FAQ
What if I don’t have a worship leader?
YouTube, Spotify.
Can we have a leaderless HC?
While we support a leaderless HC during its transition to having leaders, a leaderless HC doesn’t fit our vision of House Church as a place for discipleship and leadership development.
How should we prepare for our HC meetings?
- Prepare the Space: Clean the house, make it welcoming.
- Prepare for Dinner: Get cups, plates, napkins, and anything else needed.
- Prepare Your Heart: Pray with the host for at least 30 minutes. Pray for your members and the space. Pray for an encounter with God that would transform lives.
- Prepare for Worship (if leading): Choose songs, tune the guitar and practice.
- Prepare for Discussion: Review the questions, the sermon, and plan the discussion.
What do I say to people who have expressed an interest in leading a HC in the future?
Let them know that SP is always looking for leaders. In the meantime, they should do their best in their current HC, complete GIC and EG, and start serving at SP. During this time, observe and prayerfully consider if they have leadership potential.
What should I be looking for in a possible future HC leader?
Here are a few important qualities: love for God and others, ability to get along with different people, friendliness, a heart to serve, being teachable, and showing the gifts and fruit of the Spirit. These qualities don’t need to be perfect, but we are looking for potential. Remember, where we see dry bones, God sees an army (Ezekiel 37). Start by giving them small responsibilities and see how they handle them. Gradually let them take over some of your duties and guide their progress.
Is there a protocol for raising new HC leaders?
I’m still not sure about the HC meals. Do we ask everyone to pitch in?
It’s best to have everyone share the cost/responsibility by taking turns buying food. Someone else can handle drinks and dessert. The host should provide plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery. If you provide dinner every week, it can take away from the sense of community and create an unhealthy dynamic.
What is SP’s policy on alcohol?
We do not serve or drink alcohol at any SP events, including house church, retreats, outreach, and services.
What if we want to do a HC outreach event instead of discussing the sermon?
This is encouraged, but make sure your cluster leader approves it first.
Is it okay if worship or ministry takes over and we don’t get to the discussion?
The goal of house church is to minister to people, not just follow an agenda. Let the Holy Spirit lead, but remember the agenda can still be helpful.
Who comes up with the discussion questions?
Each term, two house church leaders submit weekly questions, but you’re welcome to submit your own if you have any.
Can we invite friends from outside SP to visit house church?
Yes, this is encouraged! Whether they are believers or not, house church is a welcoming space. The goal is to help them connect with the larger church body, so encourage them to attend Sunday services too.
What if a house church member only comes to house church but not Sunday service?
Teach them from Acts 2 that both Sunday worship and house church are important for growth. House church should not replace Sunday service, but complement it. Encourage them to at least listen to the message before the meeting.
What if someone from another church wants to come to HC but not SP on Sundays?
We generally discourage this, but if they have a valid reason (e.g., their church has no small groups, or your house church time/location is more convenient), they must speak with their pastor and get his blessing. They should also listen to the SP message to participate in discussions.
What if someone only comes to house church dinners or fellowship events?
Have a conversation with them about their commitment. House church is more than just fellowship—it’s about spiritual growth too. If scheduling is an issue, suggest they find a better-fitting group. If not, talk with them about fully participating.
How do you handle people who dominate the discussion?
Invite quieter members to share directly and help everyone participate. If it becomes a recurring issue, have a private conversation with the person and kindly address it.
What if someone always goes off on tangents?
It’s okay to gently steer them back by saying, “Let’s stay on topic,” or “We can talk more about that later.” A friendly smile helps!
What if people don’t talk at all?
Encourage them to share by asking direct, simple questions. Start with light questions and build up. If they still don’t contribute, have a private chat about the importance of sharing.
What if someone doesn’t like the message?
That’s okay—everyone has an opinion. Use it as a teachable moment for both them and the group. What is the Spirit saying? Is the Spirit saying to be critical?
What if someone in the group has an issue with another member or the church?
Encourage them to forgive and reconcile. Avoid getting involved in the details of the disagreement and getting caught in the middle. Be a peacemaker and help them resolve it. Remind them not to gossip. This is a discipleship moment in how to do relationships.
Will our house church be closed if we don’t grow in numbers?
No. SP focuses on obedience, faithfulness, and servanthood, not numbers. If you’re being faithful and doing your best, you don’t need to worry about growth. Instead of praying about closing, pray and ask God for guidance and wisdom on what to do?
What if the house church is getting too big but we don’t have new leaders?
If it’s getting too big, stop accepting new members and focus on training new leaders.
When should we think about multiplying the group?
Start praying about multiplying when your group regularly has 12 people. When you reach 16, it’s time to split into two groups of 8.
Can house church members move to a different group?
They can move with approval from their current leader. It’s the member’s responsibility to inform both their current and future leaders and pray about the decision.
How many times can a guest visit before joining?
A guest can visit a house church twice. After that, they should decide whether to commit or find another group. They can check out a maximum of three house churches before deciding.
Are there breaks in the house church schedule?
Yes, we take breaks in July and August for summer and missions, three weeks during Easter, and one month at Christmas. Leaders should plan their vacations around these breaks to maintain continuity.
Is childcare provided at house church?
No, childcare is not provided. Members can bring their kids if appropriate, but they are responsible for ensuring their children don’t distract from the meeting. Some groups involve children during meals or worship, but someone must watch them during the rest of the meeting.