONTENTS
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CANADIAN HOUSE CHURCH RESOURCE NETWORK @@@@@
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1. Vision of the CANADIAN HOUSE CHURCH
RESOURCE NETWORK
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-- By the power and leading of the Holy Spirit, we seek to mobilize,
resource, encourage, network, train and facilitate those that God is
raising up in Canada who, while complimenting other forms of Christian
gatherings in Canada, share and carry out the vision of establishing
easily reproducible, multiplying house churches in house church networks
as a vital part of seeing Canada discipled and taking a more effective
role in discipling the nations, in order that Jesus will be glorified
as King of Kings among all nations. We desire to see His life lived
out through us in every aspect of life --
Mission Statement:
-------------------------
We seek to establish a facilitation and resource network for those who
are planting multiplying, reproducible house churches across the Lower
Mainland and Canada.
CONTENTS
*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)
2.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)*)
The Canadian House Church Resource Network will provide RRSP¡¦s for
those involved:
R: RESOURCES. We have a continually updated resource list of
key books, articles and people who can assist in establishing vibrant
reproducing house churches. Visit the web
site for more information.
u>R: RELATIONSHIPS: The Canadian House Church Resource Network will
host quarterly Network meetings. This is a place to establish ongoing
relationships with others of the same mind. The next meeting is in Surrey
on April 20, 2001. Email: chcrn@hotmail.com for further information
and directions.
S: SPECIAL EVENTS: We will hold occasional meetings for the general
Christian public who wish to know more about house churches. The first
special event was a day-long introductory conference on house churches
located in Surrey on Saturday, Feb. 17, with main speaker Ron Pearce
of WorldServe, (Surrey) whose
ministry has him closely involved with the house church movement internationally.
To be put on the mailing list for invitations to special events email:
chcrn@hotmail.com.
P: PRAYER. One of the primary functions of our network is to
pray for one another as we seek to advance the Kingdom of God through
the Holy Spirit.
CONTENTS
--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
3.
WHO ARE WE?
(brief intro this time¡Kmore in another edition)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Canadian House Church Resource Network Coordination team: Murray Moerman
(Outreach Canada), Bob Granholm (Friends & BOCE), Grace Wiebe (FRIENDS),
Bligh Stockwell (Partners Int'l.) and Mark Fox (Olivet Bapt.)
CONTENTS
<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
4
OUR WEB SITE ADDRESS
<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Canadian House
Church Resource Network
This site includes:
Vision
What We Can Do For You
Resources
Book reviews
Relevant Resource Links (LOTS!!)
Relevant articles
Events
Networking Opportunity
Opportunity to download free book on house churches
CONTENTS
############################
5.
HOW WE CAN SERVE YOU
############################
We can:
1) Provide resources/articles/book lists on the web
site:
2) Network you with others of like heart/mind (by including you on our
database and/or mailing list so we can help match folks in various regions,
etc.)
3) Coordinate local events/retreats/training opportunities which help
to encourage and facilitate folks that are interested in or involved
in developing Great Commission-minded house church networks in Canada...ie.
so far we have been hosting quarterly informal information meetings
for interested parties and those involved or starting house churches.
This may be becoming more frequent shortly. We have also hosted our
first conf. on house churches, which we hope to build on by doing future
conference locally about twice a year. We also hope to help facilitate
similar conferences with other local network leaders throughout the
country.
4) Provide seminars/workshops on topics related to house churches and
discipling the nations (for Missions conferences, for example).
5) Be the coordination hub if you need some coaching from (or) referrals
to experienced house church planters that we're connected with.
6) Encourage the development of local 'lighthouses of prayer'
7) Provide free missions resources via email and on our web site
8) Consulting/Encouragement/Facilitation, etc.
9) Coordinating local events with house churches in the networks (ie.
corporate celebration times, etc.)
10) Coordinate meetings with like-minded people who share the vision
so that other house church networks can also become established in other
regions.
11) Encourage the vision that God has put on your heart as it relates
to what we believe God is calling us to...recommend some potential next
steps for you to take in these directions.
12) Provide opportunities to get involved in missions locally or overseas
13) Provide a free email newsletter to Canadians to help facilitate
the vision.
===============
* * * For those wishing to contribute to the Network to help support
those involved in Canadian house churches/house church networks, please
send financial gifts/cheques written out to FRIENDS PO Box 73025, 8928
152nd St., Surrey V3R 4E0. PLEASE designate gift as being for HOUSE
CHURCHES. You will be issued a tax deductible receipt.
CONTENTS
#######
HOUSE CHURCHES AS A VITAL PART OF DISCIPLING THE NATION/S #######
¡§¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨
6. HOUSECHURCHES ARE a VITAL
PART OF DISCIPLING THE NATIONS
-- by Grace Wiebe, March ¡¥99
¡§¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨¡¨
Over the past number of years especially, there has been a growing movement
of house churches around the world (including many different streams)
which God seems to be initiating in order to help to not only reach
with the Gospel many of the missed segments of society, but also to
more effectively disciple/nurture believers and encourage the development
of spiritual growth/godly character by providing the loving accountability
we all need through the kind of close fellowship that is available in
house fellowships.
WORKING TOGETHER TO SEE THE GOSPEL INCARNATED
Throughout history God has used, and continues to use, various forms
and models of church gatherings, though He only has one Church. Each
model reaches certain types of people and meets certain needs. ALL of
us, as we work together, are needed to see the desire of God's heart
satisfied¡Kthat all nations be discipled and worship Him wholeheartedly
as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! And so, while complimenting
other forms of Christian gatherings in Canada, it is our desire to focus
on utilizing the form that we feel we are being called to implement
in order to reach the unreached segments of society in our country as
we cross cultural barriers with the unchanging and powerful Gospel as
we seek to live incarnationally amongst our neighbours.
BENEFITS OF HOUSE CHURCHES
House churches can be catalysts to help us to mature spiritually and
to be what God has called us to be as we live out our part in the Great
Commission. They can also help to solve many of the financial struggles
of more traditional models of churches and of seeing the Great Commission
financed by freeing up funds which would not normally be available.
House churches can be a vital part of raising up, training and multiplying
many servant leaders (resulting in much less burn-out of leaders).
Another benefit house churches can provide is a built-in protection
system in case of persecution. It can also provide the sense of family
and belonging that we all long for (Generation X especially seems to
cry out for this dimension, as do many internationals, immigrants, refugees,
etc. and other segments of society such as do people in the entertainment/media
industry) and it can be a living example of the daily authentic reality
of living the Christian life in the world today.
