Is Something Missing?
24 07 2006I have always wondered why someone would want to be a part of a house church and this article says a lot. What’s the appeal? I think it is people getting real. Not in the MTV real world way, but in the I don’t know anyone in my church because no one has reached out to me and even when they do it is in a very contrived, religious way.
People need relationships just as much as they need Bible study. If the church doesn’t give them both, then is it any wonder that they form their own groups to get it?
Beware the Barna!
Rebecca quotes Barna’s latest book ‘Revolution’ in lauding this new wave of ‘doing church’.
But, I’m afraid there may be more to this ‘Revolution’ than just a desire for authenticity and intimacy (ahhh those lovely emergent buzzwords).
I did a quasi-review/rant on Barna’s diagnosis and prescription for the ailing churches of America (http://kerux4oaks.blogspot.com/2006_03_01_kerux4oaks_archive.html -
under ‘Have I Emerged? Part Two’)
Here is great quote where Barna bares his true ecclesiological worldview:
“Being in a right relationship with God and His people is what matters. Scripture teaches us that devoting your life to loving God with all your heart, mind, strength, and soul is what honors him. Being a part of a local church may facilitate that. Or it might not.” (Revolution, pg. 37)
Yikes. So let’s make sure that our move to the ‘homechurch’ revolution is not just an unwillingness to submit oneself to the Lord by uniting with his tarnished bride.
Erik, thanks for your comment. You really read this stuff? Wow! I agree with you by the way that the home church movement is not exactly what it is cracked up to be. I also am suspicious of Barna.
Mostly I was thinking of this article as a rebuke for the local church and myself to realize the need for authentic relationships withing the church.