Do you have a nagging feeling in your heart when you hear about leaders who are experiencing fruit in their ministries by staying on mission with Jesus and exploring new paths for disciple-making? Or when you hear about new terms like “micro” or “mega” or “cell”? One of the things I love about Jesus is that He is never static. He uses leaders like you to innovate and try new things. Or in the case of the House Church movement, take old ways and make them new. I am fascinated by the movement of God throughout history to sustain disciple-making and church planting movements, even in the most difficult circumstances. One of the ways He has done that is by going small.
House churches have become an increasingly common and compelling option for Christian communities in the West. These small, intimate gatherings often emerge from a desire for deeper fellowship and a more personal approach to faith. While they may seem different from traditional churches, their strengths are clear and impactful.
Simplicity and Community: With a manageable size of typically fewer than 40 people, house churches excel at fostering genuine community. This intimate setting makes it easier for leaders to connect with individuals, creating a strong sense of belonging. The focus is on a few core principles: loving God, loving your neighbor, and making disciples.
A Natural Path for Growth: Unlike larger churches and mega churches, house churches have a built-in strategy for growth. When a community outgrows its space, it can naturally multiply into new groups. This isn’t just about space; it’s about following Jesus’s call to reach more people with the gospel, creating a movement rather than a single, large congregation.
Low Overhead, High Impact: Many house church leaders are co-vocational, meaning they work a regular job while also serving their communities. This co-vocational model significantly reduces financial burdens like full-time staff salaries and facility costs, allowing resources to be focused directly on ministry and outreach.
Deeply Relational: House churches thrive on authentic relationships. New people are often drawn in through personal invitation and a sense of genuine warmth and friendship. As author Tim Keller notes, growth is organic, driven by the strong connections and relational bonds that form naturally within the group.
As house church movements grow, leaders may benefit from guidance to navigate their unique environments. It is easy to get excited about the possibilities of going small, but just as important is to be aware of the land mines! Below are five common challenges, framed as opportunities, for growth and support.
Five Opportunities for Growth in House Churches
House churches, like any ministry, face specific hurdles. Below are five common hurdles house church leaders face.
1. Cultivating an Outward Focus
Because of their close-knit nature, house churches can sometimes become focused on the needs of their members. This isn’t a bad thing; strong fellowship is a hallmark of a healthy community. The opportunity, however, is to help leaders intentionally shift their vision from internal community to external mission.
2. Maximizing Limited Time
Most house church leaders juggle their ministry responsibilities with a full-time job. This reality means their time for ministry is often limited and fits into the margins of their lives. Time management is essential for the co-vocational house church leader.
3. Embracing Accountability
House churches are often founded by passionate leaders who desire to do things differently. While this entrepreneurial spirit is a great strength, leaders need to have an outside voice for guidance and accountability. Without a connection to a network or other leaders, they may face challenges alone, which can lead to isolation or an unhealthy situation.
4. Staying True to the Mission
Reaching people with the gospel in a house church setting can take time. It may be a longer journey for someone to fully enter the community and follow Jesus. During this waiting period, it’s easy for leaders to become discouraged or lose sight of their core mission.
5. Navigating Specialization
Providing specialized ministries for different groups—like children, youth, or singles—is a challenge for many house churches. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, as each community has its own philosophy (for example, whether children stay with the main group or go to a separate activity).
Key Questions for a House Church Leader
What is your vision for growing and reproducing your house church?
How is your community doing in the three core behaviors of a disciple: loving God, loving your neighbor, and making disciples?
What could you prune or simplify to focus on what you’re doing well?
What needs to change for you to move forward?
How can I best support you on this journey?
These questions can help leaders feel empowered and supported as they navigate the rewarding and unique path of a house church. One book that I recommend on the topic is entitled “Houses That Change the World” by Wofgang Simpson. If you have any insight into house churches that you would like to share, we would love to hear in the “Submit a Comment” box below.
Stepping onto the lively and often tumultuous soil of Congo is an experience that leaves a lasting mark on your soul. It’s a place of striking contrasts, where resilience flourishes amid adversity, and faith shines its brightest when faced with significant challenges. My time there provided a series of raw, unforgettable insights, moments that transformed my understanding of worship, leadership, hope, and the very essence of Christ.
The Symphony of Worship: God as Audience
Picture a church service where every part of you is fully engaged, not merely as a passive observer, but as an active participant in a divine narrative. In Congo, worship is not a show for an audience, but a sincere offering to God, with the congregation themselves taking on the role of performers. Their voices, deep and resonant, intertwine in complex harmonies, their bodies move with unrestrained joy, and their praises ascend like incense, free from self-consciousness. It’s a powerful reminder that genuine worship isn’t about human perfection, but rather an honest, fervent expression of the spirit.
