Friday, August 7, 2009

DID YOU KNOW?

"From 1996 to 2006 traditional church attendance steadily declines. In the same decade house church attendance grew by 1000%" - George Barna Research Group

JUST ADDED: Vine House Churches & 2 or 3 Together

If you're in the Inland Empire you'll want to check out "2 or 3 Together" house churches and if you're in the Rancho Cucamonga area be sure to stop by and get to know the good people at Vine House Church network.

(See links at left)

Looking for a house church in your area? Send an email to
OCHOUSECHURCH@GMAIL.COM and let us know where you are. We'll do our best to connect you with a house church close to home.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

JUST ADDED: The Roots Church (Encinitas) & The Crossing (Whittier)

If you live a little further south of Orange County, check out The Roots Church in Encinitas.

Their website is found
HERE

Or, if you live in the Whittier area you'll be blessed to join the good people at The Crossing house church.

Their info is found
HERE

Friday, July 24, 2009

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST - HOUSE CHURCH 101 CLASS

NEXT HOUSE CHURCH 101 CLASS- SAT. AUG. 1st
Registration is FREE* (Must RSVP) by email: OCHOUSECHURCH@GMAIL.COM

HOUSE CHURCH 101
Saturday, August 1st
from 10am to 11:30am in Orange, CA

Learn more about the House Church experience and how you can start your own house church, or join an existing one, here in Orange County, California.

This FREE seminar will explore several aspects of house church including:
*Is House Church Biblical?
*What about the kids?
*Who's in charge? (Leadership in a typical house church)
*What about Spiritual Covering?
*Guarding against heretical doctrines and keeping the faith.
*Food, fellowship, family and fun in the house church context.
*God's Amazing DNA For His Church.

TO RSVP FOR THIS SPECIAL SEMINAR PLEASE EMAIL US AT OCHOUSECHURCH@GMAIL.COM

Let us know how many will be attending and we'll send you a map and more information about the "House Church 101" class.

NOTE: Attendees will also receive a free kit of information including books, messages on CD and more, while supplies last.

Just Added: Resurrection Life Church (Santa Ana)

God continues to connect us to other house church fellowships all over Orange County and even in other counties and cities like Riverside, Chino Hills, and Moreno Valley.

We're excited to meet and connect with other believers who are following the New Testament church model.

Check out Resurrection Life Church in Santa Ana:
CLICK HERE

Just Added: No Walls Outreach (Moreno Valley/Riverside)

Check out what God is doing through His Church up in Moreno Valley and Riverside.

No Walls Outreach
CLICK HERE

Thursday, July 2, 2009

OC House Church Gathering - Saturday, July 11th

Author and theologian Jon Zens will be coming to Orange County to speak to the local Orange County house churches on Saturday, July 11th from 9am to 12pm.

Location:The Home of Noel and Julie Cruz
18722 La Casita ave, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
For more info call Julie Cruz at 714-777-0098

Event is Free.
Must RSVP to attend via email (see below)

To register or for more info please email:ochousechurch@gmail.com

About Jon Zens
Dr. Zens has a wide-ranging theological background. He holds a B.A. in Biblical studies from Covenant College, a M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, and a D.Min. from the California Graduate School of Theology.

For the last thirty years, Jon has been the editor of a magazine entitled Searching Together. He's not only a NT scholar, but he's an expert on church history. Jon also served as a pastor for a number of years, but moved on after concluding that full reformation within the existing institutional church system was unworkable.

You can read his story here.

Also, for the past thirty years he and his wife, Dotty, have been ministering in small fellowships concerning living under grace and learning to extend grace to others.

If you'd like to read more about Jon Zens I've included a link to an excellent debate between Jon and Ben Worthington on hierarchy in the New Testament church here:http://www.paganchristianity.org/zensresponds1.htm

Monday, June 29, 2009

New Free Resources

Download Free Videos on House Church
HERE

Downloads include:

*Tidal Wave - Video resourceAn exploration of simple church It’s being called “the second reformation.” The Church… back in the hands of everyday believers. A way of life… not an event. In recent years, Christian researchers and secular media alike have taken notice of the dramatic transformation within Christianity. Tidal Wave gives an insider’s view of the worldwide phenomenon known as simple church. From living rooms to coffee shops, offices to parking lots, under trees in Africa and underground in China, these new expressions of the body of Christ are rapidly multiplying around the world.

*Pagan Christianity - Information clip
Spoof commercial for the bestselling book, Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna - the most reviewed book by those who've never read it.

*The Rabbit and the Elephant - Information clipThis clip gives a little insight into the title of the book "The Rabbit and the Elephant" by Tony and Felicity Dale and George Barna.

*When You Come Together - Video resourceSimple Church Gatherings – What do we do? All over the world, people are moving to a simpler express of Church, longing for a place where everyone can be involved. Having answered the call to simplicity, many are asking the question “What do we actually do when we come together?” Simple church is not just a miniaturized version of what’s been done before…it’s a whole new way of life. This video explores what simple church is, and how it’s done. Film clips and interviews from half a dozen church meeting are interspersed with explanations by authors and leaders including John White, Jim Rutz, and Wolfgang Simson.

