ARE HOUSE CHURCHES THE WAY?

As the House Church has grown in popularity in many places, it is worth considering whether this is the way for more churches to go. Are the answers to church stagnation found here?

There are 3 types of house churches.

1. A church that starts off in a house because it is small and that is practical, but the intention is that it is in a just first step. And it usually is.

2. A house church deliberately set up that way because the people believe that is the way the church should be organised. Generally it is the way, and place it stays. Nor do they seem to replicate themsselves, as the theory might be that they should. (But nor do most churches of any type!)

3. Those that set up in houses, for persecution has forced them underground.

When we analyse it, church structure is not the true determinant of whether or not a church expands. Following a 'method' does not work, for each situation is different. What works in one place will not necessarily work in another.

There are 2 primary causes of this.

1. THE PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH
If the people in the church are not willing to get involved with their community and evangelise - by word and example - nothing will work. For evangelism is a matter of the heart, not organisation. The worst organised churches can grow, while the best organised stagnate. I've seen both.

2. THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY
Evangelism methods that work in one community will not necessarily work in another. So there is no church structure or method that can be universally successful in bringing growth through new conversions.

The whole point is that whether you have 'church' in a building or a house, in the end, it is not that which makes the difference. It is the people in the 'church' who are the greatest determinant of growth.

One of the best motivators to evangelism is persecution! That is why underground house churches are so successful. Not because they are in houses - but because the believers are 100% committed - or else they wouldn't be there!

So the call to the church today, is not one of structure, but one of commitment. It's why the New Testament majors on living! Of growing believers into disciples! Structure is accorded a minor place.

I have seen successful and unsuccessful churches in buildings. And the same for house churches. In about the same proportions. For people are people, no matter what the structure.

Finally, as pastors and leaders, we should not be seeking out the latest fashion and trying to apply it to our situation. But rather, be seeking God for His leading in our uniqueness. Then encouraging our people to become committed to the cause. For commitment to spreading the Gospel of Jesus is the true foundation for growth, whatever church structure we operate within.

And I'd always thought it was the colour of the pastor's shoes.......

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FROM THE WORD

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”" (Matthew 28:16-19)

"Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands." (1 Corinthians 11:23-33)

DAVID'S DOODLINGS

BELIEVERS v DISCIPLES
236. A believer praises the Lord in good times, the disciple at all times.

237. The Holy Spirit resides in the believer but shines through the disciple.

238. A believer loves God with heart and mind while a disciple commits the will.

239. A believer loves God and others, but they are the disciple's life.

240. A believer lives in hope, but for the disciple, God's hope is certain.

241. A believer seeks forgiveness for sin but the disciple also determines not to walk that path again.

242. A believer has faith in God but the disciple's faith is tempered in the fire of testing.

243. A believer loves the Lord, but the disciple's love is unconditional.

244. The believer serves the Lord in strength, but the disciple is made perfect through weakness.

245. God is part of the believer's life, but the central focus of the disciple.

246. A believer forgives, but the disciple also forgets.

247. A believer communicates with God at their own convenience, but the disciple's heart is open to the Lord at all times.

430. A believer knows, but the disciple does.

NEW! You can now download the book of all David's Doodlings in PDF format at DAVID'S DOODLINGS

Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now more than 900 David sayings for you to view at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php

A MESSAGE FROM ROY

Although this PGIM! e-letter is sent free, some readers have decided to support this Ministry one or more times a year by sponsoring a week's PGIM! @ USD $50.00. Can I ask you to consider sponsoring a specified week/s? You will get an acknowledgement on your particular week/s of sponsorship (unless you do not want it). If you are interested to help this very informative & helpful newsletter, please email me, Roy McGreevy, as it is God who authored this idea through me in the USA. roy@kscbtv.com. I look forward to hearing from you... thanks. Roy

FROM YOU - TO ME - TO YOU

I am a 19 year old student and have been receiving this PGIM newsletter for quite a while now. It is such an uplifting gift to open this weekly and be encouraged in the faith. I want to thank all who are involved and may the LORD richly bless you!
God bless,
Nikki
Minnesota
USA

My dear brother, David,
Thank you for the brief but so important reminder of inappropriate and unbiblical nature of titles and positions within the church. I think Ephesians is so clear in reminding us that we have functions within the body and NOT positions. I would like to request your permission to translate your remarks into Spanish for our quarterly magazine El Vínculo Cristiano (The Christian Bond or Connection). We send out the magazine to about 20 Spanish-speaking countries. Thank you for your gift to me through your e letter.
Robert E Gurwell-Robles
Good News Productions, Int'l
Center for Hispanic Advancement
Eagle Pass, Texas, USA /Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico
www.gnpi.org ; www.pbni.org
rgurwell@gnpi.org

Dear Brother David Tait,

Choice Kingdom Greetings!

I received your Monday Report. I was a blessing reading through and getting to know that you are pressing on with the so-called Title issue that has eating into the fabric of church leadership. Keep it up.

