Homes 4 Christ Network

Index
Introduction
The Vision
More than Home Fellowships
The qualities of a leader
Administration
Conclusion

 Introduction
It all goes back some thirty years; I was facing a potentially serious medical condition, with the almost certainty that I was going to lose everything I held dear. I remember sitting by my fireside quite late into the evening, and talking to the Lord about my situation and the future. It was then that the Lord showed me what He was going to do at the latter end of my life, and how He was going to prepare His Church for His coming again and how there would be a reformation rather than a revival. I remember making this promise "if you heal me, I will work full time in helping you to prepare your Bride for your coming again". Over the ensuing four or five years He healed me, and in doing so gave me a tremendous insight into the human personality especially in terms of our spiritual, psychological and emotional makeup. I can assure you it was a long hard battle, and a steep learning curve!

Move on some 15 years, and I was leading, as an ordained minister and pastor, a small home assembly. Now I have always like the "home assembly" having enjoyed one as a young person, and I feel that it is the area of ministry in which I am at my best. I also love discussional Bible studies, another strength I feel. Anyway, the Holy Spirit moved and there were a series of prophecies, connected to a vision.  The vision was for a network of home assemblies linked together as a network supporting and helping each other in the love of the Lord. Now 12+ years on from that time the Holy Spirit is leading me to start to build this network. It is not just my vision, the other month I was talking to a minister from one of the African countries, and he shared his vision for this country, almost word for word the one that I had on my heart for the last 12+ years. I am sure that there are others who have similar or associated visions  (one's that will fit into this broader plan). I believe it is time for it all to come together.

The Vision
The H4C network is at the present a vision. A vision for a "Church on every street" meeting the needs of the people in that locality. H4C could well stand for "healing 4 communities". This is more than "home fellowships or churches" it is more than a network of such home fellowships all working together to bring the Gospel in word and deed to the places were people live. It is a vision for a vibrant Christ centred movement where every home is a sanctuary, every kitchen table an altar, and every mum and dad a hero.

More than Home Fellowships

It is seen as a network of groups. Bible discussion groups, Prayer groups, Sunday fellowship groups coming together for worship; and also interest groups perhaps doing practical jobs in the community, such as those small home repairs to support some elderly folk, gardening groups whose ministry would be to support the sick and the elderly. Groups who help out young mums with baby sitting, somebody to talk to when the days seem to get "too much", and so on. Practical hobbies and crafts that become a ministry.

The underlying principle is that of love, and of the sharing of resources: some may call it a "common wealth". Where the combined resources of the members of the network are brought in play to meet needs, and support each other and those around them. Much can be done in the abundance of the little things that make a difference to a person’s life. Not do-gooders, for such a way of life must be disciplined, and those involved trained to give help, know when to refer to the "professionals", and when the best help is no help. There has to be a responsible and competent leadership.

One of the big advantages of these small groups is that individual tallent can be more easily recognised, and nurtured, thus making for greater strength, and individuals being able to find their true capacity and "self" more easily.

The qualities of a leader
The biblical view of leadership is that of the servant not some "overseer" who has to be obeyed in all things. Leaders are people who empower others to minister in the way that God has called them to. A leader will help a person to relate to the Lord and the Holy Spirit, so that their direction comes from Them. A leader is someone who lives close to the Lord themselves, and are able to communicate the Word of truth as empowered by the Holy Spirit. There is too much legalism in our churches today; unwritten rule books whereby people judge and condemn others. Such behaviour is condemned by scripture. There are fundamental truths that cannot be compromised on, such as that Jesus is the only Son of God the Father, salvation by faith and so on. Leaders are not there to build their own little empires, they are there to establish the Kingdom of God and its righteousness.

The Administration Structure
Each group is autonomous, and each home group leader is responsible to the Lord. There has to be co-ordinators and advisors, people who by their greater experience can help when problems arise and so on. There needs to be the prophetic voice warning when a course of action is unwise or leading into danger. How Holy Spirit sets these needs up in a given locality or zone is down to Him, but it is envisaged that that there will be a district leader (or elder) looking after the groups in one town or area of a city. Then there will itinerant pastors enabling and empowering the district leaders. It is a loose structure pastors and elders visiting a given home fellowship will be visitors not authority figures.

The communication structure will use the Internet, and there will be a central database of all the resources available, so that a given fellowship can then consult the database in the event that they need resources to help a given situation or problem. It is envisaged that the central base can send out advice and news e-mails to all groups, supply things like Bible discussion material and so on.

Conclusion
It is quite clear that the times of the Church in this world are moving into a new phase. Storm clouds are gathering and I have no doubt we will facing discrimination on many levels, if not at times outright persecution. The times ahead are going to be tough, and unless the people of God learn to love each other, and share their resources with each other, then the church will not survive. The vision that has been given is international, not just for the United Kingdom, but so as to not confuse the picture too much I will leave that aspect to another time.

If anybody feels that they share this vision, or want to know more, or if anybody would like to consider setting up a home fellowship, particularly in the East Midlands region of the UK then please e-mail me. 

The Lord bless you and keep you, and keep you close to Him, so that He may be able to guide and lead you, and perfect you, through the ministry of His Holy Spirit, unto every good work. May He proesper you in every way, and may His peace be upon you and your home, and may His love and joy fill you.

Rev. Dorothy Hyde
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