Church in Many Houses Read Through: Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Frequently Asked Questions

Summary: There are many questions that come with thinking about the Body of Christ in a non-programmatic way, but it is worth the time to consider and answer the questions.

“Q: How can we be sure the group leaders will not drift into wrong teaching or a different vision?” (Location: 1,862)

Note:This is a very important questions. I wonder though if we have considered the idea that all of us are capable of drifting or diving into false teaching, and perhaps many of those in our church are currently there, we just don’t hear them talking about it. It seems to me that instead of worrying that if we give individuals the opportunity to talk they will walk into heresy, we should be concerned that if we don’t give them the opportunity to talk they will continue in heresy.

“Q: Won’t we be breaking up friendships by asking the groups to multiply?” (Location: 1,868)

Note:Good question. Along with the author’s answer, I think we need to address this idea that “church” is where my friends are. Seems like we are walking down the wrong path when we go to church because of our friends, leave a church because of our friends, or only find friends in our church. That does not mesh with the teachings of Jesus.

“Q: Where do leaders and coaches find the time for all those meetings? (Location: 1,879)”

Note:Good answer here: Cut the programs.

“Q: Can our Sunday School classes function as cell groups? Sunday School classes are fundamentally different in nature than cells. By definition the cell meets outside the church and has a strong evangelistic goal. Sunday School classes are instruction-based, and meet inside a church building. The environment of a home is much different than the institutional feel of a church facility. In a healthy cell, members do life together, sharing experiences outside the group. A classroom environment produces a classroom culture. It is highly likely that in spite of the Sunday School class’ intent to become a cell group, if they meet at Sunday School time in a Sunday School room they will revert to being a Sunday School class instead of a true cell group.” (Location: 1,919)

“Q: How do you minister to children in a cell-based church?” (Location: 1,932)

This is a great question, but the author gives a poor answer. One thing we are doing is studying the same passage with the children and the adults, just shortening it and including a project for the children. While the adults continue with the same passage, the children are coloring or creating, and often then speak up and answer questions during the adult time. This isn’t perfect, but we sacrifice some things so we can gain the experience of studying together with our children and setting them up for a future of studying God’s Word with others, not just watching videos.