The House Church: A Model for Renewing the Church

In this book the author proposes the house church structure as a key to continuing renewal in the church today. After a biblical and historical look at the significance of the house church the author looks at a model of ministry appropriate to that structure. In light of this model the author develops a theology of renewal through the servant leadership of both women and men personal and corporate giftedness participatory worship and community commitment. By searching anew the biblical historical and theological bases of the church Del Birkey has assembled a provocative and persuasive case for restructuring contemporary congregational life. He communicates well his dedication to structures which liberate all believers. The House Church is a thoughtful scholarly and practical book for those seeking authentic Christianity. The author combines an Anabaptist foundation with an evangelical commitment to produce a reform program that will be helpful to Christians from many denominations. --Donald F. Durnbaugh PhD Professor of Church History Bethany Theological Seminary Del Birkey carefully traces the origin of the house church through Scripture and then shows precisely how this model can revitalize todays church. For the skeptics the thesis has a solid foundation in theology and sociology and reflects sound principles of anthropology and communication theory. The house church has exciting potential for renewal of the modern church. --Dean E. Arnold PhD Professor of Anthropology Wheaton College Del Birkey is a graduate of Columbia International University Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and he holds the DMin from Bethany Theological Seminary. His pastoral and teaching ministry includes intentional church renewal through the house church mode.