We just rounded up an apostolic conference here in a community called Stanger. It was a real blessing making deposits here with a team of Apostles and Prophets, and seeing the leaders uniting together for Kingdom purposes to take their city for the Kingdom.

Please do keep in touch.

Israel Onoriobe

Administrator/Founder,
World Vision Crusade Outreach Ministries International
84 Tize Street,
Kwanobuhle, Uitenhage (Port Elizabeth) 6242
South Africa

http://www.wvcom-international.org

Hi David
Thank you for your wonderful, witty and thought provoking PGIM! I am usually able to find something to forward to the Ministers I've worked for in the past in our United Churches. I was wondering how many people do you regularly send PGIM out to? The more the merrier. Also, my eight year-old son told me prayer works, cause he prayed for fruit loops, and his godparents fed him some that night! (To only wish for cereal!) Any thoughts on how to answer his question on where God came from? (anything after that he attributes to God!).
Thanks for your indepth and open-hearted look at religion around the world!
God Bless
Kim Bailey
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

Your comments to me or fellow readers are always welcomed at... david@wwj.org.nz

This is an opportunity for you to express your views, which may not be my views. But none of us have a mortgage on all the truth - except for Jesus!

LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused***

*** "Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others." ***

LIQUID PLUMBER
A Pastor in Oregon called a plumber to fix a leak in the parsonage bathroom. When the plumber finished the job, he left a bill in the bathroom itemizing the repairs. There was also a P.S. He drew an arrow pointing to a bottle of Liquid-Plumber that the pastor kept in the bathroom, and noted: "How would you feel if you walked into someone's house and found a bottle of 'liquid pastor'?"

NON-PARTISAN PASTOR
A new pastor of a Presbyterian church in a southern city found himself in a difficult position due to the fact that two officers in his church were running for mayor. The young preacher had to walk with much caution the impartial, equal-time line.
At the post office one morning, a church member who was flagrantly partisan asked, "Pastor, what do you think about the election?"

"I'm praying about it," the pastor told her.

"Well, what are you praying for?" the partisan Presbyterian wanted to know.

And the preacher told her, "I'm just thanking God for the secret ballot."

NEW! You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES

Now one of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 670 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/laugh.php

FACTS FOR FUN

LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Do moths actually eat clothes?

ANSWER: No. Moth damage in clothes is caused when moth eggs hatch and the larvae begin feeding on your clothes (usually wool or fur). Moths themselves live for a very short time and often don't eat anything while in the adult stage.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?

Answer Next Week.

SOME FUN FACTS
768. HEAVENLY PEACE
After his death in 1937, Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of the wireless telegraph was honoured by broadcasters worldwide by letting the airwaves fall silent for two minutes in his memory. (Sadly, the inventor of TV has already died.)

769. THAT'S PROGRESS
Today, a chip of silicon a quarter-inch square has the capacity of the original 1949 ENIAC computer, which occupied a full city block. (Rarely in the endeavours of the human race has so much been achieved by so little - Apologies to Winston Churchill)

770. SOME THINGS DON'T CHANGE
Results of a survey show that 76 percent of women make their bed every day, compared to only 46 percent of men. (But women make it better – so women tell me.)

A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.

GROWN

Answer at the end of A David Musing

NEW! You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA

Or view all 1232 online at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/facts.php

BE INSPIRED WITH A MESSAGE FROM INSPIRATIONAL TAPES

This amazing New Zealand resource has over 4,000 messages ranging from old classics to the latest revelation and teaching. A number of free MP3 downloads are available or you can order tapes and CD’s from the site for worldwide delivery at a most reasonable cost. Our free weekly MP3 download selections will be available again soon.

Visit the library now at…

http://www.inspirational.org.nz

'WALKING WITH JESUS' POSTER

A poster quoting 1 John 2:1-6, six of the most thought provoking and important verses in scripture for walking with Jesus today. A4 size.

View and download your free poster at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/pdf/12p57.pdf

REPORT ON AFRICAN VISIT

If you would like to read my report on the recent trip to Africa, or simply keep up to date with what is going on in WWJ Ministries, read David's Diary at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/diary.php

JUST JOKES

STINGY
A stingy old lawyer who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness was determined to prove wrong the saying, "You can't take it with you."

After much thought and consideration, the old ambulance chaser finally figured out how to take at least some of his money with him when he died. He instructed his wife to go to the bank and withdraw enough money to fill two pillowcases. He then directed her to take the bags of money to the attic and leave them directly above his bed. His plan: When he passed away, he would reach out and grab the bags on his way to Heaven.

Several weeks after the funeral, the deceased lawyer's wife, up in the attic cleaning came upon the two forgotten pillowcases stuffed with cash. "Oh, that old fool," she exclaimed. "I knew he should have had me put the money in the basement."

MAIL
A man was in his front yard mowing grass when his attractive but dim female neighbour came out of the house and went straight to the mailbox. She opened it, then, finding nothing in it, slammed it shut and stormed back into the house.

A little later she came out of her house again went to the mailbox and again opened it, and again slammed it shut. Angrily, back into the house she went. As the man was getting ready to edge the lawn, here she came out again, marched to the mail box, opened it and then slammed it closed harder than ever.

