New Testament Networking

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New Testament Networking

By Keith Smith

Within the house church movement there are many new networks springing up we should ask ourselves if there is a Biblical pattern for these networks in the same way that we have heard from the Lord about the Church in the house. This will not be a new revelation, but rather a rediscovery of New Testament practice.

At the most basic level each church meeting in the house is a network of individuals and families, who meet together in a defined place or community. These small groups have been defined by one friend as “God’s Special Forces”. Tight knit, multi-talented groups who submit to one another in love in order to work behind enemy lines, and win enemy sympathizers to the truth, thus setting them free, and liberating their society. These groups have little or no leadership in a traditional sense, but rather submit to each other, as God allows them to submit to His power working in them and their gifting. This leads to a great strength in the community; the enemy can not “pick off” the leaders, there is great cohesion in group activities and a joint ownership of the decisions of the group. Let me re-iterate, at this level, I do not believe “leaders” are either necessary or desirable. After all in Acts 14: 23, we read how Paul went back to the churches he had planted, after 2 years, and then there were a plurality of elders for the city not for each individual house church. The churches in the house should each submit one to another in love, yet when problems arise or when we need to share life and resources wider then we need the whole “church in the city”.

Biblically the next level of networking is that of an “Oikos” or people group. But before I move on to that I would like to address a form of network that could possibly be construed as being Biblical but I believe does not match up to the full revelation of scripture that is networks brought about through a common background or apostolic relationship. In my experience the majority of networks within the house church movement today fall under this general heading. In Spain many house churches would identify with the ideal of “Healing Communities” and network with like minded churches. In U.K. and U.S.A there are other groups that network in relationships with other models of house church, or apostolic teams. The problem that arises is that there is very little exchange of gift ministries between these groups. And this in turn leads to a sort of exclusivity and unaccountability which leaves us open to charges of cultic or sect like activity, something that we would be wise to avoid at all costs. Where networks are open to cross fertilization there can be real strength in these networks. But I feel it imperative that we are also open to the genuine Biblical accountability of relationships with other leaders and groups too. We must remember in Corinthians there were those who said that they were “of” Paul, others of Apollo’s and yet others of Jesus. What madness, they were all followers of Jesus. Paul was first to be open to others watering in his field. But those who do must also accept Paul’s admonition that all men are careful how they work.

After the church in the house the next Biblical level of networking is that of the “Church in the City” This is because it is at this level we first see the emergence of true servant leaders (Elders).

Christ himself in the book of Revelations addresses the angels of the seven Churches in seven different cities. Paul when he wrote to churches wrote to the church in the city, only later saluting individual House Churches within those cities. He and others appointed fatherly, servant leaders in each city. Thus it was at this level servant leadership was introduced, small groups being well able to move by consensus, as they submitted to one another in love.

These leaders or elders as they were called exhibited the leadership characteristics that Jesus spoke of in, Luk 22:25-27 Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. This can clearly be seen in Paul’s qualifications of an elder in 1Ti 3:1-7 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. and Tit 1:6-8 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. And Peters admonition to them, 1Pe 5:1-4 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Any heavy handed leadership styles should be clear indications of wolves at work in the church of God. We should avoid at all costs any leadership approach which is heavy handed, manipulative or controlling. These do not come from God, but rather from the enemy of our souls.

John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

The role of the elder is not so much to lead (the Lord does that), but to watch out for wolves, bind up the sick and suffering, and to gently bring back and restore those sheep that have gone astray. We will look at these three areas a little later, but first let us look at why the city wide, or local church is so important.

The first thing that should be said is that today’s cities are much bigger than in the past, and when we think of where we live it normally in terms of part of a city or a smaller locality. At the time of writing I live in the large German city of Essen. More specifically I live in the area of Essen called Huttrop. But even there I live in that part of Huttrop around Steele Straße. So where would the church in the city be for me? The answer is all of those places. If there were 3 or 4 house churches around Steele Straße, maybe there could be 2 or 3 elders there, caring for those fellowships. They would relate with other Elders in Huttrop, who in turn would relate to Elders from throughout the city of Essen. But for my care, I would look to the elders from around the Steele area.

The church in the city within it’s network allows for:-

Wider sharing of resources.

