House Church Movement Training Manual

Introduction

This manual serves as a guide for transitioning local churches into a House Church Movement. It provides a strategic framework for rapid multiplication, discipleship, and leadership development.

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Phase 1: Vision Casting & Leadership Mobilization

1. Understanding the Biblical Basis of House Churches

• Acts 2:42-47 - The early church met in homes, shared everything, and grew rapidly.

• Acts 5:42 - "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."

• Romans 16:5 - "Likewise greet the church that is in their house."

2. Identifying & Training Key Leaders

• Look for faithful believers (2 Timothy 2:2).

• Train leaders to facilitate house church gatherings.

• Equip them with tools for evangelism and discipleship.

3. Starting Pilot House Churches

• Launch 2-3 house churches with trained leaders.

• Focus on small, Spirit-led gatherings (worship, Word, fellowship, and prayer).

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Phase 2: Evangelism & Rapid Multiplication

4. Using the ‘Person of Peace’ Strategy (Luke 10:5-7)

• Identify people receptive to the Gospel.

• Establish house churches in their homes.

• Train them to lead and disciple others.

5. Implementing a Disciple-Making Movement (DMM) Model

• Focus on obedience-based discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20).

• Use Discovery Bible Study (DBS):

  1. Read a passage.

  2. Ask: What does this teach about God?

  3. Ask: How will I obey this?

  4. Ask: Who will I share this with?

6. Training Every Believer to Make Disciples

• Teach new believers to share the Gospel immediately (Acts 8:4).

• Encourage them to start a house church with their network.

• Implement the “Train-and-Send” method (Mark 3:14).

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Phase 3: Sustainable Growth & Expansion

7. Leadership Development & Accountability

• Weekly mentoring sessions for house church leaders.

• Train every leader to raise and disciple new leaders.

• Encourage multiplication: Every leader plants 2-3 new house churches annually.

8. Multiplying House Churches in Networks

• Each house church aims to reproduce within 6-12 months.

• Maintain regional gatherings for teaching, prayer, and unity.

• Foster relationships among house churches while keeping meetings simple and Spirit-led.

9. Keeping the Movement Simple & Reproducible

• Avoid complex structures and building-based ministries.

• Focus on relational discipleship and Spirit-led multiplication.

• Meet in homes, workplaces, parks, and public spaces.

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Training & Discipleship Plan

1. Initial House Church Leader Training (3-4 Weeks)

• Week 1: Biblical basis for house churches.

• Week 2: How to start and lead a house church.

• Week 3: How to share the Gospel and make disciples.

• Week 4: How to raise new leaders and multiply.

2. Ongoing Mentorship & Leadership Development

• Weekly mentorship meetings for encouragement and problem-solving.

• Quarterly gatherings for vision alignment and collective prayer.

• Yearly retreats for deeper theological training and vision casting.

3. Growth & Expansion Plan

• Each house church multiplies into 2-3 more in one year.

• Each leader mentors at least 2 new leaders per year.

• Maintain simplicity and flexibility to ensure rapid multiplication.

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Summary: 3-Step Formula for House Church Multiplication

1. Start House Churches in Local Communities

   • Train & send leaders.

   • Use a simple, reproducible model.

   • Focus on discipleship, not just gatherings.

2. Multiply Leaders, Not Just Churches

   • Each leader raises new leaders.

   • Every believer becomes a disciple-maker.

3. Sustain Growth through Simple Structures

   • House churches remain small, flexible, and Spirit-led.

   • Networks of leaders maintain accountability and unity.

By following this strategy, local churches can rapidly transition into a multiplying House Church Movement, ensuring strong discipleship and leadership development.

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Appendices: Practical Tools

A. Sample House Church Meeting Format

• Worship (15 mins)

• Bible Study & Discussion (30 mins)

• Prayer & Ministry Time (15 mins)

• Fellowship & Planning for Outreach (15 mins)

B. Simple Gospel Sharing Methods

• Three Circles: Creation, Sin, Redemption.

• Romans Road: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10.

C. Leadership Training Checklist

• Can they explain the Gospel clearly?

• Are they discipling at least one person?

• Have they started a new house church?

• Are they raising new leaders?

This training manual provides a fast yet effective way to transition local churches into a House Church Movement with a strong foundation of discipleship and leadership multiplication.