And more...

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Jon Zens - Radio Interview

If you can sit through the horrible theme song at the beginning and the too-long intro by the radio host, the meat of this radio interview with Jon Zens is worth the investment.

Seriously.

Gottalife Radio Capture The Moment - Special Guest Jon Zens

Monday, June 8, 2009

NEXT HOUSE CHURCH 101 CLASS- SAT. AUG. 1st

Registration is FREE* (Must RSVP) by email at OCHOUSECHURCH@GMAIL.COM

HOUSE CHURCH 101Saturday, August 1st from 10am to 11:30am in Orange, CA

Learn more about the House Church experience and how you can start your own house church, or join an existing one, here in Orange County, California.

This FREE seminar will explore several aspects of house church including:
*Is House Church Biblical?
*What about the kids?
*Who's in charge? (Leadership in a typical house church)
*What about Spiritual Covering?
*Guarding against heretical doctrines and keeping the faith.
*Food, fellowship, family and fun in the house church context.
*God's Amazing DNA For His Church.

TO RSVP FOR THIS SPECIAL SEMINAR PLEASE EMAIL US AT mailto:%20OCHOUSECHURCH@GMAIL.COM

Let us know how many will be attending and we'll send you a map and more information about the "House Church 101" class.

NOTE: Attendees will also receive a free kit of information including books, messages on CD and more.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

UPDATE: ILLEGAL BIBLE STUDY IN SAN DIEGO

In late May of 2009 county official overturned the warning issued to the Joneses.

In a statement a county CAO Walt Ekard responded saying:
"I have received dozens of e-mails and calls from people concerned about reports that the County is attempting to muzzle religious expression by shutting down a neighborhood Bible study. As the Chief Administrative Officer for San Diego County, I want to say in the most direct terms: the County has never tried to stifle religious expression and never will."

FULL STORYHERE

Relax everyone. The issue is resolved. Our religious freedoms remain intact. This is still America.

Friday, May 29, 2009

LeaveTheBuilding.com - New Resource Added

Just added - New link to LeaveTheBuilding.com , a new online resource for people looking to start a house church in their community.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

HOME BIBLE STUDIES ARE ILLEGAL IN SAN DIEGO?

A local pastor and his wife claim a San Diego County official threatened escalating fines if they continued to hold Bible Studies in their home.
FULL VIDEO CLIP VIA ABC NEWS SAN DIEGO HERE

So, what would I do if it suddenly became illegal to continue hosting house church gatherings in my home?

What if it became illegal to continue passing out free groceries to the poor or the homeless?

Would I continue to obey Jesus and risk being arrested, or thrown into prison, or fined thousands of dollars by the county?

Maybe I'll find out sooner rather than later...?

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

KEN EASTBURN OF THE WELL

Ken Eastburn is the founder of The Well, a network of house churches that began in Southern California, and has spread to Pittsburgh, and most recently in Ghana, Africa.

The story of The Well—now located in Orange County, California—actually began long before I became its pastor. Originally named First Southern Baptist Church of La Habra 1952, the church experienced many ebbs and tides—from congregation size to pastoral leadership—over its first 50 years. By 2003, the 20 or so members who stuck around felt trampled and without answers.

Enter: me, Ken Eastburn. Over a cup of coffee, our denomination’s Missions Director asked whether I would consider stepping into the pastorate at this struggling church. I reluctantly agreed to visit with an “open mind.” But at my first sight of every wooden pew and plastic flower bouquet that adorned the sanctuary platform, I quickly dismissed the pastoral position. However, God still had his foot wedged in the door and six months later, I agreed to meet with the church’s board.

During the interview the five elderly board members’ faces looked war-torn. Seeking some reason why I might join their plight, I asked, “What’s next for this church?” One deep, male voice broke through the silence and with confidence said, “The Holy Spirit is not through with us.” His answer gripped my heart; I believed along with this man that God was still moving in their midst. So, in November 2003, I became their pastor.

But from the first time I stepped behind the large, wooden pulpit, I began to butt heads with some folks in the church body. Every time I tried to make a change—such as moving the “great, white Bible” from the altar, I stepped into sacred territory. Desperate to discover something radical, I even tried out a few funky techniques I had read about. We hosted a coffee-house style evening, complete with dim lighting, candles, and emo-type band. The whole endeavor flopped with a thud, and I was back at square one. So I prayed…and prayed…and prayed. And when I had finished, I prayed some more.

Our sweet and supportive church treasurer, Bonnie, suggested that the church buy a house, in which my family and I could live and the church could worship. Although the idea was fraught with potential problems, her proposal got me thinking. I went online and Googled the words “house” and “church.” A new world exploded in front of me. The more I read and researched about house churches in America, the more convinced I became that God was moving behind the scenes—and I was terrified.
In September 2004, five congregation members agreed to attend a house church conference with me in Denver, CO. After every seminar and assembly, their cry became, “We HAVE to do this!” So without a clear roadblock from the five, I proposed to the board the idea of leaving the building to begin meeting in houses.