Larger meetings for worship and the sharing of Ephesians 4:11 type ministries (e.g. Act 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. )

The mutual protection and discipline of the sheep. The main way that sheep protect themselves is by crowding together, thus not allowing wolves to enter. Wolves always try to scatter the sheep, making individuals easier to pick off. Individualists who do not work with the flock, or make the flock vulnerable in some way, are excluded from the flock and themselves come in danger of falling prey to the wolves.

I previously said that elders have three main roles within the church.

Ich habe vorher gesagt, dass Ältere drei Hauptrollen innerhalb der Kirche haben.

Acts 20:26-30 Especially verse 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. This seems to show that one of the main eldership roles is that of watching out for wolves. Some take this to mean that elders should aggressively protect the sheep, almost wrapping them in cotton wool, taking all responsibility from them. I simply do not believe that this is helpful. It produces spiritual babies, always dependent on the one leading them and never able to discern the truth for themselves. I have been in so many meetings where church leaders lament that their members never grow-up, without realizing that their system of care is the very thing that keeps the person dependent. They become more vulnerable to attack than sheep that take responsibility for themselves, and are taught classes in “wolf recognition”, by their elders. Like natural fathers, true elders will rejoice as they see those under their care grow, mature and take responsibility in Christ. I believe that this protection role can best be described as that of a gate keeper. Joh 10:7-11.Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. In saying that He was the gate of the sheep, Jesus was literally saying that he would lay down His life for the sheep. How could we do less if we are to follow the Chief Shepherd?

The second role of an elder is to build-up the sick and suffering. Within Healing Communities we often say we want to bring healing spirit, soul & body in the widest sense of the word healing. This is the charge of an elder, Jas 5:13-16 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Healing of the Spirit is forgiveness of sins, deliverance and salvation. Healing of the soul includes healing of past hurts, rejection, and emotional problems. Healing of the body is more obvious physical healing. Elders help to bring this healing through prayer, sensitive counseling, and careful teaching.

The final role of Elders is to bring back the lost sheep. Jud 1:23 snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Connected with this is the whole area of church discipline. Mat 18: 15-17 says: "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. At the final stage the whole church is involved. At one time I felt this was referring to the church in the house, but now I see clearly it is talking about the church in the city (and for some who have wider influence, even further afield). The reason for this is clear, if it were not at the level of the city, there would be nothing to stop someone in sin, or rebellion simply to move from church to church (house to house) within a city, contaminating everyone. This is why the Didache and other early writings stress that this final level of disciple is in the hands of the Elders.

The next level of networking, becomes more important as travel and communications become easier and that is the “Oikos” or people group. A people group is defined by the people in it. I live in Essen Germany, so Essen would be a definition of this people group, Essen is in the North Rhein Westfalia region so that is another description of this people group. But the people here are also clearly German, a larger and more significant people group which in its turn is part of the German speaking world including Austria, parts of Switzerland and then of course all are Europeans. Networking at this level is crucial at this time. Here rather than Elders and local issues taking importance we see the Ephesians 4:11 gift ministries coming to the forefront. And the meetings they have are more strategic than pastoral. The networking that takes place, once again, centers on sharing resources, but now these resources should primarily be seen as spiritual. When there are meetings across “Oikos groups” they are normally forums, where God’s people can meet and share across wider areas or Councils where apostolic leaders Elders and others can meet to make decisions over matters of interest to all. Where it is important that these decisions receive wide acceptance. An example of the former would be Paul’s meeting within the church mentioned in Acts 20 and of a council. The authoritative meeting in Acts which many believe produced the document which we know of as “The Didache” but certainly accepted gentiles fully into the church.

Both of these meetings and councils are initiated by Ephesians 4:11 type (apostolic) ministries.

These meetings were rarely for teaching, which was normally imparted locally. Few teachings have universal application. It is interesting to note that Jesus wrote 7 different letters to seven churches in a fairly small region in the book of Revelation. Today some Christian “superstars”, have huge conferences to impart their teachings but few are really “equipped” for the work of service; in that they move out into service.

Rather they are trapped in a cycle of conferences where the only ones to receive are the superstars of these shows, where their victims are entertained. Forums allow all to share and receive. The equipping by apostolic, servant leaders and mutual sharing is genuine and long lasting encouraging saints to move out and serve others, as they have received.

Many meetings which appear to be forums are in fact no more than talking shops, where people sit and talk about service, because they have never been equipped to “do the work of service”. I have been to so many meetings where you see the same faces talk about house or simple churches, yet they have never moved into opening their own houses for meetings with other saints. But then it’s so much easier to talk, than to do.

Forums should always lead to action, as people move forward in their lives in Christ. Forums that are just “talking shops” are an unwarranted indulgence.

The sort of action which flows from Councils however, should be of a deeper and more enduring kind. The purpose being to mutually agree (with the Holy Spirit) on points of doctrine, order and strategy. However, we must be very careful to carefully submit to the Holy Spirit in all things. In 1909 at a council in Berlin, the German churches of that time rejected the “Pentecostal outpouring” saying that it was not of God in the so called Berlin declaration. I firmly believe that had the churches made a different decision at that time it would have bought revival that could have changed the history of Europe. That their decision was wrong is seen in God’s grace and mercy moving here today. It is not enough for a decision to seem right to us, it has to seem right to the Holy Spirit too!

Many have asked me for a strategy for building up the church. My counsel always is, and always will be, to fall on your face before the Lord, crying out to Him for His word, His way forward. This is especially true in wider meetings of “Oikos groups”. I would rather hear one sentence from the Lord, than a whole weekend from the most gifted speakers.

“Oikos” networks do not only have meetings but often facilitate the mobility and work of apostolic ministries so, if we are going to see the Lord move in these networks, we must have a clear understanding of what apostolic/servant leaders are really like. This will not only help us in our networking with them, but also prevent us from being led astray by false prophets and apostles.

Apostles are NEVER self-appointed, nor are true apostles appointed by men. They are rather appointed by Jesus Christ to follow Him in his work Heb 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. Later those who are listening to the true shepherd will recognize in them the voice of the apostle. Apostles never seek the recognition or approval of men; instead they humbly follow their master. Jesus said Mar 10:42-45 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Paul in his earlier epistles called himself an apostle (1 Cor 1:1 Gal. 1:1, 2 Tim. 1:1) Later he modified this to servant (1 Cor. 9:19, Titus 1:1) and later still, when he fully understood his apostolic calls himself of slave (Rom. 7:25, Phm. 1:9). We must learn true leadership means a renunciation of what the world calls authority to truly be indentified with the servant king.

Apostles are a gift to the church rather than an office of it. As such they have no official authority like elders (although some like Peter, are elders too) this means that the authority is not rooted in the person, but instead flows from the word that they minister. This can clearly be seen when Paul differentiates between his own thoughts and what the Lord says. Paul teaches that apostles will “do the works of an apostle”. Whilst it is not clear what these are, I feel that they would include miracles, foundational teaching, and church planting. This last one needs a little unpacking. In the same way that all can prophesy, but not all are prophets, all of God’s people can and should be involved in evangelism and church planting; this does not make them apostles. Apostles will as well as plant churches, inspire networks, breaking down false structures to plant and build on the firm foundation of Christ.

Apostles work closely with other Ephesians 4:11 ministries, particularly that of Prophets with whom they share a foundational role. Evangelists too will link into their church planting role, and Pastors and Teachers will continue in the equipping work. All of these ministries relating together as a team. Paul described this in horticultural terms. (1 Cor. 3:6-8) So today we should expect to see God’s networks operating in a similar way.

In the church today there seems to be too much emphasis on who is in charge. The answer is simple to any Christians truly committed to Christ. HE IS!! Many of those who claim leadership fall lamentably short of Christ’s measure in Mar 10:42-45 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

And it is sad to say that many who claim the name of Christ would rather let somebody else take responsibility for them, than workout their faith, taking responsibility for their own walk before the Lord. The truth is that one day they will find out the truth, God wants to relate to them personally and He holds them responsible for that. Woe to those people who seek to usurp the Lord’s authority.

Both locally and within wider “Oikos” groups, Eph 4:11 ministries should travel, building up and equipping the church for the work of ministry. In networking through the local church and personal relationship with apostolic servant leaders, individual house churches will grow in Christ to fulfill their destinies together in Him.

Keith Smith

21st November, 2007.

You can listen to the audio of this teaching here: New Testament Networking