Truth is always true.  But that's not to say it should trample the method as determined by the Holy Spirit. Method is sometimes equally important as Truth.

For example:

A missionary Pastor friend went with his mentor to evangelize the Motalonian indians in South American forest regions. He arrived with his mentor, a translator, and a few workmen. These indians were savage and knew nothing of the world outside their living/hunting area, which contained no other people than themselves.

When the interpreter stated God had sent these men to share with them the Gospel, they refused to believe it until one of the two Men of God could prove themselves. They had to use one of the indian bows and arrows and hit a certain target from a certain distance. If they could not, then God could not have sent them.

My Pastor friend and his mentor have never even touched a bow, neither of them. However, my friend told his mentor and the translator, "God has sent me. God will guide the arrow." And the translator repeated it to the indians. He pulled back, let it go, and nearly collapsed with fear.

The arrow hit it's mark.

As a result the entire community became Christian and received the translator as their Pastor.

Neither method nor Truth must be sacrificed to reach people for Christ. 

Jonathan: This kind of experience is exactly what lead me to begin opening my eyes. I went on a missions trip to Mexico. I began seeing things in a new light. Why is it that things are permissable on the mission field, but not so much here in US?

By the way, I mean the method that traditional church has taken in the past century. Things like "singing on the walls" or technology in the Church. Insisting on things being a certain way, when outside of this culture they hold no relevence. The Biblical method of saving people is through the foolishness of preaching. That cannot change, but can the setting change, can the costume change? Can all other elements outside of the preaching of God's word change and if so, to what extent?

Brother Chris

Chris, I agree wholeheartily that 'traditions of men' sometimes stifle the Holy Spirit from His leadership abilities, that's why I began a house church. However, I have to defend 'method' because for many churches, this method works great and people are saved and discipled with wonderful success.

What you are actually addressing is dead works of religious tradition. And this I despise completely outside the area of formality like weddings, ceremonies, etc. But in our daily time with God, we should totally abandon religious tradition as a form of worship. God alone should determine the form of worship He desires for Himself. 

I am also talking about truths found in God's word, not just "dead works of religious tradition." The qualifications for bishops and deacons for instance. I don't see where those truths should be compromised anymore than the truths about salvation. We don't have the luxury of picking and choosing what we are going to believe.

You hit the nail on the head with the House Church issue. That is a change in the stage( I keep using theatrical terms, but they provide a good analogy). If the preaching is kept Biblical, I don't see any problem.

JT: I didn't mean for that to seem judgemental. As I was rereading, I could see where others might read that. I meant I don't see a problem with the method as long as the house church adheres to the Biblical guidelines laid out for Church leadership, worship, etc.

I am fascinated by the House Church movement in China and other "hot zones."

Brother Chris

Chris, I'm in full agreement with adherence to Biblical doctrine, qualifications, etc.

yChrist Fellowship is a small group of believers in the Houston area that gathers frequently for fellowship and services, with a focus on fellowship. We fully believe in the spiritual gifts (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher [or pastor/teacher]) as well as the gifts of the Spirit.

We also fully support traditional churches! There are many traditional churches that are doing a wonderful effort in saving and equipping saints, and we encourage most of our friends to continue in traditional churches that inspire them to live a holy life before God in service to one another with love and humility.

However, many traditional churches become a group of 'cliques' that can often leave many without fellowship during the week. By fellowship I do not mean to imply mere friendship or buddies hanging out, it is a time devoted to God for personal spiritual growth. The format of our service is very informal and there is no established method by which each meeting begins. Every person present, including small children and sinners, are encouraged to participate in the discussion and ministry, which creates a rather unique environment.

My function as pastor is not to 'lead' the service as much as to discern those with gifts and work with them to begin functioning in those gifts. There is no title, peolpe call me Jonathan. I reserve the title for legal and formal purposes only, like getting into jails, hospitals, prisons, or organizational functions (for church leaders only).

Hope this helps you understand my messages more clearly. If you have any other questions, I'll be glad to discuss them with you. And this includes everyone. Just send me a private message.

Jonathan