Hi
Im new here.
I am interested in the conversation on Progressive House Churches. Has anyone tried this yet? I am very curious about the structure. Could it be like a traditional church or contemporary church, but in a house and progressive? Could it take the form of a book discussion group/learning group/bible study? Would you have room for liturgy?
For me there are a few considerations. Im a seminary student and when i get frustrated with the mainline church i often think of doing a House Church. I have so many things that would have to be held in tension to pull it off.
1) Contemporary - i admit i grew up in these churches. i have a soft spot in my heart for them.
2) Liturgical - i also love the poetry of liturgy and the rhythems of the church year. Its all great.
3) Progressive - but what does it mean? For some it means just being open and affirming. For others its a total reconstruction of the Christian expierence. Can a 'Christian Unitarian' church be started?
4) Grace - i am Lutherean after all.
5) Justice Oriented
6) Transformative.
7) Challenging.
Would a progressive house church be run like a new religious order? i am scared of a random progressive house church out on its own. Too much chance for something cult-y to happen.
What about a network of progressive house churches. For instance, a neo-denomination, house churches across the world that share resources and provide accountability to each other.
here is some research i have had into house churches. I provide the links not to endorse theology but structure (house churches, simple, relationship/ministry based, networks).
http://www.matthewshouse.com/
http://www.apexchurch.org/
http://www.dcfi.org/ - actually tends to act like a denomination, has its own publishing arm
http://www.dcfi.org/House2House/index.htm
If others are interested in starting house churches that would be part of a network of like minded churches i would be interested in participating.
Jason