Quality of believers and Quantity of believers can be multiplied and
can mushroom because when the groups grow to a certain number (between
10 or 20), they can multiply by beginning additional groups, which can
then also multiply. It is important to see easily reproducible churches
multiplying in order to see growing numbers of godly disciples discipling
others, since Jesus called us to 'disciple the nations' (Matt 28), and
it is therefore important to have a strong sense of the Great Commission
integrated into the very DNA of the initial beginnings of the house
church/house church network.
House churches can be very effective lights in dark neighbourhoods/apartment
buildings, restaurants, schools, businesses (or wherever) in which they
exist/function, and can become houses of prayer for the nations, with
not only a growing passion to reach the lost in their communities but
around the world. The very nature of house churches encourages the possibility
of enabling them to be an excellent incubator, nursery, Bible school,
hands on training site, etc. for new believers all the way to seasoned/mature
believers. It is also poised to be an excellent missionary sending support
network.
House churches can provide an excellent atmosphere to develop and utilize
the spiritual gifts and to benefit from the overseeing and equipping
ministry of itinerant five-fold ministry teams. The 5-fold ministry
of pastor, teacher, apostle, prophet and evangelist can also be utilized
throughout the networks to bring greater effectiveness to these churches,
and to multiply new pastors, teachers, apostles, prophets and evangelists
to also train and multiply others with these giftings.
UNENCUMBERED STRUCTURE AND FINANCES
House churches are more flat in structure and less administrative, thus
cutting out a lot of the bureaucracy and politics that often are part
and parcel of the structure of more traditional models, so they are
freed up to be more flexible and to move and act quickly as God leads.
The low administration also keeps down the costs which can be then be
directed towards the poor and reaching the lost.
CONDUCIVE TO DISCIPLING THE NATIONS
Although house churches also have imperfections because people are still
people, the nature of house churches is a model which is very conducive
to Christ's command to DISCIPLE THE NATIONS, especially as house churches
network with other house churches in their community and throughout
their country, and indeed with other house church networks throughout
the world to share resources and to support and prayer for each other,
and to partner together on various ministries, etc. as God leads.
Many long for the reality of a church experience similar to that of
Acts, and I believe that God has heard the cry of many of our hearts
and is moving us increasingly into these directions.
---------
SOME BENEFITS OF HOUSE CHURCHES (summary):
„h Reaching missed segments of society
* Discipleship/godly character development
* Loving accountability
* Close fellowship
* These types of gatherings can meet almost anywhere, almost any time,
and be very low-key and inconspicuous - yet effective!
* Conducive to more rapid and consistent spiritual growth
* Encourage us in our roles in the Great Commission
* Free up finances for the Great Commission
* Training and multiplication of servant leadership
* Help prevent burnout of leaders
* Built in form of protection re persecution
* Multiplication of churches
* Provide sense of family/belonging
* Conducive to reaching Gen X, immigrants, refugees, poor, etc., etc.
* Conducive to 'discipling the nations'
* Biblical Christianity lived out in daily life
* Others can 'know us by our love'
* Reproduction can happen quite easily/easily reproducible
* House churches are much more able to hold/disciple the coming harvest
* Multiplication of churches leading to people movements
* Able to contain and disciple the growing harvest
* Spiritual gifts and five-fold ministry are developed/exercised
* Five fold ministry equips next generations of leaders
* Every member of the family important
* Every member of the house church involved in ministry
* House churches can be poised to be flexible with what God is doing
* House churches can be poised to respond to needs
* Natural as "Houses of Prayer"
* Natural sender of missionaries
* Natural 'missionary care/support' function
* Low administrative needs
* Low costs to function
* Worship
* Conducive to evangelism/discipleship
* Conducive to reaching the poor
* Conducive to ministering to the hurting
CONTENTS
@@@
B O O K S ON HOUSE CHURCHES @@@@
===========================================
7. HOUSES THAT CHANGE THE WORLD ¡V
by Wolfgang Simson
===========================================
Houses That Change The World is the title of a new 352-page book by
FridayFax editor, Wolfgang Simson. Commenting on the book, Simson says,
¡§In this book, written from a global perspective, I try to describe
a radical new vision of Church - Christianity is not a series of religious
meetings in church-houses, but a prophetic way of life, in house-churches.
These house-churches do not only totally change the way Christianity
is seen and experienced in the streets of the world, but allow the Church
to develop the City-church, the apostolic and prophetic gathering of
the Body of Christ of a city or region, speaking with one voice and
acting as one organism under only one head - Jesus Christ.¡¨ The price
of the book is US$14.95 plus postage. For copies send a message to:
WolfSimson@compuserve.com.
CONTENTS
///////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
8..
FREE BOOKS!
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\///////////////////
1) THE CHURCH IN THE HOUSE: A Return to Simplicity - by Robert Fitts
- is available for distribution by requesting a free email attached
file MS Word 7.0 copy of the book from: chcrn@hotmail.com
2) Toward a House
Church Theology available from:
Steve Atkerson
Toward a House Church Theology, editor (click ¡§publications")
New Testament Restoration Foundation, 2752 Evans Dale Circle, Atlanta,
GA 30340
FREE BOOKS! To download from the internet -- or -- to request by email
if you¡¦re not internet accessible.
3. So You Want to Start a House
Church? ¡V by Frank Viola
4. Concerning Church Planters
¡V Common Objectives Answered ¡V by Frank Viola
CONTENTS
###########
RESOURCES ###########
_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
9. HOUSE2HOUSE
Magazine on Home-Based Churches
_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
March 2nd/01 from Austin, TX
¡§¡KA group of central TX churches have taken the initiative to plan,
and now publish a new magazine to encourage the active planting of churches
in homes. The first copy goes out mid March! If you are outside of the
US please enjoy the web edition of the magazine and use it in any way
that can be a blessing.
If you could take the time to go to www.house2house.tv you will see
the magazine in its first edition. The cost of the first two (free)
issues is being underwritten by three groups of home churches here in
Central Texas. We are trusting that by the time we move on to the third
edition that we will have enough subscribers that House2House will be
able to stand on its own feet.
Please subscribe yourself via the web, or if you don't know how to do
that just email back to subscription@house2house.tv and we will gladly
email the first edition to you for free.
The first issue of House2House is being sent out mid-March to coincide
with a visit by Wolfgang Simson, author of the book, "Houses That Change
The World", to a conference in Austin, TX. For information on that conference
go to http://www.austinfellowship.com/March_Seminar/march_seminar.html.
If you have any questions, and want to drop us a note, our email is:
editor@house2house.tv. My phone number, which is in Austin, TX, is 512-282-2322.
