#homechurch

[rev-jay]

We are the Bride of Christ sharing His love with you, and helping you share your love in your relationship 

[ahopkins1965]

My favorite season is the Fall.  The reason why is because it is Football Season for everyone.   I want to inform all of you that I am a person who spends a lot of time outside during the Fall and Winter months.  Therefore I love College Football and Basketball.   I know that every time I watch College Sports on a regular basis.   I also attend church on a regular basis during that time of the year.   My favorite College Football and Basketball team is the University of Toledo Rockets.   I like the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns NFL Teams.  I really love College Football and Basketball games on a regular basis.   I am a Graduate from The University of Toledo in Toledo OH.   I graduated in June of 1993 and June of 1995 with my Associates and Bachelors Degrees.  I majored in Social Work and Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Behavioral Sciences.   My HomeChurch is Fort McKinley United Methodist Church located in Dayton, Ohio.   I have been a member of the church for nine years now.   I love Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays.   I tend to spend time with my family members during the holidays.   I know that I was born during the first week of Summer.  I was born on Thursday June 24, 1965.  My family members are very large.   I have over 200 family members in Dayton, Ohio.   I have a lot of relatives in other cities and states inside of the United States.   I used to play football games in the Fall and Winter Months.  Although the Spring and Summer months, I have a tendency to stay inside of the Library and AA Meetings.   I know that I tend to favor the Fall Months more than any other season during the year.  Therefore,  I have made a lot of progress during the past 14 years.  While I lived in the Dayton,  Ohio Area, I have managed to stay active by writing essays and blogs that pertains to my relationship with Jesus Christ.   I am very grateful to live in an area where the weather is pleasant and very nice throughout the year.  My favorite season makes me more grateful than ever before.   I have been clean and sober for 34 years now.   God has truly blessed me with a lot of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that comes only from God.   God Bless All of You!  God Loves You and So Do I.   Please keep me and my family members in your prayers and thoughts because I suffer from multiple ailments and I tend to get sick during the Spring and Summer Months because of allergies that I have been suffering from for 53 years now.   I also tend to read and write essays and blogs that are very nice.   Lord Jesus, please, teach me how to obtain Spiritual Discernment and Wisdom.  

[thinkingonscripture]

Ready for Saturday night Bible study. Continuing our study of Soteriology and looking at OT and NT words. Context always determines the meaning of a word, and we'll be looking at several passages to help us.

#Godisgood #thankYouFather #blessedbytheLord #homechurch #Soteriology #biblestudy #freegrace #freedomtostudy #freeforthemoment

[becominghuman]

10 (More) Reasons Now is the Time to Plant a Church

I’ll admit my conviction up front: Everyday is a good day to gather in new ways. When our lives are refracted off of different gathering dynamics, we learn so much more about ourselves, others, and the One that calls us into existence.

So, all ten reasons below apply even if we’re in a “normal” season.

That said, the uniqueness of this season also makes for a particularly opportune time to plant a Gospel-centered community.

Here are 10 reasons why:

Find nearby pain. It’s there, it seems, more than ever before. Meet it. Serve it. Help. You have a church, insofar as you are the hands and feet of the compassionate Christ. Opportunities are everywhere.

Now's the time for new language, new presentations, new articulation of old concepts. Heck, gather people to dream of new metaphors, analogies, words and phrases. Along with others commit to the creative discipline of coining, using, and sharing new words . . . that express the goodness of grace and the power of redemption.  That’s a noble (new) church effort.

Embodying an alternative to the news cycle is the work of the church. We are bearers of Good News. It’s time to take that seriously. Model it, practice it, advertise it as the antithesis to partisan battling and the depressing sensationalism we find on every news outlet. Church as journalism agency or media company. Why not?

All kinds of problems are being exposed that either went unnoticed, were intentionally hidden, or got lost in the hustle of life. Not any longer. For example, we have a very tenuous meat and dairy industry that depends on government intervention, massive subsidies, and worker injustice. Start a farm, raise some cows, grow vegetables. Sell it, share it, serve it. Creating real, human-scale solutions to massive problems is the work of the church. Gather around a Gospel-informed solution.

