Third insight: Jesus always planted churches in homes. (And taught His disciples to do the same.)
Of course, this follows from our definition of church as "a new family of God". The natural physical "center point" for a family is always their home.
Now, there is much talk these days about "churches" in other places. Office buildings, Starbucks, parks, etc. While I'm for gatherings of Christians in any location, I'm not at all sure that Jesus would want to call these gatherings "churches". In the New Testament, every ekklesia (church) was birthed and functioned in the context of an oikos (household). In God's economy, there seems to be some essential link between churches and households.
Roger Gehring in House Church and Mission quotes various New Testament scholars on this point.
*J. H. Elliott: "Of fundamental importance is Elliott's insight that "households thus constituted the focus, locus and nucleus of the ministry and mission of the Christian movement." " p. 6
*D. C. Verner: "For Verner this concept of church as the "household of God" incorporates two aspects: (a) the house or family is the fundamental unit of the church, and (b) the church is a social structure patterned after the household." p. 7
Take another look at the picture above. This time notice the room in which this church is being birthed. What else went on in this living space? Why is it significant that Jesus planted churches in places like this? What are the implications for the home I live in?
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John
Today in reading Acts 9, using the Greek interlinear, I noticed that after Saul's conversion the church (singular) had peace and being built in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.
ReplyDeleteI think the singular use of this word church might be important, because it is inclusive of all who invoke the name of the Lord Jesus (according to Acts 9) and who enter and live in the kingdom of God.
So then the kingdom is spread, in every corner, and place, where people begin to believe on him. This must be in their homes, and in their work, and among their friends. These are the church, and it seems we should always be having connection and exchange of life in a network of believers among all those who call upon the name of the Lord.
Since we now can do this more easily than by walking to the next home or town, the kingdom is being strengthened, house to house, family to family, person to person. We can more easily be of one heart and one mind together. Isn't God good!
In this image, I see a place of comfort and rest. The contrast would be a place of tension and chaos, which I'm certain Jesus did not intend!
ReplyDeleteI might recommend Burke's "Adopted into God's Family" - he really unleashes the metaphor of oikos. I think there are lots of "community wells" that are "households" - but I agree with you John - there aren't as many true community wells as there are coffeehouses. From my view, its about where people find their primary identity.
ReplyDeleteThis is very helpful. I am not sure that I am able to completely integrate this definition of church though and feel that I am missing some key element.
ReplyDeleteLancia
Two stories come to mind of where the church met, or where they began. I think of Lydia and the Philippian jailer. Lydia was meeting at the river's edge with WOMEN who had gathered for prayer... as pre-Christians. The Jailer was, of course, in the jail. Paul started churches from these groups, who LATER met in the home of Lydia, and probably met in the home of the jailer. I like what Carolyn alluded to .. the Kingdom of God has no walls, barriers, or definite places to meet. I like the family and community concept meeting in homes, but I also like the sense that the church can meet in other places, and BE the church whereever they are. Seems to be working better here in ABQ as the church continues to grow and multiply throughout the state as we just gather.
ReplyDelete