If you help us by forwarding this email, please be considerate of the
way that you forward it. First remove any "headers" that others may
have forwarded to you, and secondly always put your lists into the "Bcc"
(blind copy) section at the top of the email so that your whole list
does not show in the email that you forward.
Thank you so much for your help and prayers.¡¨
Dr. Tony Dale
Sr. Editor of "House2House" on behalf of the Editorial Team. See you
on the web here.
CONTENTS
+=============================================+
10.
LEARN TO MULTIPLY CHURCHES VIA A CD-ROM?!
+=============================================+
This CD features (home-based) Church Multiplication specialist, George
Patterson, who has put a life-time of experiences into this new form
of training. The CD is an interactive e-textbook, with graphics, sounds,
pop-ups, skill learning scores and more. It would be suitable for training
courses and near or distance mentoring. Programmed, self-paced instruction.
Bible colleges could take this CD and build an entire class around it.
Mission orgs. could make it required reading for church planting training.
Can't beat the price, either -- they're charging just $29US plus shipping!
To order, send an email to: DiscipleNations@Servants-Inc.org.
CONTENTS
!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!
11.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY
!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!
Most or perhaps all of you are not interested in living out, **on your
own**, the ¡¥apostolic dream¡¦ by utilizing home-based gatherings of
believers to see Jesus formed in His Bride as she becomes a whole-hearted,
passionate and obedient worshipper of Him and a discipler of the nations.
Most are also quite aware of some of the potential dangers of doing
this in isolation.
Therefore, as we are gradually connecting with increasing numbers of
Canadians who share the vision of seeing Christ¡¦s life fully lived
out in His Body, and who share the vision of seeing our neighbourhoods,
cities and nation (& beyond) reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
we want to provide the opportunity for you to get connected with each
other and to build deepening relationships with each other so that there
is loving, mutual, prayerful and local support and accountability as
we work side by side to see the Kingdom of God expanded and Jesus Christ
glorified in this nation.
If you are interested in connecting with folks in your region, let us
know at: chcrn@hotmail.com.
Please also let us know of others that we can contact to see if they¡¦re
interested in connecting with the network and the available resources.
Thank you.
CONTENTS
%%%%%%
EVENTS %%%%%
12. SURREY MEETING for Lower Mainland
House Church Planters ¡V April 20, 2001
If you or others you know in the Lower Mainland of BC are interested
or involved in the utilization of house churches as a part of seeing
this nation reclaimed for the Kingdom of God, we invite you to come
meet with us and others who share the vision ¡V April 20, 2001, 7 ¡V
9 p.m. -- to:
1) Hear about the vision of the Canadian House Church Resource Network
for Canada
2) Meet others who are interested in house churches in the Lower Mainland
3) Share similar vision with each other
4) Pray for each other about these directions
5) Discuss some issues regarding house church development, etc.
6) Find out about possible upcoming events and resources on house churches
7) Consider possible ways to work with the coordination team in order
to help move forward with the vision, etc.
Some of you we know or have met before; others of you may be new to
us. We are looking forward to seeing many of you in Surrey on April
20!
If you are not already on our mailing list and would like to receive
the invitation once we have the specific location arranged, please let
us know at: chcrn@hotmail.com
_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
W
E B S I T E S W E B S I T E S W E B S I T E S
_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
CANADIAN HOUSE CHURCH WEB SITES:
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Church that meets at John & Marisa¡¦s house ¡V click here
¡V Powell River, BC
http://johndrolet.tripod.com;
Harvestone - Winnipeg, MB
New Vineyard ¡V Maple
Ridge, BC
**Please send us the web sites of other Canadian home-based churches
for future editions. Thx! : )
MISSIONS/CHURCH PLANTING RESOURCES:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Outreach Canada
Fellowship of Church Planters (resources
for those planting house churches)
Grace¡¦s Resource Place
(scads of missions/church planting resources)
Shpresa (a ministry reaching out
to Kosovar/Sudanese refugees in Surrey/New Westminster, BC
CONTENTS
NEXT
TIME¡K
Brief History of the Canadian House Church Resource Network
Proposal for a House Church Network in the Lower Mainland
What Happens in a Typical House Church Meeting?
In forthcoming editions¡K
What¡¦s the Difference Between a House Church, a Cell Church and a Care
Group?
Dangers to Keep in Mind as you Prayerfully Consider Going in House Church
Directions
The Nehemiah Strategy: The Vital Blessing/Safety Net of Networking
What Do We Do With the Children?
Historical Overview of House Churches
Various Streams of House Churches
Etc.
CONTENTS
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
If this newsletter has been forwarded to you and you would like to receive
future copies directly, or if you are not interested in receiving this
newsletter, please contact: chcrn@hotmail.com
Your input and submissions in all areas related to the theme of this
newsletter will be gratefully received! If you have stories of how God
is working in and through home-based churches in your region that you
are willing to share, if you have questions that you would like to see
us address/discuss in future editions, if you know of resources or events
which you think our subscribers would be interested in, we would deeply
appreciate your input and may include your recommendations in future
editions. Thank you! Email: chcrn@hotmail.com, or post (Grace Wiebe,
CHCRN, 194 / 6832 King George Hwy., Surrey, BC, V3W 4Z9, Canada).
CONTENTS
=============
WELCOME!
to the 2nd edition of the
CANADIAN HOUSE CHURCH RESOURCE NETWORK
N e w s l e t t e r
June 2001 edition
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
INTRODUCTION & WELCOME
CANADIAN HOUSE CHURCH RESOURCE NETWORK:
1. Update on Regional Conferences on House Churches
2. Some Differences Between Resource Networks and
an Organization
HOUSE CHURCHES AS A VITAL PART OF DISCIPLING THE NATION/S
3. The Passionately Christ-Centered Bride
4. Stories of What God is Doing in and Through House
Churches in Other Nations
5. Back to the Future of Missions: The Case for
Marketplace Ministry
EDUCATION
6. Differences Between Care Groups, Cell Churches
and House Churches
BOOKS ON HOUSE CHURCHES:
7. Transforming Our Nation: Empowering the
Canadian Church for a Greater Harvest
EVENTS
8. Surrey Meeting for Lower Mainland (BC) hurch
Planters - July 20 and Oct 19
WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?