Surprisingly, they, too, seemed to like the idea. Our little congregation agreed. Over the next four months, we prayed, fasted, researched, and dreamed together about what a house church model might look like. The congregation members went from “Don’t you dare get rid of the plastic flowers” to “Let’s change it all.”

The congregation radically voted to leave the building and we became The Well, a community of house churches. We adopted our new name immediately—even before we left our building—and began to make preparations to ditch the concrete. Finally, on a Sunday morning in January of 2005, The Well met in its building for the last time. We stepped out over the threshold…and never looked back.

Although bold and terrifying, leaving our building behind began our journey of discovering what the Church is really all about. Along the way, we have learned that everything a “normal” church does—missions, study, growth, evangelism, and so on—we can do together, because a change of venue does not negate the responsibilities and privileges we share with any other church. Daily, God continues to transform us…and He’s not done with us yet.

What about you?

Do you believe the Holy Spirit is still moving in your midst? While God does not lead everyone down the same path, His desire for you to be an active member of His Body remains the same. Could something as simple as a building be standing in the way of your becoming the living, breathing Body of Christ? Is it time for you to strip down to the bare essentials and become the Church all over again?
If so, we invite you to join us on this journey and leave the building.

JOIN US FOR MOMENTUM 2012 ON MARCH 30 & 31. REGISTER TODAY>

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Just Added: CoffeehouseChurches.com Resource

Planting the “SIMPLE ESSENCE” of the Body of Christ - the Church - in every overlooked relationship group.

COFFEHOUSECHURCHES SLIDESHOW

This free PDF slideshow provides some food for thought about how traditional churches can help support efforts to reach the community by planting coffeehouse style churches in places where people are already gathering.

Great idea, and a real hope for the future of the Body of Christ to engage the culture in a more relevant way.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

NEXT HOUSE CHURCH 101 CLASS - SAT. MAY 2ND

Registration is FREE* (Must RSVP) by email at OCHOUSECHURCH@GMAIL.COM

HOUSE CHURCH 101
Saturday, May 2nd from 10am to 11:30am
In Orange, CA

Learn more about the House Church experience and how you can start your own house church, or join an existing one, here in Orange County, California.

This FREE seminar will explore several aspects of house church including:
*Is House Church Biblical?
*What about the kids?
*Who's in charge? (Leadership in a typical house church)
*What about Spiritual Covering?*Guarding against heretical doctrines and keeping the faith.
*Food, fellowship, family and fun in the house church context.
*God's Amazing DNA For His Church.

TO RSVP FOR THIS SPECIAL SEMINAR PLEASE EMAIL US AT mailto: OCHOUSECHURCH@GMAIL.COM

Let us know how many will be attending and we'll send you a map and more information about the "House Church 101" class.

NOTE: Attendees will also receive a free kit of information including books, messages on CD and more.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

INTRODUCING THE VCMN HOUSE CHURCH START UP KIT

We are excited to bring you this all-in-one startup kit for those interested in a one-stop resource for starting a house church or other community based ministry.

Included in the kit:

3 Books - "The Church Comes Home" by Robert & Julia Banks, "Missional House Churches" by J.D. Payne and "Starting a House Church" by Kreider & McClung.

4 Teaching Cd's from Bill Faris, Keith Giles and Charity Leslie on how to start, lead and plant a house church.

Find out more and order online
HERE

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Looking To Start or Join a House Church in Orange County?

Looking to Visit or Join?
There are several great house church groups in Orange County you can visit. Start by looking through the links at the left. The Well, Vineyard Community Mission Network, The Mission and Matthew's House (in Oceanside) are all great house church fellowships who would love to welcome you.

Looking to Start a House Church In Orange County?
We also have a wealth of resources available for free here at OCHouseChurch.com. Great articles by practitioners like Frank Viola, Keith Giles, W.C. Ketcherside and others will help you answer practical questions like "What do we do with the children?", "What is House Church?", "Why House Church?", "What about leadership and tithing?" and lots more.

If you need any help answering a question or finding a house church in your area, OR if you know of a house church in Orange County that we should be listing here, please contact us at
OCHOUSECHURCH@GMAIL.COM

Blessings!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

HOUSE CHURCH 101 - THIS SATURDAY

Registration is FREE* (Must RSVP) by email at OCHOUSECHURCH@GMAIL.COM

HOUSE CHURCH 101
Saturday, Feb. 7th
10am to 11:30am
In Orange, CA


Learn more about the House Church experience and how you can start your own house church, or join an existing one, here in Orange County, California.

This FREE seminar will explore several aspects of house church including:
*Is House Church Biblical?
*What about the kids?
*Who's in charge? (Leadership in a typical house church)
*What about Spiritual Covering?
*Guarding against heretical doctrines and keeping the faith.
*Food, fellowship, family and fun in the house church context.
*God's Amazing DNA For His Church.

TO RSVP FOR THIS SPECIAL SEMINAR PLEASE EMAIL US AT mailto:ATOCHOUSECHURCH@GMAIL.COM

Let us know how many will be attending and we'll send you a map and more information about the "House Church 101" class.