Hard questions and difficult issues are so easy to avoid. Not anymore! We need bold communities that meet regularly, discern together, and commit to not shying away from unknowing, confusion, frustration, and ambiguity. Seeking answers together and discerning solutions together is a lost art. A church plant can do that.

In Jesus is abundant life. Can we experience that while suffering coronary heart disease at 50 or 60? Christian community should set the standard for caring deeply about holistic health. Society is sick; bodies are weak—this has been exposed. Who will lead the charge for an alternative? A church can.

Collaboration is how we get through a crisis . . . it’s also a way to plant churches and ministries. Bring together disparate groups and dream about a different future that capitalizes on the intersection of your resources, assets, skills, convictions, or missions.  

Kids aren’t in school, and plus, it’s no secret that schools (as currently conceived) are not optimal learning environments. So, create one. Not necessarily Christian schools but churches that practice holistic education and include some tutoring. In this way, learning is a part of developing the whole child (discipleship!).  

Youth groups? How about youth churches. Kids have the time, and with a little guidance (or none at all) can do virtually everything currently happening at the local church, but in a way that communicates to the younger generation.

Theories, ideas, statistics, expert opinions (and even doctrines) are great but rarely change lives. Now is the time for radical practices. Master them, teach them, record them and share them with the world. A community that thoroughly teaches and trains practices necessary for a full life will lead as opposed to follow, produce rather consume, liberate rather than bind their community.

I’d love to know your thoughts. Especially if you consider yourself a church planter (however you may define that).

[ivanonian]

For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them.”

Matthew 18:20

[dalidaj]

@drjeromef.talley @drtheresatalley #Daylightchurch @daylightchristiancenter #DetroitChurch #DrTalley #DrT #830amservices #ride #11amservices #homechurch #agapelove #lovewalk #transportationisavailable #prayer #faithschool #prosperitymindset #JesusChrist #prosperitymindset #Daylightchurch #selfcheck #growth #supernatural #provisions #integrity (at Daylight Church) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5P-GjfBcI9/?igshid=1mglsufkn6dg7

[basichrist]

#addiction #nothingididonmyownmadeadifference #homechurch #courage #sober #tenyearssober #God #onestep #journey #oneseed #ourGodismorethanable #itonlytakesalittlefaith #overwhelmed #helpless #helpisontheway #youdontgottadoitall #dontmatterwhoyouare #dontmatterehatyouvedone #letGodhelpyougetbackup @brothers_and_sisters_in_christ https://www.instagram.com/p/CYFXpmwF6Bk/?utm_medium=tumblr

[biffnix]

The weather made for a nice morning. Finally, a little less smoke. Enjoying home church at the house this Sunday. #homechurch #lesssmoke #bishopumc #bishopfirstunitedmethodistchurch (at Mustang Mesa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFplLB9nGD7/?igshid=lnaazlinpohr

[khthompson]

#MyPastor passed away this week. He was the same age as #MaDear. He performed my Christening when I was an "arm baby." He was one of the first people to explain death to me when I was 5 or 6. He explained death gently as he hugged me because I had a lot of questions after my dog, Cocoa, died. I called him #Granddad before I called him #Pastor. His #parsonage was in my neighborhood. It wasn't uncommon for his house to be a stop for friends and I as we rode bikes in the neighborhood. He always had great advice and frozen Snickers. As I learned about the #CivilRightsMovement in Georgia, I learned about his pivotal and supportive roles he played personally to Dr. King and the movement. He had great advice for me throughout my adolescence, and always had an encouraging word for me. When I'd take an evening jog in my neighborhood, we often crossed paths at the end of his walk and my run. We'd talk until we got to my street then he'd finish his walk home. During college and grad school, he'd occasionally send money "a couple of dollars." He's always been a sounding board for my Parents, especially as they started following their calling into the ministry. He was as firm as he was nice, and often chastised the Thompson Kids for ... shenanigans. Before I moved my membership from my #HomeChurch in Georgia to St. Stephens in Kentucky... I spoke with him about it first. I was conflicted, and he asked me if I remember #TheBaptistChurchCovenant ... I smirked (because I knew which part he meant), and recited "We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of the covenant and the principles of God's Word." He's known as Pastor Harris, The Alphabet Preacher, and most widely known as #BattleAxe 🎶 He's a battle axe In a time of battle He's a battle axe In a time of battle He's a battle axe In a time of battle Shelter in a time of a storm. A is for Almighty, that is true... B he was a baby like, I and you ... 🎶