9. SHOUTING IN THE TEMPLE: A Radical Look at Children's
Ministry
RESOURCES:
10. DAWN Newsletter
„h Small-church movement catching fire worldwide: Mexico city provides
a prime example
„h What Martin Luther left out
„h New CitiReach Organization Emphasizes ¡§GO TO¡¨ Approach
„h The Church Comes Home: the role of house churches in the DAWN movement
„h 12 advantages of house churches for the discipling of whole nations
„h House churches prepare us for the persecution we face
11. Cariboo Presbyterian House Church Ministry Video
12. CHRISTIAN WEEK Article on House Churches
13. Articles Sent Out By Email
* How to Start House Churches
* Baptist Article on House Church
* Youth Ministry & House Churches
* New York Times Article on House Churches
14. Locations of REGIONAL NETWORKERS and List of
Where CDN Folks Involved/Interested in Home Churches are Located
15. Prayer Network to serve Canadian House Churches
16. CTV News Link re House Church Feature
17. Searching for the New Testament Church
¡V Christian Counterculture magazine edition
* Searching for the New Testament Church
* The Clergy/Laity Distinction: A Help or Hindrance to the Church
* Setting Things in Order: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Leadership
* How Did Christians First Gather Together?
* What Does the Bible Reveal About the New Testament Church?
19. Handbook for House Churches
20. BC Reports re Article on House Churches
Web Sites
Canadian House Church Web Sites
Worship & Arts Web Sites
Next Time¡K
CONTENTS
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
===========
INTRODUCTION & WELCOME ============
In the prior (first) edition of the newsletter (March ¡V 01), we introduced
the Canadian House Church Resource Network and ways in which we can
potentially serve you. We also shared with you our larger vision of
seeing house churches/networks becoming a vital component of seeing
Canada discipled as cities and as a nation.
Since we are sending this newsletter to Canadians who are both involved
in or considering involvement in house churches, to those who believe
God is calling them to plant house churches in Canada ¡V and to those
who have already started house churches, we want to use this newsletter
to provide resources that will hopefully apply to you wherever you are
on this journey.
--------------------------------
We welcome your input and thoughts/ideas/recommendations regarding the
newsletter and its development, and would ask you to let us know of
questions you may have which would like for us to explore in coming
editions.
--------------------------------
May God use these newsletters to encourage and inspire you and to help
equip you to fully enter into the role that He has for you in seeing
His Kingdom expanded in your neighbourhood or region in Canada as He
uses you to raise up whole-hearted worshippers/disciples of Jesus Christ!
It is our privilege to serve you!
Warmly,
Grace Wiebe - chcrn@hotmail.com -
Editor
Facilitator, Canadian House Church Resource Network
CONTENTS
@@@@@ CANADIAN HOUSE CHURCH RESOURCE NETWORK @@@@@
Mission: (short version)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
-- We seek to establish a facilitation and resource network for those
who are planting Christ-centered, multiplying, reproducible house churches
across the Lower Mainland and Canada --
Web site address
For further information contact: chcrn@hotmail.com
The STATEMENT OF FAITH that we affirm is the Lausanne
Covenant
CONTENTS
<><><>><><<><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
1.
UPDATE ON REGIONAL CONFERENCES ON HOUSE CHURCHES in Canada
<><><>><><<><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
SURREY, BC
-------------------
In February, 2001, a group of about 20 people from about 8 denominational
backgrounds and from 10 regions/cities in the Lower Mainland of BC,
as well as from Vancouver Island, met together in Surrey for a one day
introductory conference on house churches. Our plenary speaker was Ron
Pearce of WorldServe. Murray Moerman and Bob Granholm also did some
sessions.
It was an encouraging time of learning and of interaction, as well as
of meeting with others that share similar heart and mind. A great blessing!
From this group, there were already about 6 house churches in existence,
and the rest were either in the beginning stages of starting a house
churches or interested in finding out more about it. There were also
resources available.
RESOURCES from the conference: if you would like a copy of the tape
of Ron¡¦s session, please send $6 (CDN) for the tape and shipping and
handling charges to: Grace Wiebe, 194 / 6832 King George Hwy, Surrey,
BC V3W 4Z9. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
If you would like to see Murray Moerman¡¦s session (Marks of the Church)
on PowerPoint, check out the link on our web
site. Then click on ¡¥house churches¡¦ on the left link, then on
¡¥events¡¦. Look under the Vancouver, BC section and you will see the
link to Murray¡¦s presentation.
WOULD YOU LIKE FOR US TO HELP PROMOTE YOUR REGIONAL EVENTS?
------------------------------------------------------------
If you or a group of house churches in your region (in Canada) would
like for us to promote your local events on the web site or in a coming
edition of the newsletter, please do let us know and send us the exact
information you wish for us to include: chcrn@hotmail.com Please give
us lots of time to get it up on the site and into the next quarterly
newsletter.
WOULD YOU LIKE SOME HELP IN FACILITATING A REGIONAL EVENT SIMILAR TO
THIS?
-----------------------------------------------------------
If you or a group of house churches (in Canada) would like to request
some help in facilitating a conference on house churches in your region,
we would be happy to help by providing some resources, names and contact
info of potential speakers, potential topics, rough outlines for schedule
which you may find helpful, sending you a list of folks that we know
of in your region whom you might wish to invite, etc. Contact us at:
chcrn@hotmail.com
In the future we are thinking of inviting experienced house church ¡¥coaches¡¦
(such as Wolfgang Simson) that may be able to visit various cities during
an upcoming trip to Canada to encourage folks regarding house churches.
If you are interested in potentially having these folks come to share
at your regional events or conferences, please let us know.
WATERLOO-KITCHENER, ONT
---------------------------------------------
We are excited that THE DWELLING PLACE is hosting ¡§The Church in the
House Conference¡¨ ¡V June 8 - ?, 2001 (for more info click here).
Main speaker ¡V Robert Fitts. We hope to be able to include a report
on how it went in the next edition! Please pray for them!
CONTENTS
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
2.
SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RESOURCE NETWORKS and an ORGANIZATION
- Grace Wiebe
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Some of you may be wondering whether the Canadian House Church Resource
Network is an organization. We are a resource network... In order to
help you to understand some of the differences between organizations
and networks, we have included the chart below.
RESOURCE NETWORK
* Shared vision and relationship brings together people of common interest
(ie. Nehemiah example)
* Voluntary cooperation ¡V unofficial and based on relationship and
shared vision ¡V no legal documentation ¡V not a legal entity ¡V strictly
a voluntary entity
* Autonomy yet voluntary cooperation between those networking together
¡V those working in particular regions make decisions with those they¡¦re
working with. Functional relationship with network facilitators is based
on developing relationship, shared vision, prayer and mutual decision-making.
