What Was Church Like?
What Should Church Look Like?
A return to the Spirit-led, participatory gatherings of Scripture
They Met in Homes
“…breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.”
— Acts 2:46
“Likewise greet the church that is in their house.”
— Romans 16:5
“Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:19
“…to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house.”
— Philemon 2
They Also Met by Rivers
“On the Sabbath day we went outside the city by a riverside… we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together.”
— Acts 16:13
And They Met in Schools
“He departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.”
— Acts 19:9
But as far as Scripture shows, the early Church never built “church” buildings. That wasn’t their priority.
Sacred Space Reimagined
“Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father… the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth… God is Spirit.”
— John 4:21–24
Jesus was saying: You’re both wrong. Something new is coming.
What Was Church Like?
The Holy Spirit Was Evident
“While Peter was still speaking… the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard… they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God.”
— Acts 10:44–46
“My speech and preaching were… in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith wouldn’t stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:1–5
It Wasn’t Always Polished
- Sometimes meetings lasted for days — “They asked him to stay some days.” (Acts 10:48)
- Sometimes gatherings turned violent
- Some struggled with serious sin — “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you…” (1 Corinthians 5:1)
- There were divisions — “There must also be factions, that those approved may be revealed.” (1 Corinthians 11:18–19)
The Spirit Gave Many Gifts
“To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all…”
— 1 Corinthians 12:7–11
Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment, Tongues, Interpretation
The Body Functioned as One
“The body is not one member, but many… God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired…”
— 1 Corinthians 12:12–26
- No part was unnecessary
- Weaker parts received special honor
- When one suffered, all suffered
- When one rejoiced, all rejoiced
There Were Roles and Callings
“God has set some in the assembly: apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, helpers, governors, tongues…”
— 1 Corinthians 12:27–31
“He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers, for the building up of the body…”
— Ephesians 4:11–12
Prophecy Was Central
“Earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy… he who prophesies speaks to men for edification, exhortation, and consolation…”
— 1 Corinthians 14:1–5
“Don’t forbid speaking with tongues.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:39
The Gatherings Were Interactive
“When you come together, each of you has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:26–31
There was shared teaching, discernment, and space for everyone to participate.
Some Appeared Godly, But Were Dead
“…having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from these.”
— 2 Timothy 3:5
“You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”
— Revelation 3:1
“Because you are lukewarm… I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
— Revelation 3:15–16
Victory Belongs to the Lamb
“They overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony; they didn’t love their lives even unto death.”
— Revelation 12:11
“I heard every creature… saying: ‘To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing, honor, glory, and power forever!’”
— Revelation 5:13
✅ 1. Shared Hunger for More
Many people feel something is missing:
“A concert and a TED talk… there’s something inherently missing.” “Most churches have administrated themselves to death…” “Even John MacArthur’s church leaves no room for people to exercise their gifts.”
✅ Implication: You’re not alone in your concern. There’s a remnant of believers who are hungry for real participation, Spirit-led moments, and shared growth.
⚠️ 2. “We Already Do That” — but Poorly
Some feel their church includes participation… but their examples don’t reflect the depth of dialogue or Spirit-led engagement you’re describing.
“We have 5–10 minutes of open mic testimonies.” “We break into 10-minute small groups after the sermon.” “Our lay leaders read scripture and offer a prayer.”
🛠️ Takeaway: These are steps in the right direction—but they’re still structured around a stage/audience model. In your writing, affirm these gestures, but gently challenge: Are we empowering every believer to hear, speak, and grow? Or are we just filling slots?
❓ 3. Fear of Chaos / Need for Structure
“It takes strong leadership… or things will devolve into chaos.” “I think the risk of a little chaos is okay…” “It has to be done well to avoid confusion.”
🛠️ This is huge. People are open—but afraid. Chaos is the #1 fear that keeps churches from allowing open dialogue. You can devote a section or post to:
Paul’s guidance in 1 Cor. 14
How order doesn’t mean silence
The role of discernment and mutual submission
Historical examples (e.g., early Quaker meetings, Spirit-led revivals)
⛪ 4. Liturgical and Structured Defenses
“Liturgical worship helps us all participate.” “We’ve extended participation beyond the tribe of Levi!”
🛠️ Respond by highlighting depth, not just motion. Participation isn’t just repeating responses or taking turns—it’s sharing revelation, walking with the Spirit, and being sharpened by one another. It’s not about volume—it’s about spiritual engagement.
🔥 5. Biblical Clarity
“There’s no ‘head pastor’ in the New Testament.” “Where did we even get the idea of worship services?” “The church gathered to edify—not to perform rituals.”