What is a house church?

A house church is the same as a regular church, with one primary exception. Instead of a building, used once a week, or so, the people meet in houses for worship.

What happens in a house church?

Simple, people worship. In our house, we have time for fellowship, singing, eating, prayer, and listening to the word of God. Since we are a house church, without a platform or narthex, etc, we do not have special music, but provide our own through our own means. Everyone takes part in the various parts of the service, as they feel comfortable in doing so.

Why a house church?

We have at least three reasons why we meet in houses:

First, the original church, started by Jesus in the first century, was a house church. The churches started by Jesus’ apostles also met in homes for worship. This was the original Biblical method of meeting for church, in the intimacy of the home. In fact, most of Paul’s letters were originally written to churches that met in houses.
Second, the house church provides an intimate way to worship God, with a small group of people who love you, and are concerned about your life. The house church model provides an opportunity for people to be involved in real community with one another.
Third, by meeting in homes, we are able to spend less money on outward needs, such as rent, electricity, choir robes, and carpeting. We use our tithes and offerings for needs both of our members, and of other ministries such as helping with flood relief, a Christian teen center in San Francisco, Tracy Interfaith Ministries, and other needs as we are able.