I have watched this movement for 15 years and read a number of their works. Just as they presented to the church in their day the pure vision of a New Testament church as the body of Christ so we also must hold fast to this heavenly vision and proclaim it in calling this generation back to the simplicity, purity, passion and power of that church.Īlthough there is much talk amongst the leading writers of this movement concerning deep intimate fellowship with Christ, His headship in the local gathering of believers and of His eternal purpose in Christ, these are most certainly not the central points on which many people are exiting religious systems to gather in homes. There can be no doubt that there is indeed much wrong with what is called “church” in this generation, but we also read of such problems in those churches planted by the first apostles within the first century. What is so very sad at this present time in the house church movement (otherwise known as the organic church movement or simple church movement) of our day is that many leave the existing denominations and structures in search of a more spiritual natural way of “doing” Church only to end up in a quack mire worse than what they left. I once met a very elderly lady who was saved in one of these house meetings through the influence of my great grandmother. Even in my great-grandmothers day, who was a staunch Presbyterian, the fellowship of believers in the home was vital and effectual in spiritual life to the local church.
For those well read in church history it is well known that the home has frequently been the residence of the church in a variety of movements in different countries and generations. Please note that I am not against the practice of gathering in homes, or of challenging anything that is contrary to Scripture.Īlthough many think the resurgence in house-churches is a new thing, lost in the 4 thcentury but rediscovered in the late 20 thcentury, this is far from true. Pagan Christianity, a Review and a Response by Keith MalcomsonĪ response in articles to the teachings of Gene Edwards, Frank Viola, George Barna, the House Church Movement, the Organic Church Movement and the Simple Church Movement – and such like. Malcomson has some very valuable and scriptural insights we would like to pass on to our readers because Pagan Christianity has unfortunately influenced many many Christians. LTRP Note: After reading our book review of Pagan Christianityby Frank Viola and George Barna, Keith Malcomson of Ireland wrote to us, sharing his own research and writing regarding Pagan Christianity.
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