Why Home Friendship Groups

Jesus, His Apostles & The Early Church Met in Homes

The idea of a church meeting in homes is a new concept to many in 21st century America; yet, this was the method Jesus used.  The apostles also preached and taught in private homes in the early days of the church.  They were following the Master’s method.     

History declares the early church was a church without walls.  As a matter of fact in the beginning there was a Church, but there was not a “church building.”   Furthermore, there is no historical evidence that a “church building” existed prior to the fourth century.

In the Gospels we can see Jesus Christ’s ministry took place in homes, not church buildings.  In Capernaum when Jesus was teaching and some friends of a man who had palsy broke up the roof to get to Jesus to heal their friend he was teaching in a private home (Mark 2).   He ministered to Mary & Martha in their home (Luke 10).  He healed Simon Peter’s mother in law in a home (Matthew 8).  In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus ministered to a man named Zacchaeus in his home.  As a matter of fact Jesus said “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.” (Luke 19:5).

The early Church prospered and grew as the apostles ministered in people’s homes.  Paul, taught the saints at Troas “in the upper room” of someone’s home where they were gathered together (Acts 20:8).

He also told the elders of the church at Ephesus that he had taught them both “publicly and from house to house. “ (Acts 20:20).

The Book of Acts, which is the original church history book, records the original Apostolic Church.  It began with the  ascension of Christ, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and, concludes with Paul ministering in his home. These words conclude the Book of Acts: Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him (Acts 28:30-31).

 The home environment is unthreatening and comfortable— the ideal place for the teaching and intimate personal ministry of Jesus Christ.

The early first century Christians faced many of the same battles and conflicts that we face today, and they met in homes in small groups where they could minister to one another.  Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” and in Colossians 3:16 Paul wrote “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

We would love to have you join us as we set the foundations for a 1st century style church and as we grow in Christ.  Contact us today, and come worship Jesus with us this week.

In The Book of Acts

We at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship follow the pattern in The Book of Acts were it teaches that they regularly worshipped together in small groups in homes.

Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Acts 2: 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart

Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house

We are Lighthouse Christian Fellowship.  We are a small growing group of Christians living in the Freeport, Illinois area that presently meet in our homes every Tuesday evening at 7pm.  We are “A Home Friendship Group Assembly”.