What are some of the practical steps and guidelines for starting a home ekklesia?
Here are some of the practical steps and basic guidelines that have helped us at our own home ekklesia . They are far from being exhaustive, but will prove to be helpful for a successful start:
The reason why we use Ekklesia and not church when referring to Yahuwah's faithful in WLC content is because the word "church" does not accurately convey the meaning of the original Greek, "Ekklesia." Throughout the New Testament, Ekklesia refers to the Called Out Ones. The word "church," which emphasizes a group, is therefore an erroneous translation and should never have been used. Christians are literally the Called Out Ones. The true followers of Yahushua are indeed the Called Out Ones from the organized denominations and religions of fallen Babylon. When the call to flee Babylon has been heard, none are to again return to Babylonian churches and forms of religion.
Set specific times to meet on each seventh-day Sabbath (Yahuwah's holy convocation) as per His calendar. We do not mean Saturday, but rather the seventh-day Sabbath as determined by the phases of the moon. Click here for more information on His calendar, and how to find His true seventh-day Sabbath.
Agree on a person to be laid hands on as a deacon, as early as possible, provided he meets the biblical criteria as spelled out in 1 Tim. 3:1-13. Special consideration should be given to verse 10, to ensure that the selection is a blessed one.
Designate a treasurer to be responsible for tithes and offerings. Abide by the rule that tithes can only be used for the support of a minister, or for the printing of literature (silent preachers). For other ekklesia related expenses, offerings, or specifically collected funds can be used. But in no way should Yahuwah's tithe be used for outside its main purpose.
Where a minister is not available, agree amongst yourselves to the subjects to be studies during your holy convocations. Members need to remember that His spirit will bless these meetings, and they need to be formal and structured, even though they are carried out within a home. Kneeling down should be always the preferred position (see Psalms 95:6).
There should be time in every meeting for the following:
Witnessing time, in compliance with Mark 5:19.
Prayer time preceded by giving an account of His blessings by members, followed by listing specific needs to be lifted to Yahuwah in prayer.
There should be an agreements amongst the members from the outset on the following principles:
No tolerance for open sin, and members guilty of open sin and who do not repent should be dealt with in accordance with 1 Cor. 5:9-13.
That Matthew 18 will underpin interpersonal relationships amongst members.
Children will not be allowed to disturb the meetings, and parents should resolve to train their children to act reverentially in the presence of His spirit. This is an important subject and one that should be brought to the attention of members from the very beginning.
Where possible, special SabbathSchool program should be conducted for the children.
Lastly, starting a home ekklesia will be learning experience for each member. However, it is within the context of the ekklesia that His people will ripen for the harvest. The home ekklesia is not an option for His people today. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).It is a must, for His people today are not to be found worshiping Him where He is not to be found.
