I was talking to a friend of mine today... between us we probably have about 50 years of ministry of various flavors in the churches of Christ. He has some letters after his name (I don't), and he has been in full time ministry for most of his adult life (and I have done it only on a personal or part-time or volunteer basis)...
Our discussion turned to the restoration movement... and we agreed that it is indeed an exciting time to be alive! Mostly because of the way God seems to be moving us toward unity. Many things are happening today which are long overdue... Christians are seeking common ground, letting go of some long-held traditions which have divided us.
The congregation where he worships is trying a revolutionary idea: they have decided that, for the summer, the 'ministry' which their 'church' does will come directly out of their small groups, and NOT be associated in any way with the building...
That's right, for this summer, they will no longer have organized Bible classes, cry rooms, or 'corporate' worship... they will meet in each others' homes, study God's word, hear testimony, sing, pray, and celebrate communion within the context of their 'home churches'...
Any giving, sharing, spending or benevolence 'programs' will be dealt with in these small group settings... they will 'do' visitation, brothers' keeper, etc. within the house church setting...
The effort is ingenious, I think. They are aspiring to be just Christians... they want to divorce themselves from the notion that 'church' or 'church work' or 'Christianity' is bound to the walls of their church building...
I told you it was revolutionary... you're probably thinking (like I did): "those people are crazy!"
Which is probably what they said about the early disciples of Jesus... you know, the ones described in our New Testament...
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