The following frequently asked questions are not exhaustive. See our Resources page for more information, of contact us with any other questions.

Do I have to belong to any church to have a relationship with God?

It is clear from scripture that the only way to have a relationship with God is through the born-again experience (see the Born-Again? page), and this experience can happen anywhere, at any time. But, after having this experience, one must grapple with the key question of why Jesus created the Ekklesia (church) in the first place.

The simple answer: -- To be the community of His followers and the expression of Himself and His kingdom on the earth. His family. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

To start, read these scriptures: Mat 16:13-20; Heb 10:24-25. We will include a topic on The Ekklesia in the Bible-Studies/Blog page.

If you are interested in God but not a churchgoer please find one that most closely resembles his original design. Our goal is to be one of these.

Why do you prefer the word ‘Ekklesia’ over ‘Church’?

We use the word ‘church’ when talking with people who only understand that word, or when the context requires it, but this word carries a bias toward the way traditional churches are structured. Using the word ‘ekklesia’, the Greek word from which 'church' is translated, is an attempt to get back to the original meaning: a simple gathering of saints.

Why do you believe house church is a better design for churches?

There are several reasons.

• House churches are mentioned in the New Testament several times. Here are some references: Act 1:13-14 (this is where the disciples gathered before Pentecost when the Ekklesia officially began); Act 2:42-47; Rom 16:5; 1Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Phm 1:2; Act 2:42-47; Act 8:3. It is clear that this was the intentional meeting style for the early Ekklesia.
   
• Disciples are best made in small, intimate groups similar to the method Jesus used with his twelve apostles. We don’t believe this was by chance because scripture consistently shows that God does everything with purpose and intention. Smaller numbers promote intimacy, vulnerability, and trust. They also make it easier for believers to discover and use their spiritual gifts which is necessary for healthy churches.
   
• House churches, by virtue of their smaller size, take the focus off expensive buildings and events, and keep the focus where it belongs – on people.
   
• House churches do not require paid clergy.
   
• House churches make it easier to evangelize, multiply and grow more easily (Act 2:47).

So, we meet in homes primarily because Jesus and the early Ekklesia modeled small, intimate gatherings. However, Ekklesia meetings can occur in apartment buildings, nursing homes, or any other venues that facilite the goals of the meeting.

What are your gatherings like?

Our gatherings are marked by the priesthood of all believers, so since we are all priests, we must recognize, value, and expect the contribution of each believer to the gathering.

A typical gathering has no fixed agenda but usually includes plenty of fellowship; bible study; personal prayer; communion, a shared meal, and laughter. If we are led to sing, we sing. We keep it informal and simple. We welcome kids as Jesus did.

We expect all spiritual gifts to find expression. These include the miraculous gifts of healing, miracles, tongues, and prophecy that many traditional churches either reject or neglect. Instead, we trust the Holy Spirit to regulate the expression of those gifts. And if certain gifts are not present, we pray for them because, in our view, Ekklesia Fellowship-1 needs each gift.

Here are some other passages concerning what occurs in typical gatherings: Act 2: 42-47; 1Cor 12-14; Col 3:12-17.

To reiterate: the structure and format of gatherings are meant to facilitate true community and the making of disciples in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. For those who do not live nearby, you may join us by Zoom or WhatsApp.

How do you define "traditional church" and what do you think is wrong with it?

We define traditional churches as having some or all of the following characteristics: 

• A hierarchical, top-down, corporate-style organizational structure.
• A paid pastorate.
• A building focus.
• A worship team.
• Weekly, sermon-based teaching as the believer's primary spiritual diet.

In other words, what you'll find in virtually every modern church.

We are not saying that every church with these characteristics is sinning or that God cannot use them. What we are saying is that these characteristics indicate a drift from the practice of the early Ekklesia and are not the best structure for making disciples; in fact, they often are a hindrance.

Let's consider each of these individually in the following questions. Check out our Resources for more detail.

What's wrong with a hierarchical, top-down organizational structure?

Jesus taught the opposite (see Mar 9:35). Such a structure is more characteristic of the military or many corporations and tends to promote a superior clergy preaching and teaching a passive, inferior laity. This is not the model revealed in Scripture. Paul gives us a different model:

What is the outcome then, brothers and sisters? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. All things are to be done for edification.  (1Co 14:26 NASB)

In this model everyone contributes to the gathering. And smaller gatherings make it easier for everyone to discover and use their spiritual gifts.

What's wrong with a paid pastorate? 

We included a paid pastorate in the list of traditional church characteristics mainly as an identifier since virtually all traditional churches have paid pastors. And 1Co 9:14 says: "So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel." So, clearly it is not wrong to pay a pastor.

