Our Church

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Why A Home Fellowship?

What is a Home Fellowship?

Known predominantly as a “house church,” a Home Fellowship is a gathering of people in the warmth and comfort of a home for the purpose of building and strengthening fellowship with each other and growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is NOT an extension of a traditional church, nor is it a satellite of a “parent” church.

In the days of Acts, as the Church was first being established, meetings took place in house churches, what we refer to as home fellowships. References to “meeting in the temple” merely spoke of the fact that all Jews were allowed to enter and interact in the Jewish temple - it was their right.

However, the leaders of the Jewish faith did not approve of Jews who had converted to Christianity meeting in the temple or community synagogues.  They viciously opposed it, especially when the ministry of Paul and others brought large numbers of non-Jews into the Body of Christ.  As a result, Christians established home fellowships as the way to gather for association, worship and teaching.  Because of this, home fellowships flourished.

Careful study of the New Testament shows that the only type of church specifically described in the New Testament is the house church. There is no record of the larger assemblies like we see today.

The Benefits of Being in a Home Fellowship

By coming together in an informal setting, we have the opportunity to experience and demonstrate New Testament Christianity.  Together we can share relevant biblical teaching; we can pray for each other, we can encourage and serve one another; and we can develop and use our God-given gifts and talents for the building up of each other and the church.

Home Fellowship is a Church Body

A Home Fellowship is a type of “church” and anyone who desires and feels called to a more intimate church setting is welcome.  As a Home Fellowship grows and the Lord raises up new leaders, we will start a branch fellowship when the needs of the Home Fellowship body can no longer be met effectively.  In this way, we will ensure that the primary focus of our Home Fellowship remains unhindered and that new members can experience the same things that drew in older members.  Members and occasional visitors are always encouraged to invite their friends and neighbors to come and enjoy the loving and healing experience of Christian fellowship.

Is The Lamb’s Home Fellowship Right for You?

That depends.  We recommend that you read the brief description of the Home Groups listed.  If one sounds interesting, give the individuals listed a call.  They will be glad to answer any questions you may have.  Visit the group.  You are under no obligation to join.  In fact, we encourage you to visit several groups before you decide where the Lord would have you commit.  We want you to enjoy the fellowship of friends in the setting that best suits your needs and allows you to use the gifts God has given you.

Some references to house churches in the New Testament:

Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus who risked their own necks for my life.  Not only do I thank them, but so do all the Gentile churches.  Greet also the church that meets in their home.  Romans 16:3-5

I did not shrink back from proclaiming to you anything that was profitable, or from teaching it to you in public and from house to house.  Acts 20:20

Then he stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with full boldness and without hindrance.  Acts 28:30-31

The churches of the Asian province greet you.  Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, along with the church that meets in their home.  I Corinthians 16:19

Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.  Colossians 4:15

To Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your house.  Philemon 1:2