* Structure ¡V very flat and very loose - minimal. Can flex easily as
needed
* Networks seek to serve those voluntarily connected with the network
¡V through casting vision, providing opportunities, potential network
relationships, prayer, support, resources, research, consultation, education,
coordination of events or resources which would benefit those networked
together, encouragement, etc.
* Organic ¡V minimal structure serves the vision and is based on relationship
and lay leadership
* Decentralization ¡V everyone can have input ¡V facilitation team does
not have control ¡V it is a service provider
* Accountability ¡V mutual accountability between those connected through
relationships ¡V especially local relationships
* Desire to partner together with others for the sake of the Kingdom
ORGANIZATION
* Employees may join an organization for various reasons ¡V financial,
shared vision or whatever
* Cooperation based on official documents/legal documents/agreements/specific
application process, hierarchal leadership structure, etc.
* Employees do not usually have much say as to what happens in their
regions...that usually comes from the top down. There is not usually
autonomy.
* Hierarchal and usually quite tight and often cumbersome structure.
Very difficult to flex due to the structure.
* Vision often begins to become a slave to the structure. Mechanical
in nature.
* Control with top leaders
* Accountable to supervising leaders ¡V generally accountability is
one way
* Often becomes a kingdom unto its own
CONTENTS
####### HOUSE CHURCHES AS A VITAL PART OF DISCIPLING
THE NATION/S #######
===============================================
3.
THE PASSIONATELY CHRIST-CENTERED BRIDE
===============================================
Excerpts from Frank Viola¡¦s free online (downloadable) book: SO
YOU WANT TO START A HOUSE CHURCH.
(Editor¡¦s Note) ¡V The goal of house churches is not house churches
¡V the goal of gatherings such as house churches is to see passionate,
whole-hearted, CHRIST-CENTERED fellowships of reproducing disciples
expressing the love, gifts, character, will and purposes of God in every
aspect of their lives in this generation. This may come as a surprise,
but sadly, this is apparently not always the case in house churches.
According to Frank Viola who has visited many house churches in N. America
over the past decade, he has experienced various other centers of focus/distractions
and calls the Church back to being Christ-centered as she is called
to be.
I would encourage you to read this very helpful book if you have not
done so already! --
----------
THE ETERNAL PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH
---------------------------------------------------------------
¡§¡KGod¡¦s ultimate intention is to secure an eternal Bride for His
Son that will live in holy union with Him forever (Rev. 19:7; 21-22).
Throughout the NT, this intention is called "the mystery" or "the eternal
purpose" (Eph. 1:9-12; 3:3-11; 5:25-32; Col. 1:25-2:3; Rev. 10:7). The
Father¡¦s path for fulfilling this magnificent intention is to establish
a visible, corporate expression of Jesus Christ in every locale upon
this earth (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:22-23). Within the scope of the Divine
intention, the Holy Spirit seeks to recover the full testimony of Jesus
that was carried by the early church¡Xa testimony characterized by a
primitive corporate life that functions under the direct Headship of
Christ¡K
¡KIn God¡¦s thought, the ekklesia is a woman¡X2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25-32;
Rev. 21:9. She is a close-knit community that is related to Jesus Christ;
that lives corporately by His life; and that assembles regularly to
fellowship with Him¡K¡¨
SOME SUBCULTURES OF HOUSE CHURCH
---------------------------------------------------------------
...I have lived outside the reach of organized Christianity for the
past thirteen years. Based on my experience, most of the groups that
fly under the flag of "house church" or "New Testament church" can be
categorized as follows:
The Glorified Bible Study
----------------------------------
This brand of house church is typically chaired by an ex-clergyman or
aspiring Bible teacher. This person usually facilitates a round-table
discussion of the Scriptures. Meetings are dominated by Bible expositions
which often descend into fruitless debates. In the glorified Bible study,
those members who are not theologically inclined have a rather thin
participation. Whether he recognizes it or not, the person facilitating
the Bible study is in charge of the church.
The Special Interest Group
------------------------------------
These home groups make their focal point for assembling a common interest
like home school, home birth, the keeping of Jewish feasts, a particular
eschatological view, a pro forma pattern of church service, organic
farming, personal prophecy, "Holy Ghost laughter," social justice, or
some other issue, fad, or thing¡Xeven "house church" itself!
The Personality Cult
-----------------------------
Members of these groups center their universe around a gifted man or
woman. It may be a dead apostle whose writings act as the exclusive
medium for the group's identity, beliefs, and practices. More often,
the object of attention is a Christian leader who founds the church
and perpetually stays resident within it. While the gifted personality
often has a genuine desire to see the Body build itself up, his mere
presence obstructs this spiritual dynamic. He is typically blind to
the fact that he has unwittingly fostered a pathological dependence
upon himself. Therefore, he is the son of the modern pastor.
The Bless-Me-Club
---------------------------
At bottom, this is a narcissistic community¡Xa spiritual ghetto. The
meetings are insular and highly charismatic. The group functions as
a spiritual fueling station for burned out Christians in need of an
emotional fix. Churches of this ilk are dominated by navel-gazing individualists.
Thus its members typically bail-out whenever the group faces a rough
thicket. So when conflict or dry spells occur, those who were most zealous
about "house church" end up being lured back to the polish and flair
of the program-driven religious system.
The Socially Amorphous Party.
-----------------------------------------
These home groups are typically comprised of four to eight people who
nebulously meet in a living room to chat over tea and cookies. They
rarely attain critical mass due to a lack of vision and purpose. They
like to speak bulbously about Jesus being present whenever "two or three
are gathered together." However, they usually fold before they even
begin to understand why they exist. If they do not fold, their meetings
become progressively sterile as the years roll by.
The Disgruntled Malcontent Society
-------------------------------------------------
Comprised of ex-church derelicts and recycled Christians, these groups
happily assemble to lick their wounds and slam the "spiritually abusive"
institutional church. Their meetings are permeated with an atmosphere
of pessimism, cynicism, and veiled bitterness. Tragically, after the
members tire of attacking the organized church, they begin to chew one
another up. Thus they find themselves taken by the same spirit they
set out to oppose. This form of house church attracts Christians who
are deeply wounded and have never learned to trust others.
The Unwritten Liturgy Driven Church
--------------------------------------------------
These groups clearly stand outside the stream of institutional Christianity.
But they often do not meet in a home. Many gather in a rented building
or a "meeting hall." The dominating weakness of their gatherings is
the lurking presence of an unwritten liturgy. The ironclad liturgy,
which is practiced perfunctorily every week, is never questioned or
changed. In fact, if the order of worship is broken in any way, the
leadership of the church will call the violators on the carpet to reprove
them for their irreverence!
