Many house churches differ from the conventional congregation model, which may include a dedicated building, paid staff and separate educational programs. Their members instead share responsibility for worship, teaching, discussion, care and practical decisions.
The movement is often associated with the first-century Christian communities described in the New Testament, when believers commonly gathered in homes before purpose-built church buildings became widespread. Contemporary groups vary considerably, so no single structure or set of beliefs represents every house church.
Many identify with evangelical Protestant Christianity, while others draw from broader Christian traditions. Their common feature is usually the importance placed on participation, close relationships and locally organized gatherings.
Read with context
“House church” can describe several different models, from an independent congregation to a small group connected to a larger church. The articles below distinguish historical precedent from present-day practice.