I just finished an amazing book called Finding Organic Church. I’d never heard the term before, but I was looking into “house church” and came across it in my library’s system.
It. Is. an. Amazing. Concept.
Most likely that’s because it’s from God. 🙂 It’s church like in Acts. It’s church with God as the author and designer, when men get themselves out of the way. It’s church like the ones Paul planted (and you may have noticed, they were not without their problems). It’s not perfect, because anything with us involved never is. It’s just more Him, less us. NO one teaching, everyone listening to God’s leading. Living close. Living raw. Living Him.
It’s hard to describe because we think of church as a place we go. We don’t think of church as a way of being. We’ve completely altered God’s plan for church. Googling “Organic Church” will bring you to many places that can tell you about it more eloquently than I, but I’ll give it a try (with my notes from the book), since you’re here anyway.
Organic church is basically a group of Christians who are living as a shared-life community under the headship of Jesus. Not a Bible study, prayer meeting, song fest, pot luck. No one dominating. No one passive. No one leading.
The church meets to reveal and display Jesus Christ together out of a real, experiential life-giving encounter with the Lord.
I so want that.
I would think that it wouldn’t be possible, except the author has been living it for the past 20+ years.
I love my home church, don’t get me wrong. But I do think that institutional church isn’t what God has in mind for me anymore.
I’m just waiting to find out what exactly His plan is.
Jessica, interesting post. We don't go to "church" in general. I feel guilty sometimes, because I don't want my kids to be missing out, but then the times we occasionally go, I don't feel like I'm depriving them by not taking them every Sunday. I feel like the don't really learn anything there, so what's the point? But, this idea of organic church sounds interesting. I feel like though, you need some sort of leadership, simply because people need a teacher, at least maybe they do. I'm gonna google this. Thanks for the heads up.
I've been reading your blog and really enjoy it. I love this post and will definitely be checking it out myself. The modern-day church, I believe, is failing. Families are failing and faith and knowledge of God is going down the drain. It isn't good. My family and I are in the process of looking for a church and I must say I'm so sick of the "show" that churches put on. It's all about the lights and playing the coolest music…I'm tired of it! Thanks for telling me (and others) about this book. I can't wait to check it out! God bless!
Oh my, please elaborate on this one! I do not believe in the "institution" of church nor does my husband. I would love to hear your journey. Will be researching this one myself. Thank you for bringing this to your blog! Thank you!
We left *big church* about 8 yrs ago and now meet with other believers in our homes. It has been life changing, especially for me. My entire christian life I have felt like a rebel because Church never gelled with me. I always thought it was a teensy bit contrived. Living out my walk with believers AND non-believers has created such an authentic relationship with Christ for me.