In Defense of House Church Meetings/ Cell/ Home Groups

Not to long ago, I listened in live to a conference over the internet and the preacher, a man I greatly admire and respect said something which greatly concerned me.

His message came from the book of Judges and highlighted a few stories from the book including the story of Micah in Judges 17. What really concerned me was the fact that in passing through this story, the preacher connected Micah and his mother’s sin in having an idol in their home and their own priest for worship with home fellowship groups. I do not have a direct quote but he said something like “And in this age many people are canceling services for these home group things” to which there was an extra loud AMEN in response.

I in no way mean to demean or speak against this particular minister, as I said earlier he has my respect and admiration. I however wish to address what I believe is an error in the message he communicated, and by no means him only, as I have heard quite a few preachers in recent times preach similar things.

Let me say from the beginning that I find no problem with House Church/ Cell or Home Group meetings. I believe they are biblical and that churches can benefit greatly from them in ways that a normal church service cannot (although my church does not have them). I am also concerned that many ministers who use the banner of apostolic speak out so strongly against techniques that are not only biblical but used by the apostles.

Jesus Met and Taught in Homes

Mark 2:1-3 NKJV
And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them.

What house was this? From the story we are led to believe that it was actually a home as the four men were able to go to the rooftop and tear open the roof to lower their friend.

The Holy Spirit Was Poured Out On A Home Meeting

We are all aware of the fact that the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the 120 disciples in the upper room, what exactly was this upper room? Acts 1 tells us:

Acts 1:13-14
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Luke makes it clear that Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon Zelotes, Judas the brother of James abode in this upper room. Other translations say that they were staying there. This was not just a meeting place but rather a house where these disciples lived.

It must also be noted that the 120 received the Holy Spirit sitting down. This may seem to be insignificant unless you realize that this meeting was happening in a home and naturally they all sat to pray.

Acts 2:1-4
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Another question rises up from this particular incident: Why did they say these men were drunk? I would be led to believe that it was because they were at a house and thus the consumption of alcohol would have been probable.

Large Corporate Worship and Small Home Group Meetings Were the Book of Acts Standard

The book of Acts chapter 2 we are given a list of the early church’s activities:

Acts 2:42-47
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

In this list of activities you will note that there were two gatherings of the church:
1. In the temple
2. From house to house
Many suggest that in the early days of the church, that there were approximately 100,000 Christians in Jerusalem. They quite obviously needed a system by which everyone was taken care of and made accountable and the house church system did that, especially considering the fact that in the church’s infancy there were only 12 apostles.

The Church Met at John Mark’s Mother’s House

Acts 12 tells the story of Peter’s capture and what could have been his execution. It also tells of the details surrounding his miraculous deliverance.

Acts 12:5
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Where did this church meet for its prayer meeting? The answer is given later on in the chapter in an interesting way.

God sends an angel to Peter who wakes him up and leads him out of the prison to the gate of the city and Peter all the while believes it is just a vision. The story continues:

Acts 12:11-12
11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

How did Peter know to go to this specific house? I have a simple answer that I believe is undeniable: Because that is the house the church met it. It was actually the home of John’s mom.

The New Testament Mentions Many House Churches

Anyone who is against house churches has to fight against allot of scripture which says that there were churches in people’s houses.

Acts 16:40
40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

Rom 16:3-5
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

Philem 1-2
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:


I would appreciate it if those reading who have any issues with what I have presented or differences with my view to comment. I am willing to reconsider my position if someone will show me scripture that proves otherwise. I do also appreciate other points of view.