[rev-jay]

South Carolina Wedding Chaple is the Bride of Christ sharing His love with everybody 

[elihernandezxpre]

#Homechurch# https://www.instagram.com/p/CBtxtffHtU8/?igshid=1d72kumceozk5

[charliebalbastro]

Thank you for this 1st Sunday as a wonderful day today that my family and I were sharing testimonies and I am so grateful for this opportunity that Heavenly Father give to us 5/3/20 (#homechurch #churchathome #charliebalbastro2020 #2020 #may2020 #1stsunday #sunday #1stweek #charliebalbastro #dad #fatherandson #guam #may3rd #family #testimonies #creative #popular #photos #pictures #balbastrofamily #charliesfamily) (at Agat, Guam) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_uG-M4H1RK/?igshid=dpmosq2m7x2y

[thinkingonscripture]

Catch Bible Fellowship is ready to meet. Celebrating the Lord's Supper tonight as well as discussing future Christian rewards that follow the Rapture of the Church. #CatchBibleFellowship #Arlington #Texas #biblestudy #christianfellowship #thankyouFather #Godisgood #blessedbyGod #Lordssupper #homechurch https://www.instagram.com/p/CF5YOYlDfjR/?igshid=1sd236eae41x6

[becominghuman]

3 Things I Learned from Young People about Faith . . . Because I Asked (Part 1)

I sat down with 100 young people between the ages of 18 and 30. It took me six months. And a lot of my time. 

Why would I spend that much time in coffee shops talking with young adults (YAs)? Because learning begins with listening. And I wanted to learn. It’s that simple. 

I know the statistics about YAs leaving the church. From the standpoint of church health, church growth, and future church leadership, the prospects aren't good. I also know the stereotypes of Millennials and Generation Z. Generally, not positive. But I wanted to hear from them. Uncut and candid. 

So, I asked. And mostly listened.

Of the 100 people I approached in five different coffee shops, not one denied my first inquiry: “Would you be willing to talk to me about religious beliefs and practices?” To be clear, 100 out of 100 said yes! If there are no other takeaways, let this be said: YAs are more than willing to talk about the touchy topic of religion—to a stranger, no less.  

I presented each interviewee with one of two sets of questions. The first question in each set was the same: “Do you consider yourself a religious adherent?” If they answered in the affirmative, I asked them questions about their experience, their discontentment (or not), and the development of their faith over time. If they answered in the negative, I asked them questions about their perception of religion (and religious adherents), their criticisms, and their development of their understanding of religion.

From all the data I collected, I found six trends. I call them preferences.

First, YAs prefer dialogue over doctrine. 

From the perspective of YAs, religion has become a series of doctrines (i.e. the “right” things to believe). And for YAs doctrines are not long, elaborate treatises on orthodoxy; doctrines are parameters, dictates, and dogma that can be tweeted and weaponized. Doctrines are easily reduced to sound bites and social media posts. YAs consider doctrine generally unhealthy . . . mainly because a) it is another word for control, and b) in the hands of the wrong people doctrines are damaging and hurtful.  

YAs prefer dialogue because healthy religion is an attempt to find the meaning of life, purpose, and truth—not a definitive statement about truth (and what’s not true!). Most importantly, religion is a journey of discovery. Religion at its worst tries to be a monopoly on the truth.  Religion ought to facilitate exploration and it shouldn’t dictate the parameters (i.e. what’s acceptable and safe) of that exploration. So, dialogue is preferred to doctrine because it’s a commitment to talking through the exploration of truth. 