All of the afore groups happily sail under the banner of "house church"
or "New Testament church." Yet they all fall short of the Scriptural
idea of ekklesia. By New Testament standards, an ekklesia is a group
of Christians that gathers unto, by, and for the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
It is an assembly of believers who are fiercely committed to Christ's
full expression in their community. Jesus Christ is the life-blood of
the ekklesia. He is the Center. He is the Circumference. He is the Content.
He is the Focus. He is the sole gathering point of the church.
The saints who gather as an ekklesia are consumed with Jesus Christ
and nothing else. Their goal is to make Him visible in their community.
Their hallmark is their growing knowledge of the Lord. And their testimony
is an unmistakable love for one another. House churches that are not
characterized by these spiritual features not only miss a step, but
they dance the wrong dance.
A genuine ekklesia is neither issue-centered, person-centered, or doctrine-centered.
It is Christ-centered! The ekklesia exists for one purpose and one purpose
alone: the unveiling of the centrality and supremacy of her Lord! In
fact, in God's view the ekklesia is a Person, not a structure. It is
Jesus Christ in corporate human expression (Acts 2:47; 5:14; 9:4; 1
Cor. 12:12)¡K¡¨
----------------
How can we remain Christ-centered? This will be discussed further in
coming editions¡K.
CONTENTS
;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦
4.
Stories About What God is Doing In and
Through House Churches Around the World
;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦;¡¦
We are not able to include some of the stories in this section on the
internet, include the story from this edition; however, you may subscribe
to the following e-newsletter which includes stories about this subject.
FRIDAYFax is
produced by DAWN
Europe, part of the DAWN International Network. It is distributed with
permission by the Centre for Mission Direction, PO Box 31-146, Christchurch,
New Zealand. To subscribe send an email message to fridayfax-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
CONTENTS
====================
5.
BACK TO THE FUTURE:
The CASE FOR MARKETPLACE MINISTRY
***excellent article about discipling the nations through living out
Christ¡¦s mission in the marketplace!!
CONTENTS
+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+ EDUCATION +_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
5.
Some Differences Between Home Groups/Care Groups, Cell Churches and
House Churches
-- by Grace Wiebe, May, 2001
==================
One of the questions we continue to receive is: ¡¥what is the difference
between a house church and a call group or nurture group¡¦? We will
attempt to answer that below...
The main small group models:
--------------------------------------------
1) home groups/care groups
2) cell churches
3) house churches
HOME GROUPS/CARE GROUPS:
----------------------------------------------
This is the model which most churches use in order to help their people
have some place within the context of the local traditional church model,
where they feel they can get to know people more personally in a bigger
church, and where they can be nurtured more deeply than in the big meeting
assembly. Churches have found these to be a main type of 'glue' that
holds traditional churches together.
In these groups there is usually a fairly structured meeting which includes
prayer, worship time, Bible study, some sharing/fellowship, some snacks
and perhaps some ministry time.
Home Groups are not usually intergenerational and usually focus on a
particular age group or other specific group in the church - ie. musicians,
seniors, youth, singles, truck drivers, etc.
With Home Groups, the Sunday corporate service is considered the primary
meeting. Often the weekly home group meeting will be a follow-up to
the Sunday sermon.
Home Groups/Care Groups are often not greatly concerned about multiplying,
because a main focus is on nurture.
Leadership style: Usually very structured.
CELL CHURCHES:
---------------------------
This model, which has been used by Pastor Paul Yonggi Cho in Seoul,
Korea for several decades has become increasingly utilized around the
globe.
It is a model which is basically in the middle of the home group/care
group model and the house church model.
Cell churches function very much like a house church, and their primary
meeting is the cell churches rather than the larger weekly corporate
meeting. The cells are accountable to the local church which has birthed
the cell churches. These meetings usually are a follow-up to the weekly
sermon as well.
Cell churches are often much more evangelistic than home groups, which
are usually more inward and nurture-focused. Cell churches are often
intergenerational, and usually encourage the use of spiritual gifts
in their midst.
Although much nurture happens in cell churches, they are not focused
on nurture but on evangelism/discipleship.
Cell churches usually have the vision/mandate to multiply through evangelism
and are much more conducive to leadership development/discipleship within
the cell church, than the Home Group/Care Group model.
Leadership style: remains fairly structured.
HOUSE CHURCHES:
-------------------------------
There is also the house church model.
== It is important to note that what we are saying as a network is not
intended to criticize traditional churches (because there is lots of
work for all of us and no room for competition), but rather to say that
we have been seeing how the biblical model of house churches seems to
be potentially much more conducive to doing the things and living the
life that we as the Church were called to be and do than the traditional
model is. It is also more conducive to reaching the various segments
of society that are not a part of traditional churches. It is our desire
as the Canadian House Church Resource Network to serve those in various
Christ-centered forms of Christian gatherings in Canada, since God has
called us to unity, to love one another and to work together to see
His Kingdom expanded in our nation. ==
House churches tend to be intergenerational and tend to see children
as having a vital role in the Body of Christ even as children.
House churches are able to flex more easily as the Holy Spirit leads
since there aren't the normal structures or financial stresses.
House churches are the primary meeting. If there is a local network
of house churches, they may meet together corporately for worship perhaps
once a month or so locally and potentially work together in various
ministries as the Holy Spirit leads.
The corporate meetings are seen as a secondary meeting.
In addition to focusing on knowing Christ and experiencing His Presence
together, house churches are usually focused on evangelism/discipleship
and usually have a vision/mandate of multiplying reproducible, Christ
centered house churches. As in cell churches, though the focus is on
evangelism/discipleship, nurture is a by-product of that.
House churches (and probably cell churches), especially if most of those
attending are from the same neighbourhood, try to get together much
more often than just on a weekly or bi-weekly basis...they try to share
their lives together as a witness to their neighbours and to grow in
their relationships with the Lord and with each other. It is a very
grass-roots way of seeing the church grow and has great potential for
becoming a people movement.
A house church meeting usually includes a meal, the exercising of spiritual
gifts, prayer, worship, fellowship, ministry to each other, everyone
sharing a word or a song, etc. as in 1 Corinthians.
Leadership style: plurality of leaders. Potentially mutually accountable
to a local network of house churches and possibly receiving the ministry
of an itinerant apostolic team who serves the local network of house
churches.
Wolfgang Simson also says that house churches are also part of the 'city
church'. "Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you...and pray
to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare"
(Jeremiah 29:7).
