To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home: Philemon 2

I have noticed in recent years the need for churches to expand their facilities to include recreational centers, education centers, and one wanted a food court to attract lunch time crowds (though I suspect this was an anomaly and not the norm for church expansion projects). Many churches around the world are house churches, often out of necessity because they are poor or are persecuted. It’s actually a very sensible approach to church, isn’t it? As long as someone in the group can teach and someone is musically inclined, it’s a great idea and much less expensive than owning and operating a church and staff. If the gathering gets too large, several from the first house church can begin meeting elsewhere until that home is filled to capacity. In house churches, no salaries are paid, people get to know each other quickly, and you become closer to the people you worship with. I wish we went back to that style. There is very little downside to meeting in other people’s homes and many advantages.

Pray for wisdom in the persecuted house churches around the world. North Korea, China, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Nepal come to mind. Pray that they will be encouraged and well fed each week. Pray God’s hand of protection over them and discernment on who to reach out to.