Christian dialogue names a) the unique conversations we have about explicitly Christian topics of faith and/or b) the spirit of grace with which we approach and engage any conversation (and topic).

Second, YAs prefer creative solutions over criticism. 

There are no isolated, freestanding problems for YAs.  There are only problems that have an identifiable, albeit complex, cause. Ignorance is no longer an excuse for not participating in solutions. For YAs creative solutions are the best form of criticism because they offer alternatives. Interesting to note: YAs are restless about the future, not because it is unknown, but because they believe they have an important role to play in creative solutions but don’t know quite what it is. 

The problems we face today will not solely be solved by criticizing the responsible parties; instead, true and lasting solutions will come from creative partnerships that generate new opportunities, pathways, and ideas.  

Even further, YAs prioritize art and humor (even satire) over cynicism and critical analysis when it comes to religious expression.  But the creativity they prefer is not limited to those forms, as they also favor creativity in the form of new social networks, different paradigms, and novel perspectives. 

Most YAs didn’t think the local church had anything positive to contribute to the greatest problems we face today. However, faith is a critical part of fully engaging the creative problem solving process. YAs associate criticism with religious institutions and creative solutions with more informal, organic faith networks.

Third, YAs prefer community over church. 

YAs place a higher value on belonging than belief. This has long been identified about the Millennial generation and seems to be proving true of Gen Z.  But I’m finding that it means more than just “young people want to hang out” in a generic sense.  Instead, they experience isolation at higher rates than the previous generation. Consequently, their craving for meaningful connection is equally high. 

Also, YAs believe this is true about every generation (i.e. they believe belonging is why you and I participate in church). We believe we go to church because we subscribe to ABC (doctrine), but behind those beliefs is a more fundamental need for connection. Many studies find this to be true. What seems to differ about YAs is that they are comfortable with that being the primary reason for a faith community. As a result, they place less priority on “cognitive” distinctives and more emphasis on the “feel” of a gathering. 

YAs also think the church doesn’t have a corner on the market of belonging. We can belong to anything, and it meets the need for community (e.g. a Star Wars convention). What makes it Christian belonging is when it is done with “grace forward” and without exclusion. That’s why conflict arises when others say, “YAs want community but really what they need is truth” or worse yet, “YAs want community but really what they need is to act right”.  YAs want community and really what they need is community, connection, support networks, mentors, meaningful relationships, touch-points, check ins, and solidarity.

For YAs, church is another word for the community that is integral to their religious imagination. There is no “going” to church. Church is what becomes of the relationships that are marked by grace.

Next week I will share the second installment of this article, entitled “3 More Things I Learned from Young People about Faith . . . Because I Asked (Part 2)"

[adamwmetzler]

Communion at home with Family #WeAreTheChurch #HomeChurch #JesusIsKing #Communion #GoodFriday #ChurchHasNoWalls (at Houston, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-05HxHJMWc-KA1Fr6R7e9JIJh5jt_aqGg2I1E0/?igshid=1gs4ek76nc5e6

[dalidaj]

In case you didn’t know We’re back open since last year - You guys are welcome to fellowship with us tomorrow & every Sunday at 11AM. If you haven’t been in church & looking forward to one - then make tomorrow a new start for you,be ready to received, & fellowship as well. Transportation is always available call us we got you cover for a ride. #DetroitChurch #DrTalley #DrT #11am #homechurch #agapelove #lovewalk #prayer #faithschool #onlineservice #salvation #prosperitymindset #peace #JesusChrist #love #save #fellowship #Daylightchurch #selfcheck #growth #supernatural #provisions #integrity #doublevision #Christ #homechurch #agapelove #prayer #faithschool #growth #supernatural #provisions #DCCC #fellowship #rededicated 15831 W. 7 mile rd Det MI 48235!! @daylightchristiancenter @drtheresatalley @drjeromef.Talley (at Daylight Church) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdj28rgNfuA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=