Tim Chester lists several differences between House Church meetings and Missional Communities. Read them over. Are there any missing?
Community
House groups often tend to be a weekly meeting. People talk about ‘house group night’ – the evening in which they ‘do’ house group by attending a meeting. A missional community is about a shared life, a network of relationships, a genuine community of people.
Bible-centered
House groups are often centred around a Bible study. The Bible is central to the life of a missional community, but the Bible is read, discussed and lived throughout the week in the context of a shared life.
Pastoral Care
House groups are often insular and focused on the mutual care of their members. Pastoral care is a feature of missional communities, but they are also groups with a strong sense of mission. They can articulate their vision for mission and identify the specific people they are trying to reach.
Leadership
House groups are normally managed centrally by the church leadership. Leaders are often fearful of house groups becoming independent. Missional communities are given a mandate to reproduce organically or spin off into church plants.
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August 10, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Allen Smith
Thanks, Jonathan, for yet again, another stimulating read. You probably don’t realize how far reaching is your online resources. Thanks for serving the church!
August 10, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Jonathan Dodson
Thanks, Allen, most of all for your exemplary gospel living in Peru (from what I see on your website)!
August 12, 2009 at 7:14 pm
lukesimmons
I think it might be important to say that these are the characteristics of GOOD or EFFECTIVE missional communities, just as they are true of GOOD or EFFECTIVE home groups. They can be called whatever we want, but it’s the substance of the ministry and life together that matters. I think there are a number of people now using MC as the verbage and assuming that it is better off because of it, but that’s a dangerous way to develop a false sense of “success” in the mission.
August 13, 2009 at 2:48 am
Jonathan Dodson
Good point of clarification, Luke. How have you seen the use of MC in name falling short of the reality? Where is the disconnect for them?
August 13, 2009 at 12:47 pm
lukesimmons
I’ve seen it in our church and I’ve seen it in other churches (that I won’t name). I don’t mind the terminology, and I think it communicates something important. I’ve heard of great MC’s and lousy MC’s just like I’ve heard of great home groups and lousy home groups.