A house church is an umbrella term used to describe a group of Christians who regularly gather for worship in private homes.
Often, new Christian fellowships will meet in homes because the membership is small and homes are the most appropriate place to assemble until the funds are available for a dedicated place of worship. Many established churches, from various denominations, met in homes in their early years.
However, this part of our web guide is not focused on denominational groups temporarily meeting in homes, as these are more appropriately categorized within their respective denominations. This category is focused on what is often known as the house church movement.
The house church movement was sparked by spiritual awakenings within Christian communities, combined with a renewed interest in grassroots movements and more intimate gatherings.
The house church movement emerged from waves of spiritual awakening within Christian communities seeking grassroots renewal. Driven by a desire for more intimate gatherings, it strives to recapture the simplicity of Early Christian fellowship and is sometimes referred to as the simple church. This movement challenges institutional structures in favor of home-based assemblies characterized by shared leadership and participatory worship.
From its inception, Christianity met in homes rather than in dedicated buildings. Biblically, the "church" refers to the body of believers rather than the place they meet. New Testament authors reference assemblies in private residences, including the gatherings at Priscilla and Aquila's house (1 Cor 16:19; Rom 16:5), Nympha's house (Col 4:15), and Philemon's home (Philem 1:2). Acts also records the disciples meeting in the Upper Room after Pentecost (Acts 1:13). Additionally, archaeological finds, such as the 3rd-century Dura-Europos house church, attest to domus ecclesiae serving as worship centers under persecution. Early church fathers, like Clement of Alexandria, describe worship within homes, further attesting to a historical pattern of small-group gatherings.
The modern house church movement took shape in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly among evangelicals who were disillusioned with institutional church structures. Some trace the roots of the movement in the United States and the United Kingdom to the Plymouth Brethren, whose emphasis on simplicity and lay leadership resonated with house church pioneers. Concurrently, Anglican vicar Ernest Southcott advocated bringing the church into homes in his 1950s book, "The Parish Comes Alive," inspiring similar movements across denominations. The Jesus Movement and Charismatic Renewal further advanced the trend, giving birth to networks that favor organic community over formal liturgy.
Spiritual revivals have repeatedly reignited interest in home-based gatherings, emphasizing personal connection over programmatic worship. In China, underground house churches flourished under governmental restrictions, demonstrating resilience and adaptability despite surveillance and prohibitions.
In Western contexts, emerging church leaders, like Francis Chan, have championed simple churches, encouraging believers to forsake large auditoriums for relational intimacy.
The house church movement is non-denominational and extends across Christian traditions (Anabaptist, Baptist, Charismatic, Pietist), manifesting ecumenical networking and charismatic practices within diverse doctrinal frameworks.
House churches exhibit varied models, yet share some core practices. House churches are characterized by participatory worship, with every member encouraged to lead singing, teaching, or prayer. There is generally a shared leadership, although many adopt a fivefold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) drawn from Ephesians 4:11-13. There is a discipleship focus, with small groups facilitating mentoring and accountability. Meeting venues are flexible, rotating between various members' homes to spread the burden of hospitality and to maintain organic growth.
Despite their appeal, the movement faces scrutiny on several fronts, particularly from within the established denominations. Critics warn that decentralized structures can foster doctrinal drift without formal oversight (theological consistency). The absence of trained clergy raises concerns about potential misuse of authority or uneven teaching quality (leadership accountability. Some congregations risk social insulation, neglecting broader community engagement and mission work (inward focus). There is also a question of whether the house church movement can sustain critical distinctiveness or will simply integrate back into mainstream denominations once the membership grows (longevity as a distinct movement).
Nevertheless, the movement represents a compelling return to Early Christian patterns of fellowship, discipleship, and worship.
Recommended Resources
The Church Project Network is a collective of independent churches working together to return to a New Testament ecclesiology. Each affiliate remains autonomous while sharing a unified identity, structure, and vision for community and mission. The website features templates, systems, prayer guides, and discipleship frameworks to equip churches and home churches, as well as workshops, training sessions, and gatherings, and a global network of like-minded churches.
https://churchprojectnetwork.com/
Church Without Walls International
The global network of house churches spans over forty countries, serving as a balanced, agenda-free resource for believers who meet in homes rather than traditional church buildings. The aim is to encourage Christians, especially those who don't regularly attend church, to build authentic relationships with other followers of Christ. Its mission and core values are stated on the site, along with an overview of the network, outreach opportunities, and involvement.
https://churchwithoutwallsinternational.org/
The flagship website of the Church At Home Network, a movement dedicated to reigniting the New Testament model of organic, home-based Christian fellowship. Rather than gathering in large, building-centric congregations, members meet in small groups, often in private homes, where each believer's gifts can flourish in an intimate, Spirit-led environment. Its biblical foundations, key features, and a directory of local house churches are set forth, along with a calendar of regional fellowships.
https://housechurch.me/
Representing House Church Ministries, an interdenominational community aimed at restoring the New Testament church in the 21st century through small, home-based fellowships and corporate gatherings. House Church Ministries prioritizes making disciples and reaching the lost over institutional growth, using Acts 2:42-47 as a model, emphasizing weekly home meetings for worship, fellowship, service, evangelism, and corporate Sunday worship. Discussion forums are included.
https://eng.housechurch.global/
The House Church Network connects Christians across New Zealand and beyond who gather in homes to share life, study Scripture, and grow as disciples of Jesus, using a model rooted in the New Testament pattern of the early church: simple, relational, and multiplying through Spirit-led gatherings. Its mission and vision are featured on the website, which includes a directory of local home gatherings, step-by-step training and support to launch a new house church, and discipleship training.
https://www.thehousechurchnetwork.org/
Formed by Francis Chan, the house church network emphasizes small communities and radical discipleship over large gatherings. Other house churches in the network may be found through the website, which also features the history of its founding, its mission, and a reexamination of what "church" means beyond buildings and routines. A guide to the house church movement is included, along with an annual schedule of events, a Bible reading plan, and a form that can be used to make contributions.
https://www.wearechurch.com/
