​The early Church for the first hundred years met mostly in homes. (Acts 2:42-46, Acts 5:42, Acts 20:20, Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, Colossians 4:15 & Philemon 2)

​

In Ephesus, about A. D. 59: “...Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house” (1 Cor. 16:19).

In Rome, about A. D. 60: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus...Likewise greet the church that is in their house…” (Rom. 16:3, 5). Two other greetings in Rom. 16, to brethren in Rome, suggest that the church was meeting in their houses also, in other parts of the large city of Rome: “Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them” (Rom. 16:14); “Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them” (Rom. 16:15).

In the area of Corinth, about A. D. 60: “Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you…” (Rom. 16:23).In the area of Laodicea, about A. D. 64: “Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house” (Col. 4:15).

In Colossae, about A. D. 64: “...To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house” (Philemon 1-2).

Outstanding among these are Aquila and Priscilla. They first met Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-3). Later, they went with Paul to Ephesus, where they stayed, while Paul went on to Jerusalem (18:18-19). After Paul returned to Ephesus, we find the church meeting in their house at Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:19). Still later, Paul returns to Corinth and sends greetings to this Christian couple, who are now in Rome. Again, the church is meeting in their house (Rom. 16:3-5).

Priscilla and Aquila did not leave the church behind! “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20). These two Christians were the church wherever they went. They taught others (Acts 18:24-26), and the church assembled for worship in their house.   

Even today, thousands of churches of Christ throughout the world meet in houses of Christians — five or six Christians here, thirty there, etc. And their numbers keep climbing! Like the first century Christians, they partake of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of each week, sing praises to God without musical instruments, give on the first day of the week, pray together, and listen to a message from God’s word (Acts 20:7; Col. 3:16; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 14:15-16).

With the help of God and His written word, you can establish the church of Christ wherever you are. When sinners obey the gospel of Christ, wear the name of Christ — “Christian” (Acts 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:16) — and practice the doctrine of Christ, they are the church of Christ (see Rom. 16:16). He promised, “...I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18)!

​

We as leaders of GEN217 have decided to only meet in homes by establishing Discipleship Groups overseen by our apostolic leadership because this is what God has called us to and what we have His grace for. We believe this is the best way for seekers, new and older Believers to personally be ministered and able to learn and mature faster if they attend their Group regularly. These Discipleship Groups will meet online weekly at the same time all together as one through video conferencing with Pastors Steve & Phoebe leading. The meetings will be recorded for those that might miss a meeting or are from a different part of the world. As time allows leaders will be trained and equipped to help in hands on ministry among the members of each group.

​

-Pastors Steve & Phoebe-