House Church Networks: A Church for a New Generation

Traditions of learning by formal monologues are being supplemented by informal learning in small groups in those groups of Jesus-followers without a pasive pew-sitting tradition. This change will continue to accelerate, with an increase in accountability that is essential to effective discipleship. The "house church movement" is a worldwide culture that seeks God in personal encounters, and expresses Christian community in daily life. These developments are healthy, especially for those living outside the walls of traditional Christian culture. You will take away from this book basic definition of how and why small groups can influence the world in powerful ways, and gives tools to begin your own experiments in Christian living. God intends risk as a normal part of life, and through tools provided here, you can accept risk in the social expressions of following Jesus. I suggest that you read this book with a few friends who are passionate to follow Jesus, and talk through what God may want you to do as a result. Do not be satisfied with passive Christianity when you can so easily experience active learning and active community in faith.

Kreider maintains that a new church is neeeded for a new generation. The "contemporary church, especially in America, is sinking fast," he says. "I beleive the new wineskins of house church networks will be a way of giving new life to the church". He believes that different faith organizations will appeal to different believers and that all types: traditional churches, mega-churches, house churches, para-church organizations will serve and reach different audiences and all can be used by God. Throughout the test, the reader will hear Kreider's heart longing for the simple church and the first century experience. This book answers "why" to start a house church but does not address the "how".

Larry Kreider has done a great job of introducing us to a "new" type of church that is emerging. This is not a reactionary book full of bitterness or pride, unlike much of the house church material out there.