I have thought about monthly "services" as well. I think its cool to see someone have the guts to do it. Even though I would probably do something different, I think its a refreshing thing to see God changing his people.

I think that the word Model is part of the problem with church to begin with. We try to emulate what others are doing rather than listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit for our spritiual communities.

I think the MODEL should be family. Everyone has a family, but everyone's family is different (we could argue the same thing for each church, I realize that). We should really be focusing on how to disciple and lead our families and bring others into this. I wonder how preachers lead their families. That is part of their lives i would like to be a part of.

My friend (whose blog i mentioned above) was a pastor for 30+ years (with a seminary degree). He was studying one day and saw that one of the "qualifiers" for eldership was Hospitality. This discovery has lead to his change in ministry philosophy over the past 10 or so years. He is rejuvinated and reading the Scriptures differently now. AND it all started because he started having people in his house.

though i don't disagree with Jay's comment above, I think that we have put too much weight on "Preaching" and not enough weight on loving. If we truly love people, we have no choice but to teach them the Scriptures. I also have no choice but to learn the Scriptures. Even Jesus said that the entire law can be summed up in this LOVE.

you should also check out D.A.Caron's message from a Desiring God conference from a few years ago. He really gives insight to Jesus' prayer in John 17 and the astounding call for his followers to LOVE AND BE ONE as he and the Father LOVE AND ARE ONE. http://www.desiringgod.org/Events/NationalConfere…

Thanks again. I will continue to watch your blog and look up the above mentioned church.

I think God may be bringing us back to what was there all along. I don't think anyone would deny that God has moved and continues to move in the corporate church on Sunday mornings. Godly teaching and community building can certainly occur and often do. However, It's been my experience that "Sunday Morning Church" continues to be our image of church for several reasons:

1. It's the only thing we've seen modeled to us. It is familiar and comfortable. Ask people, both those who follow Jesus and those who don't, to define church and this is typically what you'll get.

2. I would agree with the notion of Churches needing to meet as a means of financing the church itself. Again, I think this is something we do because it's the only way we've seen it modeled. I don't think most church leaders are sitting back in there chairs thinking of ways to get more into the offering plate but I think that most are trying to be creative and keep the church "running." I too think there are other ways we can be creative with our approach to giving and sustaining the church. Without a building you don't have a huge electricity bill.

3. It allows us to be apart of something without really being apart of it. This maybe the biggest influence in my opinion. I think everyone draws a line in the sand when deciding the level of involvement they are going to have with activities and people. Everything up to that line, I'm comfortable with. Beyond that line are things that will cost me my time, my money, my vulnerability, my image, my energy, etc. People want to participate as long as they don't have to cross that line. Could that happen in a small group or home church set up? Sure can…but only for a while. Larger SMC seems to enable detachment and a "clock in, clock out" mentality. These are things that don't last long in a healthy small group. You have to participate and there is nowhere to hide…and you don't need to!

I love the idea of focusing on smaller community groups that get together every now and then to serve and celebrate corporately. The smaller group allows people to connect on a much deeper level and for discipleship to occur. People don't get lost in the crowd and needs are met. I think one reason church doesn't happen like this is because it requires much more than what we are willing to give. We are not just opening up our schedules for a Sunday morning or Wednesday evening, but we are opening our entire lives (much like Paul). It doesn't just cross the line we've drawn in the sand…it takes a running start at leaping right over it.