Following are some additional thoughts on this chart from Wolfgang Simson¡¦s
excellent book: ¡§HOUSES THAT CHANGE THE WORLD: The Return of the House
Churches¡¨ ¡V copyright 1998 by OM Publishing (ordering information
available from: chcrn@hotmail.com - for more information see March 2001
edition of the CHCRN newsletter (above). From : page 133
Core Differences Cell Church House Church
philosophy ¡¥chiefdom¡¦ Acephalous, headless tribe
reflects City culture Village culture
Flourishes in Warrior nations Peaceful nations as well
Cell is Part of larger unit The unit itself
Administration is Jethro system Fivefold ministry
programme Agenda-driven House church is the agenda/(relational - editor's
note)
structure Pyramid Flat
leadership Leaders ladder Elders and apostles
centre Headquartered Decentralized
celebration Must Optional
Visibility High Low
Set-up Evangelistic Apostolic and prophetic
¡¥big-wing¡¦ is Denominational church The city church
CONTENTS
@@@@@@ B O O K S ON HOUSE CHURCHES @@@@@@
===========================================
7.
TRANSFORMING OUR NATION:
Empowering the Canadian Church for a Greater Harvest
- Written by various contributors and edited by Murray Moerman of Outreach
Canada
ISBN 0-9694564-2-5
===========================================
¡§¡KAt the dawning of the 21st century, this book gives a very complete
analysis of the spiritual reality in Canada. More importantly, it provokes
a profound reflection concerning the methods we employ in carrying out
our mission.¡¨
Though not specifically focused on house churches, the vision of house
churches is certainly included in seeing our nation transformed. ¡§¡KTransforming
Our Nation, a new book detailing the saturation church planting need
and vision for Canada, is now available. Chapters on prayer, the ¡§Discipline
a Whole Nation¡¨ saturation church planting strategy, unreached people
groups, and the current context of missions in Canada are contributed
by 12 leading authors. Ross Rains, president of The Navigators and coordinator
of Vision Canada writes: ¡§Nothing is more compelling than a book about
Canada by Canadians describing the spiritual landscape of our land.
These authors share their vision and their hearts as front-line leaders
burdened to see the gospel move into every sector of our society. Absorb
this material, circulate it to others who care and use it to fuel prayer
for our land!¡¨ The cost is $19.95 and volume discounts are available.
Please contact Outreach Canada¡K¡¨ http://www.outreach.ca/catalog/ton.htm
Email: Murray.Moerman@outreach.ca
CONTENTS
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% EVENTS %%%%%%%%%%%%%%
8.
SURREY QUARTERLY Meeting for Lower Mainland House Church Planters ¡V
July 20, 2001
If you or others you know in the Lower Mainland (and surrounding regions)
of BC are interested or involved in the utilization of house churches
as a part of seeing our neighbourhoods, cities and this nation reclaimed
and discipled for the Kingdom of God, we invite you to come meet with
us and others who share the vision ¡V July 20, 2001, 7 ¡V 9 p.m.
1) Meet others who are interested in house churches in the Lower Mainland
2) Share similar vision with each other and share your stories and how
God is leading
3) Pray for each other about these directions
4) Discuss some issues regarding house church development, etc.
5) Find out about possible upcoming events and resources available on
house churches
6) Consider possible ways to work together with others in your region
that share similar vision. networking, etc.
Some of you we know or have met before; others of you may be new to
us. We are looking forward to seeing many of you in Surrey on July 20!
If you are not already on our mailing list and would like to receive
the invitation once we have the specific location arranged, please let
Grace know at: chcrn@hotmail.com or call: 604-584-9371.
CONTENTS
+
+ + + + + + + + + WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN? + + + + + + + + + +
Children are a vital part of the Kingdom of God and the Body of Christ.
We believe that God wants to reach out to/minister to and work through
families, and to bring those without families into vital intergenerational
family relationships with others in the Body of Christ.
We all have things we need to learn from each other, and God is calling
ALL of us, young and older ļ to living out our lives as wholehearted
disciples/worshippers of Jesus Christ.
The are some resources to help you with the aspect of dealing with children
in house churches in our LINKS section.
In addition, one excellent book to help encourage you with a vision
for what God can and is doing among children, and some practical ways
that you can move forward with this, is the following book which we
would strongly recommend. Although her forte is cell churches, the principles
and resources she has developed are very applicable to house church
scenarios.
If you or your local network of house churches is interested in having
a conference on house churches and incorporating some good input on
dealing with children in these types of situations, we would strongly
recommend that you consider inviting Lorna Jenkins to share with you.
Because she would be coming from another country, it might be helpful
and more financially feasible for all if a number of house church groups
across the country could pay her way as a joint effort instead of everyone
having to pay for a separate trip. Perhaps she could visit a number
of cities consecutively while she¡¦s in Canada. If you¡¦re interested
in perhaps inviting her to speak, please do let us know and perhaps
we can assist interested parties by helping to facilitate a visit with
her on her next trip to Canada. -- chcrn@hotmail.com --
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
9. SHOUTING IN THE TEMPLE:
A Radical Look at Children's Ministry
-- by Lorna Jenkins, Foreward by Lawrence Khong
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - -
After 25 years of teaching Sunday School, Lorna Jenkins has been working
with children's cell groups for fifteen years. She has worked with people
around the world who wish to bring their children into their cell groups.
Lorna has written and developed numerous books and resources for children
including "SHOUTING IN THE TEMPLE" - a handbook for Intergenerational
Cell Groups. She has written down what she has seen and the answers
to the most common questions people ask. It is a workbook designed for
the people who are prepared to go out and take the risk.
---------
"Lorna presents a Kingdom vision for kids, that is apostolically anointed
and passionately practical." ¡V Alan Corrick, District Pastor & Training
Director, Alaska
"In a day when the church at last recognizes the importance of children,
Dr, Jenkins' ground-breaking book encourages us to return to God's original
plan: that children should primarily absorb and live out Kingdom principles
in their natural family and small community, the modern equivalent of
which is the intergenerational cell group. A must-read for all parents,
pastors and children's ministry workers." - Ann Hornshaw, Children's
Pastor, Church of the Good Shepherd, Sydney
"Lorna Jenkins is the global expert in forming Intergenerational Cell
Groups. I know this book will bless your ministry!" - Dr. Ralph Neighbours
Jr., TOUCH Outreach Ministries, Houston, TX
"Shouting in the Temple gives a prophetic voice that must be heard in
this generation. No nation, church or individual can afford to ignore
this message as we approach the return of Jesus." - Daphne Kirk, Children's
Pastor, Lighthouse Center, Ely, UK
"Reading her book is like unfolding the process that makes the children's
ministry in FCBC what it is today. Her book is principle-centred, inspiring
and down-to-earth. I am so glad to be a part of Lorna's journey of translating
a vision into a reality." - Aw Yew Lin, Director of Children's Ministry,
Faith Community Baptist Church, Singapore
There are many wonderful things about this book, but a couple things
which I have found very helpful are that it is VERY PRACTICAL and explains
the steps this church took to encourage this paradigm shift in their
church. It also explains how they transitioned into this paradigm from
a more traditional church model.