Puzzled by her actions the man asked her, "Is something wrong?" To which she replied, "There certainly is! My stupid computer keeps saying, 'YOU'VE GOT MAIL.'"

Heaps more jokes just for a laugh at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/jokes.php

INTERESTING WORDS AND PHRASES FROM THE BIBLE

A DROP IN THE BUCKET

Meaning a small or meaningless amount, the phrase comes straight from Isaiah 40:15, which says, "the nations are a drop in the bucket."

Lot's more interesting God Facts at...

http://www.wwj.org.nz/gfacts.php

FREE RESOURCES FOR MISSIONARIES

Visit Good News Productions International's site for free resources for missionaries in a good number of languages. They produce various videos and recently have also produced video and movie dramas in several languages. The most recent are 'Source of Love', created for the Chinese audience, and 'Tough Choices' for our English speaking folk.

Give them a visit at...

http://www.gnpi.org

A NEW SERVICE COMING SOON - 'TUESDAY TEACHINGS'

After requests for more teaching, we will shortly be starting a new ezine of revelatory teachings from God's word on a Tuesday. These studies will increase your insights into scripture and help in your walk with Jesus.

This will be brief enough for you to easily read online and so allow you to economically print them off, if you so desire.

IF YOU DON'T WISH TO RECEIVE THESE, PLEASE CLICK ON THE ADDRESS BELOW AND SEND A BLANK EMAIL TO

tt@wwj.org.nz

You will still receive PGIM as per normal, even if you decide to come off the 'Tuesday Teachings' list.

Looking forward to serving you more.

A DAVID MUSING

Getting well organised and writing this offering on Sunday afternoon, instead of later in the evening, is not really a result of better discipline, but rather of the weather! On a cold winter's afternoon here in the Southern Hemisphere, sitting in front of the computer seems like a good option today.

Lot's like our walk with Jesus. Usually the best when we don't have other things to distract us!

Just as well I've nearly finished, for the sun has now come out and I must go for a walk! A walk with the Son in the sun? Actually, with the wife in the breeze!

His servant and yours

David Tait

Today's Word Puzzle Answer: The right answer is WRONG!

REPRODUCTION OF NEWSLETTER CONTENT

Most weeks we get enquiries about reproducing, in electronic or print form, articles contained in 'PGIM!' We welcome and encourage you to utilize this material. Freely received, freely given. We would ask though, that the source be acknowledged as an encouragement to others to subscribe to this newsletter also.

Subscription opportunities are available here Subscribe Here

at the bottom of each newsletter or at...
https://www.macnet.co.nz/wwjesus/pay.html

DONATIONS

Each month, because of the size and nature of our web site and maintenance of our sophisticated emailing system, it costs over $200 in provider fees to bring this ministry to you. If you are able to help us meet this expense your credit card donation would be very much welcomed at Make Donations Here as a live connection or at https://www.macnet.co.nz/wwjesus/pay.php
if you prefer to paste the address into your browser. Thanks.

CHANGING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS? NEWSLETTER STOPS COMING?

Each week we can lose up to 1% of our readers when they change email addresses without letting us know. If you are about to change your address, please advise us of both your old and new addresses here at
enquiries@wwj.org.nz and we will happily change our records to ensure ongoing delivery. Thanks.

Please also keep our address in your address book, as sometimes servers will automatically delete your address if there is even a one off problem in delivery. If your newsletter doesn't arrive, please let us know and we will reinstate you.

LINKS

If you would like to link your web site to ours, and ours to yours, please advise us on
links@wwj.org.nz

DOES THIS EMAIL HAVE A BLUE BACKGROUND AND RED HEADINGS?

YES - Great!
NO - Your web browser needs to be set to 'Rich Text'. If you have an older 'Text Only' browser, this email may also be viewed on our web site at ...

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ABOUT US

WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. A ministry dedicated to developing discipleship, fostering unity amongst God’s people to achieve the Great Commission, and in doing so, preparing for Christ’s return. It is securely based upon the foundational principles of the Apostles Creed while recognising the wide and rich diversity of beliefs amongst Christians in other areas. In accordance with the Lord’s direction, materials produced by the ministry are available, free of charge, to genuine enquirers upon request. The ministry is solely funded by donations, as the Lord provides. A list of materials available (plus some fun!) is obtainable and freely downloadable from our website
wwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.

Walking With Jesus Ministries
3 Hetley Crescent
Taradale
Napier 4001
New Zealand

Phone: (06) 8449-377 International (+64) 8449-377
Email: enquiries@wwj.org.nz
Web: wwj.org.nz

Our role is to bless and encourage those in ministry while promoting co-operation and unity of direction amongst the body of Christ, as emphasised 3 times by Jesus in His longest prayer, immediately prior to His arrest and crucifixion. "… so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:12, 21, 23-4) Our website is currently being developed to encourage your participation one with another, to share resources, and to enable you to promote events and items of interest to the body as a whole – and have a smile while doing it!

For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz