Why We Need to Return to Home Churches | with Matt Dabbs

Why House Churches Might Be the Future of Christianity

In my recent conversation with Matt from Revolution of the Ordinaries, we explored a question that’s been stirring in my heart for years: Is our modern approach to “church” actually what we see in Scripture?

Matt’s journey from traditional ministry to house church planting reveals a profound shift happening across Christianity. After serving in institutional churches for years, he found himself increasingly drawn to the discipleship-focused, reproducible model we see Jesus establishing. When COVID hit, what started as backyard gatherings with neighbors evolved into a thriving network of home churches.

What struck me most was how house churches naturally solve problems that institutional settings often struggle with:

Children experience real discipleship. Rather than being separated and entertained, children in house churches witness adults praying for healing, sharing testimonies, and living out authentic faith. Matt shared a beautiful story of a 9-year-old boy who, after three years in this environment, demonstrated remarkable spiritual maturity by initiating prayer for his teacher’s family.

Every believer’s gifts are activated. In traditional settings, the professional clergy do 90% of the ministry while most members remain passive. House churches create space for everyone to exercise their spiritual gifts, fulfilling the Ephesians 4 vision of the whole body growing into maturity.

Accountability happens naturally. When you share teaching responsibilities in a living room, anyone can ask questions or offer perspective. The barriers between “clergy” and “congregation” dissolve, allowing for mutual discipleship.

The focus shifts from programs to people. Without buildings to maintain or Sunday services to produce, house churches can invest their energy in making disciples who make disciples – the core mission Jesus gave us.

To be clear, this isn’t about condemning traditional churches or the sincere believers who serve in them. God works through many expressions of His church. But Matt’s testimony challenges us to honestly evaluate whether our current practices are effectively making disciples who make disciples.

As Matt emphasized, the key is prayer: “Pray about everything.” When we truly listen for God’s direction and move where He’s moving, He will guide our steps, whether that’s in a traditional congregation or a living room gathering.

What are your thoughts? Have you experienced both traditional and simple church expressions? I’d love to hear your perspective in the comments below!