The Call

To begin a movement of independent gatherings inter-connected via true relationships for the purpose of biblical discipleship and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Utilizing Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers to train, anoint and release each believer for the work of the ministry. Maintaining adherence to what is revealed through the written word in regard to holiness, standards and qualifications for teaching, ministry and leadership. Endeavoring to maintain true reliance on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide the entire process.

Matt 28:19-20, Eph 4:11-16, Acts 1:4-5, 2:47, 5:42, 14:23, 1 Tim 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-16

Weekly meetings rotate homes, as do leadership roles of teaching, worship, and prayer. Place is given to the supernatural working of the Holy Spirit through the gift ministries given to each and every believer. Times of prayer, worship and study are spontaneous and/or planned as each gathering is led. Fellowship mainly takes place during communion, not the symbolic wafer and tiny cup, but the sharing of a full meal with the focus on Jesus and what He did and is doing for us, taking time to truly get to know one another. Responsibility for hosting gatherings is shared as well as costs and practical duties so as not to become burdensome on any one person or family. Caring for children during meetings takes thoughtful strategy and is individualized within each gathering depending on the resources they possess and the ages and number of children. Involving the children as much as possible is greatly encouraged in every aspect of the ministry. Personal and more intimate relationships naturally develop within the gathering with many of these relationships taking the form of mentoring. It is within these private meetings that accountability develops where specific challenges and personal struggles can be addressed with integrity and trust. Directions or addresses to our home meeting locations will never be published and meetings are by personal invitation.

Acts 2:42, 2:46, 5:42, 20:20, 1 Cor 11:18-34, 14, Rom 16:5, Matt 19:14, Titus 2:3-4, James 5:16

Church growth and evangelism takes place via true relationships with those in the world. Relying on the Holy Spirit as He is the One who adds to the Church, looking strategically within one’s personal sphere of relationships, making every conversation and contact count as we become all things to all men in order to win a few. Personal invitation to the gathering is a prayerful consideration that the group takes part in. Some begin by meeting for coffee or other informal venue to respond to people actively seeking spiritual truth. As we live our lives more and more like Jesus, people will begin to draw near, just as in the days of the early Church. Outreach beyond the specific gatherings in the form of missions work is also encouraged. The Holy Spirit will lead and direct each gathering with individual and specific callings. Larger undertakings could involve many individual gatherings working together in unity. Entire families could relocate to another region or country to begin a new movement.

Matt 28:19-20, 1 Cor 9:22, Gal 5:22, Acts 8:26-40, 10, 13:2, 16, Col 4:5, 1 Cor 16:1-3

Apostolic and prophetic messages for the movement can take place in regional meetings that include all the gatherings in a given area. They are scheduled on an as needed basis renting facilities by day. Corporate times of worship and prayer can also take place in these larger regional meetings as well as structured seminars with in-depth teaching.

Acts 5:12, 8:3, 11:26, 13:44, 14:27, 19:9-10. 20:20, Col 4:16, Heb 10:25

Financial integrity, giving and receiving is taught with a New Testament perspective. Without the cost of buildings and the many expenses that come with traditional structures more resources are directed to the needs of the Saints, the poor, outreach and the support of proven regional workers. Each gathering is responsible for their finances; support of larger outreaches, apostolic and other ministries that work throughout the movement is encouraged. Accountability that includes open transparency is coupled with strict adherence to local laws and generally accepted accounting principles. Bank accounts and individual corporate church structures are encouraged in order to take full-advantage of tax benefits. Some gatherings band together and share one bank account and corresponding legal structure.

Acts 4:34, 5:4, 15:3, 16:1-4, Rom 16:1-4, 1 Cor 9:4-15, 16:6-16, 2 Cor 9, Phil 4:15-19

Common problems within similar types of movements or “House Churches” are addressed biblically and stopped immediately in each individual gathering to guard the integrity of the movement.

Common Problems: 1) Can become anti-establishment, focused against existing church structure 2) Can become too internalized where focus on outreach and evangelism is lost 3) Giving and receiving stops or greatly decreases 4) Teaching can swerve into personal views or strange doctrines

Mutual submission one to another in love is imperative as is reliance on the Holy Spirit to keep all in check. There is a needed authority and balance made manifest through biblical apostolic, prophetic and other gift ministries acting alongside of elders and deacons within the movement. Humility marked by sacrificial service give these ministries their authority; they are welcomed as fellow believers their wisdom and direction is received with joy as they fulfill their role and calling as true servants.

2 Pet 1:10, Rom 14:4, Acts 20:29-30, 3 John 9:9-10, 1 Cor 3&4, 2 Cor 9:6, 10:12-18, Phil 1:16, 1 Tim 1, 4:1, 6:4-5, Heb 13:17-18

We embark on this Calling, receiving it from the Lord and press on towards the high calling in Christ Jesus with the focus on spiritual growth and maturity, discipleship, first of our own selves, then our families and ultimately others, as we fulfill the Great Commission.