For more info about Lorna's excellent resource materials, and to order
this book, and to find out more about Lorna's ministry, check out her
web site here.
To order a copy of the book, click here.
FCBC Office, 73312.2011@compuserve.com, 940-382-3035, PO Box 911, Denton,
TX USA
CONTENTS
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10.
DAWN REPORT ¡V ¡¥The Church Comes Home¡¦ Edition
Issue No 38 August 1999
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
The DAWN Report is the newsletter put out by the DISCIPLING A WHOLE
NATION (DAWN) Movement which is increasingly spreading around the globe.
This excellent edition includes the following articles:
„h Small-church movement catching fire worldwide: Mexico city provides
a prime example
„h What Martin Luther left out
„h New CitiReach Organization Emphasizes ¡§GO TO¡¨ Approach
„h The Church Comes Home: the role of house churches in the DAWN movement
„h 12 advantages of house churches for the discipling of whole nations
„h House churches prepare us for the persecution we face
For free copies of this edition, contact:
DAWN Ministries, 5775 N.
Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Phone: 719-548-7460 Fax: 719-548-7475
Steeled@aol.com
CONTENTS
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11.
CARIBOO PRESBYTERIAN HOUSE CHURCH MISSION VIDEO (free)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The Cariboo Presbyterian
House Church Mission has a FREE video available about their ministry/network
of house churches here.
This video will give you some insight into how these church planters
are reaching people in BC¡¦s ¡¥outback¡¦ in a situation where the hard-to-reach
people are very isolated and hard to find among hundreds of miles of
often treacherous roads. Lifestyles there are not very modern and many
do not even have indoor plumbing! So it requires a different mindset
to reach these people!
CONTENTS
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12.
CHRISTIAN WEEK newspaper
¡V Vol. 14, No. 23
Includes an article called ¡§Providing Community for a Searching People:
House Churches Go Back to the Basics¡¨ ¡V by Kelly Henschel To order
your copy: cw@christianweek.org
CONTENTS
**********************************************
13.
ARTICLES Sent Out By Email
**********************************************
For those of you new to the newsletter subscription, we recently sent
our subscribers an emailed copy of the following articles, which you
are free to request as well, from: chcrn@hotmail.com.
They are also online here.
1 How to Start House Churches
2 Baptist Article On House Church
3 Youth Ministry and House Churches
4 New York Times article on House Churches
CONTENTS
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
14. Locations of REGIONAL NETWORKERS and
List of Where Canadian Folks Involved/Interested
in Home Churches are Located (that we know of so far)
Please let us know if you know of others that can be added. Many thanks!
- chcrn@hotmail.com -
CONTENTS
=========================
15.
PRAYER NETWORK
to serve Canadian House Churches
=========================
We would like to provide an opportunity for those involved in house
churches in Canada to have a place to mobilize prayer for:
1) needs regarding the house church or network of house churches you¡¦re
involved with;
2) needs which are relevant to the Body in Canada ¡V ie. various laws
being discussed, prayer for various ministries, prayer regarding Transformation
re various cities and towns, outreaches, mission trips, things the Holy
Spirit is bringing to the attention of His Body as something that we
need to pray about individually and together as house churches and house
church networks, etc.;
3) prayer for the Body in various parts of the globe
4) prayer for persecuted believers
5) prayer for particular groups of people God is putting on your hearts
in Canada and in your cities ¡V ie. Muslims, prostitutes, street people,
government officials, teens, seniors, shut-ins, lonely, poor, etc.
Reporting Answered Prayers to Encourage the Body
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
We would also like to provide a place where we can all report answers
to prayer to encourage the Body.
How often?
-----------------
Other than urgent requests, we will plan on sending these quarterly
prayer updates out by email to begin with and see whether that serves
us all satisfactorily.
If this is of interest to you, to find out more information, contact
us at: chcrn@hotmail.com
------------------------------------------------
Persons receiving these e-mail prayer network updates will only be people
that are connected with the network.
---------
NOTE: If you have a heart for prayer and would be interested in facilitating
this prayer network, please let us know and we will be interested in
talking with you about that! - chcrn@hotmail.com
CONTENTS
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
16.
Recent CTV
News Link re House Church Feature
CONTENTS
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17.
Searching
for the New Testament Church ¡V (Christian Counterculture Online
Magazine)
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
various articles include:
Searching for the New Testament Church
The Clergy/Laity Distinction: A Help or Hindrance to the Church
Setting Things in Order: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Leadership
How Did Christians First Gather Together?
What Does the Bible Reveal About the New Testament Church?
CONTENTS
====================================
18.
HANDBOOK FOR HOUSE
CHURCHES
¡V by Fellowship of Church Planters
Very helpful!
CONTENTS
=====================================
19.
BC REPORTS ¡V article on house churches
- can be sent to Canadians via attached jpg file
CONTENTS
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W E B S I T E S W E B S I T E S W E B S I T E S
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CANADIAN
HOUSE CHURCH WEB SITES:
--------------------------------------------------------------
*****Please send us the web sites of other Canadian home-based churches
for future editions. Thx! : )
The Dwelling Place
- Waterloo, ONT
CALGARY HOUSE
CHURCH CONNECTION
Cariboo Presbyterian
House Church Network
Home Harvesters
- Sudbury, ONT
NextReformation ¡V Kelowna,
BC ¡V includes many very helpful resources!!
The Church in Chateguay
- Quebec
CONTENTS
WORSHIP
& ARTS WEB SITES:
---------------------------------------------
For those interested in utilizing music and the arts as part of your
role in the Great Commission locally or overseas, following are scads
of resources for you!
Great Commission Worship & Arts Center
(GCWAC)/Ethnic Worship & Arts Focus(EW&AF)
House Church Music & Arts Page
For those of you who are making your arts available over the internet,
or would like to but don¡¦t have your own web site, please contact:
gracew@idmail.com with your web site address or to discuss the possibility
of posting your art on the GCWAC web site.
International Worship
& Arts Network
---------------------
CONTENTS
LINKS
Outreach Canada
House Church Resources
Back to INDEX OF NEWSLETTERS
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