Is a Home Church a True Biblical Church?

In exploring the concept of a home church within the context of biblical scripture, it is essential to delve into the various references that point to the practice of gathering in homes for worship. This article will examine these references and discuss whether a home church can be considered a true biblical church.

The Practice in Colossae and Other Places

The New Testament provides several instances where the church meets in homes, including in Colossae and other cities. Paul, in his letter to Philemon, refers to the church meeting in his house, indicating that this practice was common and recognized within early Christian communities. As seen in Philemon 1:2, Paul mentions the church in Philemon’s house as the church in Colossae; similarly, Acts 8:1 and Acts 11:22 reference persecutions and reports about the church in Jerusalem that were meeting in homes. These texts highlight the significance of home churches in fostering community and spreading the gospel.

The Unified Church Concept

The Bible consistently emphasizes the unity and singularity of the church, as seen in the verses Acts 8:1, Acts 11:22, and Acts 15:4. The passage in Acts 15:4, for instance, mentions only one church in Jerusalem, underscoring the idea of a unified, collective body of believers. Similarly, in Antioch, we see that there was one church populated by prophets and teachers, reflecting the singular nature of the church (see Acts 13:1). The same is true for the church in Ephesus, with the book of Revelation referring to the church as a unified entity (see Revelation 2:1). These examples illustrate that there was generally one church in each city, reinforcing the idea that a home church can be considered true when it serves as a part of the broader, singular church.

Specific References to Specific Home Churches

Further evidence of home churches can be found in the letters to Nymphas in Laodicea and to Aquila and Prisca in Rome. Specifically, in Colossians 4:15, Paul instructs the Colossians to greet Nymphas and the church in their house. This verse highlights that the church meeting in Nymphas’ home was officially recognized as part of the larger community. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 16:19, Aquila and Prisca are mentioned as saluting the church in their house. This underscores the fact that these home churches were integral to the broader church structure.

The Nature of the Home Church

A home church can be defined as a congregation that meets in a private residence, often used as a community gathering space. These gatherings are not separate or distinct from the unified church; rather, they are an extension of the church where members can worship, learn, and grow in their faith. Just as Paul instructs Archippus to take heed to the ministry he received in the Lord (see Colossians 4:17), so too are home church leaders called to fulfill their roles in the broader church. This indicates that the practices and intentions of home churches align with the goals and purposes of the unified church.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of a home church within the biblical scope is indeed true and can be considered a legitimate part of the unified church. References to such churches in the New Testament, such as those in Philemon 1:2, provide evidence of the practice of church meetings in homes. Furthermore, the emphasis on the unity and singularity of the church in texts like Acts 8:1, Acts 11:22, Acts 15:4, and Revelation 2:1 demonstrate that home churches are a valid form of worship that contributes to the overall mission and unity of the church. Therefore, a home church that maintains the unity and purpose of the larger church can be a true biblical church.

Keywords: biblical church, home church, Philemon 1:2, church meeting