Small groups vs house churches (2)

Twenty years ago, I was one of six ordained pastors on the staff of an Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) of about 3,000. In addition to the six of us who were called "Teaching Elders", there were another 12-15 lay people who were called "Ruling Elders". According to the Book of Order of our denomination, we, as Elders, were the only ones who were allowed to officiate or serve communion. If a small group wanted to take communion, they would have to invite one of us to come to their group.

So, this is another way that small groups and house churches are often different. (Although, not every denomination or traditional church has these same "rules") A house church is fully "church" and not just one of the ministries of the larger church. That is, it's members are free to do everything that a "real" church does - including communion and baptism.

Take a look at the video below about college students planting churches on their campuses. About a minute and a half into the video, one of the leaders makes a very important comment: "The moment the works of the Scriptures are taken out of the hands of common people and put in the hands of trained professionals the movement ceases to move forward."

In house churches, "the works of the Scriptures" are placed in the "hands of common people". The priesthood of all believers moves from a theological concept to everyday reality.

What kinds of thoughts and feelings do you have as you watch this video? Pay close attention to the students doing the baptizing.

John