One day in an India train station I had a thought. This thought quickly transformed into something far greater than I had originally imagined. But, like most great things, it started as a simple idea, not quite developed, just a small image in my head that lacked maturity and vision. I was sitting down with a few of my friends: Paul, Lisa, Tucker, and Katlyn. My head lay uncomfortably on my 60 liter pack, in a vain attempt to be relaxed. Lisa, my good friend, and I were having casual conversation when she asked me a question that would soon change my life forever. “What church are you going to go to when you get back?” My thoughts were fleeting; I answered quickly without hesitation, “I don’t have a very good community at home, maybe I’ll start a house church.” Lisa’s light green eyes glistened softy as tender laughter fell from her mouth. Assuming I was joking she replied, “you can be like the Amish.” Usually, this would be somewhat offensive, however, Lisa previously being Amish, had “permission” to make “amish jokes”. My stomach twirled, and the chaos of the train station seemed to vanish completely. My heart throbbed in my chest, eyes sparkling, and suddenly I knew, I was going to start a house church. The name came to me almost as quick as the idea, The House Of Joy. Little did I know that the Lord had planted a seed that would quickly turn into a large tree; this tree would bear fruit for many, and the dream would extend across the universe.
The House of Joy is, of course, going to be a place of joy. Ironically, it starts with my family, which has previously appeared broken and lacking what this church sits on, joy. The Lord has promised me complete reconciliation and healing within my family unit. He has put on my heart, very clearly, that my family is my first ministry. I have been relentlessly praying for months that God would use my family’s testimony to bring kingdom, encouragement, and hope to others. In a previous blog post, I mentioned how God loves broken things; He loves making them new. My family is a broken thing, but He has promised complete restoration. My heart for this church is that people would see Jesus in our testimony, in our church, and in us.
Anyone who knows my family well enough, knows that our past has been rocky. But the Lord has called me to put aside any bitterness; to come together earnestly with my parents and pray for The House of Joy. I will pray for God to fill our house with his spirit, joy, and grace. As I go out through the day I will be obedient and talk to strangers about The House of Joy. I will approach them and welcome them into this place. My heart’s desire is that it will be a place of safety, vulnerability, prayer, raw community, and good food. Sometimes our society mistakingly views the church as a building, when in fact, it is two or more people gathered together in the name of the Lord. As believers we are the hands and feet of Christ. We are the church.
One of the biggest problems in the church is that people come to receive and not to give. Believers are unaware that they are a vital member of the body of Christ. The body can not function properly if a body part is not working correctly. When Christians come to church only to be filled up they are unable to acknowledge their gifts and role in the church. Because of this dysfunction, the goal of the House of Joy will be to inform people of their crucial existence on the Earth and in the church. By putting a value to someone’s opinions, thoughts, creative ideas, and gifts you are simultaneously encouraging them into who they are called to be. People will have the opportunity to give messages, lead bible studies, and step into leadership. Discipleship is key to a successful ministry. The church should be discipling people and helping them grow in their confidence of who they are in the Lord. As believers, we are to encourage one another and live in close community. Church is not just meant for Sunday, but for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. In this generation it is common for people to fear intimate relationships. However, God has intended for us to be deeply connected with other believers. We are to not just see each other on Sunday, but simply do life together. Laughter is meant to be shared, encouragement is to be given, and meals are to be eaten together. Unfortunately, through the years the importance of the table has greatly diminished. Relationships are built around the table, and because of this it is essential that we make sharing meals a priority. Apart from meals there will be times to come together as a community and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Other problems we are faced with in the church is practicality, authenticity, and hypocrisy. I find that in many churches people come together, talk about Jesus, talk about the Word, and to be frank, don’t apply any of it to their lives. I believe there should be a here and how. We should use the the knowledge we have of the word ‘here’ and discuss ‘how’ we are going to practically apply it to our lives. It’s common for believers to not live life on mission. The House of Joy will acknowledge that we are all given our own ministry: our family, work, the local corner store, the gym, etc. By living life in close communion it will encourage individuals to bring Jesus to people wherever they go. Christianity, when not genuine, can be a turn off to non-believers. A lot of “followers” of Jesus feel like they have to hide their problems, sinful behavior, and darkness from the people around them, especially other believers. Contradictory to the word of God, some Christians live in fear and lack vulnerability completely. Blinded by the three inch veil of our ego we strive to show our best colors. However, we are told by God to seek prayer from others, be honest about our sins, and show grace to ourselves and our neighbors. The House of Joy will be a place where people can come in and be loved exactly where they are at. In hardship, members will seek prayer, encouragement, and be vulnerable with the community around them. Life time friendships will be made that will last an eternity.
In many churches there seems to be a particular age group that is targeted. Sometimes you walk into a church and see that the members mostly consist of elderly people, middle aged men and women, or the youth. Generally speaking there is segregation within the church. While I think it’s important that you seek to reach people according to their generation and comfortability, I think it’s more important to challenge members of the body of Christ. I also believe that in Christ centered relationships generational walls are to be completely torn down. Men and woman of all ages can inspire one another and point each other towards Jesus. Elderly people, with their, infinite amount of wisdom, can impart it to the younger generation. Likewise, the younger generation with their creative ideas and zeal can be a reminder to the elderly that the Lord is not done with them. Even in the last leg of life there is infinitely more to learn and experience with Jesus. I’m passionate about relationships between people of different ages because I have experienced the beauty of this myself. My grandpa is pushing his late 70’s and has been my best friend for years. His shared wisdom has radically impacted my life as my youth and passion has effected his. Relationships are going to be highly valued in this church and completely centered around Jesus.
On the weekends there will be opportunities to partake in inner city missions. There will be outreaches such as: feeding and ministering to the homeless. Prayer meetings will also be taking place weekly as well as fun, creative community events. The primary goal of the House of Joy is to bring kingdom, encourage believers, and live in the whimsy, love, and grace of Jesus. Members of this church will be ignited with an extraordinary passion for God and for life. The Holy Spirit will be flooding the HOJ bursting through every window and every door.
As radical and unconventional as this might seem this is the reality of what the Lord has placed on my heart. God has made me to be a woman of God who dreams extravagantly. I am called to live a bold life for the kingdom of Heaven. I believe this church will be blessed and that people who come to know Jesus will be added to our number daily. I believe that eventually there will be a ripple effect and the Lord will use the House of Joy to change the lives of many. But, ultimately spread the love of Jesus. The House of Joy is not just a church, it is a culture, a church, and a ministry.