But this practice raises many questions:

• Is it the best way to make disciples?  
• Are pastors the only ones who proclaim the gospel? What about apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers mentioned in Eph 4; shouldn't these be paid positions as well?  
• Doesn't a paid pastorate make it harder for pastors to preach tough-but-necessary sermons to their congregations, fearing they might lose financial support?  
• Why did the apostle Paul refuse to exert this privilege so as not to be a burden to the Corinthians?

These questions are worthy of reflection. In EFHC-1 there is no paid pastorate. Each believer is encouraged to give whatever and wherever they are led by the Spirit.

What is your objection to buildings?

Buildings are generally designed to accommodate larger gatherings. But disciples are best made in smaller, house-sized gatherings. Moreover, buildings often come with debt and overhead, a wasteful use of resources when other options are available. Why not spend resources with little-to-no waste? If larger meetings are needed for joint meetings with other house churches, why not rent buildings?

What's wrong with worship teams?

According to Pagan Christianity (see Resources page), the origin of modern-style worship teams can be traced to Calvary Chapel in 1965 and are usually patterned after a rock concert. Is this the model we are to follow in the church?

Moreover, while the use of music and choirs are mentioned in the Old Testament, virtually nothing is said about them in the New Testament. Here is what is said:

What is the outcome then, brothers and sisters? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. All things are to be done for edification. (1Co 14:26 NASB)

…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; (Eph 5:19 NASB)

“But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (Joh 4:23-24)

These verses paint a picture of a congregational, decentralized worship experience where individual members participate in selecting the songs. Is this the model we see in the typical worship team today? Talented musicians can also find expression in house churches.

And, as the third quote shows, the only requirements for worship in the New Testament are to worship "in spirit and truth." Music, choirs, worship teams can be helpful when they facilitate these requirements but are not required or necessary. I (Joseph) served on worship teams for many years when I attended traditional churches. At EFHC-1 we enjoy music and singing when we are moved to do so.

What's wrong with preaching sermons?

Sermons are not wrong -- the book of Acts records powerful, effective sermons delivered by Peter, Stephen, and Paul. But they are not the most effective way to build disciples. Weekly gatherings where Christians receive a sermon as their primary spiritual diet are nowhere to be found in the New Testament or anywhere else in Scripture. At EFHC-1 our focus is on studying the Word, learning, and growing together.

Are you affiliated with any denomination?

No. In our experience denominations often begin over a disagreement about doctrine and result in walls between groups of saints. This is in direct conflict with Jesus’ prayer that all His followers be in unity (Joh 17:20-23) and with Paul’s admonition to the Corinthian church (1Co 1:10-17).

We believe small, intimate groups of believers gathering under the direction of the Holy Spirit are more likely to experience unity even in disagreement. We believe that the presence of love and unity will overcome doctrinal differences.

Shouldn’t EFHC be accountable to a higher authority?

The ultimate authority for any church must be Christ and His Word. Each house church member will be encouraged to study the Word for themselves and resolve differences in a loving manner. And each house church will be encouraged to identify the spiritual gifts in the group. In other words, the Word, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the higher authority.

Meetings among churches will also be held on occasion to share fellowship and solve problems. Initially, EFHC-1 will provide the support needed to start new house churches.

Isn’t Ekklesia just like a life group?

Many churches, recognizing the shortcomings of conventional church models, have added life groups. This is certainly a step in the right direction since they facilitate community and connection within congregations. However, such groups often lack the freedom for attendees to choose their group’s direction and are usually tightly controlled within the existing hierarchical church structure.

EFHCs have no such restrictions and gatherings will replace the weekly church services and provide the primary discipleship ‘diet’ for those who attend.

Isn’t Ekklesia just like a bible study?

EFHC weekly gatherings will always include bible study (doctrine) but our goal is to include in every gathering if possible: Doctrine, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread, Prayer, Worship, and Communion. These are all needed to build healthy disciples. Groups may also meet at separate times to focus on one or more of these to maintain a healthy balance.

Are children welcome at your gatherings?

Yes. It would be a privilege to have our gatherings include the participation of children. We believe the best way for children to learn the things of God is from their parents (Ps 78:5). That duty was never meant to be outsourced to a children’s or youth pastor as is done today. We take seriously Jesus’ admonitions in Matt 19:13-14; Mar 9:36-37. See also Ps 78:5.

What will you do if/when outgrow your home?

Our target number is about 12 adults following the direction of Christ Himself. When or before we reach this number, we will seek to start or facilitate an Ekklesia in another home.

I'm happy in my church; why should I leave?

We are not asking anyone to leave their traditional church but only to explore whether church can’t be done in a better way. Even those who want to leave their traditional church should do so carefully and prayerfully; it is a process that took me (Joseph) over forty years. See Unchurching on our Resources page which deals with this subject very thoroughly. Whether or not you connect with ours, we hope you’ll give house church a try.

If you still have questions not addressed here, please feel free to contact us.

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