The Role of Teacher in a House Church

Some time ago I felt God instructing me to look at what my brothers and sisters outside of my church were doing to spread the Gospel. This led to my discovery and investigation of cell church, purpose driven church and organic / house church organizational structures. I learned valuable lessons from each of these types of churches, but of these I was most impressed with what was possible with the Organic or house church.

I haven't written about this investigation before because explaining it is actually a little boring. Spiritual life does not come from an organizational model - it comes from a living connection to Jesus Christ. At best these ways of organizing a local body of believers can be seen as a way to support and encourage the development of that spiritual life. At worst, they are a hinderance to true spiritual development. The organic or house church model has the advantage of almost zero organizational overhead, complete empowerment of each person in the church to use the gifts God has given them to minister to others, and the ability to grow and spread naturally and easily into almost any environment. However, many of the organizational norms of doing church don't apply to house churches. One of these is the role of the teacher. As a teacher, this is something that I wanted to get a handle on. Besides praying the meditating on this topic, I decided to write to a missionary house church planter that is starting churches among the unbelieving population of India. Here is a copy of that correspondence"

How does a teacher equip the saints for the work of the ministry in a house church setting?

I wholeheartedly agree that dialog, reasoning, and questions are all necessary for effective learning, and that a monologue often leaves people with the same unanswered questions and doubts for years, and if the speaker errs no-one can correct him. I also know that people can learn from the thoughts and experiences of other saints if only they were allowed to speak.

However, I still have difficulty understanding how someone gifted as a teacher can use that gift to equip the church in a house church setting. In the house church I visited, each person was able to bring a thought or need to share, and the group discussed it. It was refreshing. In this setting the best thing a teacher could do is keep his mouth shut and let people work out the answer for themselves - stepping in only occasionally. If the teacher was ever perceived as the guru with all the answers it would kill the whole dynamic and learning would actually decrease. I can understand that. I also understand that people can learn by seeing the Word of God modeled in the lives of those around them. But I can't help wonder how new believers would come to know the Bible if it is not taught directly - or asked another way, what is the role of the teacher in a house church?

Dear Brent,

You have my sympathy as I am also a teacher by gifting and have a great struggle to believe that the Holy Spirit can guide people to learn with very little monologue from me.

The role of the teacher is more of a facilitator and guiding the discussion and dialogue in such a way that it becomes fruitful and does not end in strife.

As my wife and I deal with a lot of seekers and non-literate first generation Christians who come from other faiths, it is amazing how these babes in faith come out with astonishing revelations and perceptions, which we often miss.

Reading your letter I am encouraged that you have the correct paradigm. Just practice it and see, what the Lord can do.

Shalom,

V.