We have primarily three types of house churches in the United States today:

1. The first is the cell or fellowship group. This type is basically a group of people who meet together in a members' home primarily for prayer, study, and fellowship. They then meet together corporately with the other cell groups for a worship service which is conducted by the pastor, who is the leader of the corporate church. They also have a group leader who is in charge of conducting the home meetings. This type of house church very closely resembles the New Testament model (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus).
2. The second type of house church is one that is a new traditional church plant. Often because of lack of funds, the pastor will arrange to meet in members' homes for a season until the church becomes stronger. This type of house church is usually temporary, and the goal is to move into a more visible, permanent facility as the church grows. This type of church usually has the New Testament model for leadership in place (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus).
3. The third type is relatively new to the United States, but has been around in other countries for some time. It is generally a group of people who meet together for prayer, worship, and fellowship. The biggest shift from the New Testament church model is that there are usually no leaders so to speak, or any set order to the service. If someone feels led to sing, they sing. If someone feels led to read a verse, they read. Most people I have talked to that have house churches of this type say that there is order even though there is no set structure or leader.

I believe the trend in the United States to move toward the house church can be positive in that as the body of Christ we should be prepared to worship anywhere and at anytime without the traditional church settings we are accustomed to. It is possible in this nation that we may face a time when we will not have the religious freedoms that we enjoy now and may have to worship in less conspicuous places. However, I do not agree with the departure from the New Testament model of leadership, if that is the case. I recommend that anyone who has a house church study church history, particularly the New Testament church, and prayerfully compare their church to the model, being willing to make any changes that are necessary.

It is of the utmost importance that anyone who is thinking about starting a house church make sure they are doing it for the right reasons. The only reason should be that the Lord told them to! If the Lord has not called a person to undertake such a task (or any other ministry for that matter), then it will be a great disaster and people will get hurt. One should never be started because a person is bitter or angry at the church or church leaders, or out of rebellion simply because they want to do it their way and don't want anyone telling them what to do.

Even in a house church, someone should be the leader or shepherd, who is responsible for the flock. If there is no shepherd, then you have a bunch of sheep who are out alone waiting for the wolf to come and devour them (read 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus for God's guidelines for a leader). God very clearly structured the church as outlined in His word. He did it for our protection and spiritual growth. It works! I admit there have been abuses, but don't give up on the church. Jesus died for it, and it is the vehicle He uses to reach the world. Don't deceive yourself into thinking that you would be better off by yourself, and not part of a local body. That is exactly what the enemy wants you to think. There is strength in numbers.

Remember, regardless of denominational differences it is us against the devil, not us against us. We are a team! People are not perfect, and they will hurt you at times. They did the same to Jesus. Pray that the Lord leads you to the church He wants for you. One where you can serve Him and grow. Don't be surprised if it isn't perfect. Get your eyes off what everyone else is doing and onto what He wants you to do with the gifts and talents that He has given you. When you really begin to serve others it is amazing how much easier it is to tolerate their imperfections!