The Paradox of Faith and Poverty: A Deepening Conflict
One of the most remarkable paradoxes I’ve observed is the harsh reality of widespread poverty coexisting in a nation where a large portion of the population identifies as Christian. This isn’t merely an intellectual observation; it’s a deeply felt conflict that pulls at your conscience. How can so many individuals profess faith in a loving God while remaining ensnared in the unyielding grip of poverty? This dissonance urges us to look beyond simple explanations and confront the intricate interplay of systemic challenges, historical burdens, and the sometimes-elusive promise of prosperity.
A Generation’s Burden: The Leadership Vacuum
The sheer youthfulness of Congo’s population is astonishing. In the lively center of its capital, the average age is a striking 17. However, this vibrant youthfulness often conceals a significant challenge: a notable leadership vacuum. Countless bright, capable young individuals are eager to make a difference, yet opportunities for guidance, mentorship, and empowerment are sadly lacking. This creates a sense of urgency, a critical need to support this emerging generation that will surely influence the future of their nation.
Glimmers of Hope: The Lobiko Initiative
Amidst the complexities, there are shining examples, initiatives that refuse to give in to despair. The Lobiko Initiative stands out as a powerful illustration of human ingenuity and compassion. They are not just providing temporary solutions; they are making a significant impact on the pervasive burden of poverty and, in the process, saving lives. Observing their efforts, whether it’s supplying clean water, promoting sustainable agriculture, or providing vocational training, inspires a deep sense of hope, demonstrating that even in the toughest circumstances, meaningful change can occur.
The Shadow of Corruption: A Crushing Reality
Yet, hope is frequently overshadowed by the widespread problem of corruption. It’s a painful truth that essential resources, meant for transformative projects, often do not reach those who need them most. This situation goes beyond mere numbers; it involves real individuals, genuine needs, and the heartbreaking consequences of misallocated funds on communities that are eager for advancement. It highlights the vital need for transparency and accountability in all initiatives aimed at delivering aid and fostering development.
The Enduring Spirit: The Congolese People
Despite their significant challenges, the spirit of the Congolese people radiates with an undeniable brilliance. At their essence, they are kind, empathetic, and incredibly hospitable. Even though they have very little, they will share their last meal, greet you with their warmest smile, and extend a heartfelt welcome that goes beyond language. Their strength, unyielding spirit, and ability to find joy amidst hardship are genuinely humbling.
Christ Among Us: A Tangible Presence
One of the most profound insights was the palpable presence of Jesus among the poor. It was not merely a theological concept; it was a tangible reality. In the dusty villages, bustling markets, and modest homes, the spirit of Christ felt more intimately present and more deeply understood than in many of the more privileged areas of society. This served as a powerful reminder that God’s love is most vibrant among those who are marginalized, suffering, and in dire need of solace and kindness.
My journey through Congo was a rich tapestry interlaced with both heartbreak and profound inspiration. It served as a stark reminder of the worldwide challenges we encounter, yet it also stood as a lively testament to the resilient human spirit and the steadfast presence of hope.
What parts of these reflections resonated the most with you, or what additional facets of the Congo would you like to explore further?
David, Joel, Lischa, Wilita, and Gary in Kinshasa, Congo
There’s something truly special about connecting face-to-face, and our recent trip to the Congo was a powerful reminder of that. For the last five months, I’ve been virtually training the incredible leaders of the Lobiko Initiative via Zoom, but being on the ground, immersed in their world, brought an entirely new dimension to our partnership.
Stepping into their culture and understanding the unique leadership challenges they face firsthand was invaluable. It wasn’t just about delivering training; it was about truly grasping their context, which deepened every interaction and highlighted the profound impact Christian coaching can have. We saw how these leaders, equipped with new skills, can empower their partners and teams to achieve even greater things.
One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was watching the team dive into live coaching practice. The energy in the room was palpable as they embraced real-time feedback, creating a truly rich learning environment. I also introduced them to powerful new tools for self-understanding and relating to others, which sparked incredible insights and personal reflection. It was inspiring to witness their “aha!” moments.
Introducing a coaching model in this cultural context is a significant shift, a true paradigm shift. As Lischa, Joel, and Wilita move into this next phase, seeking wisdom in identifying the right people to invest in and coach, your prayers are deeply appreciated. Their discernment is crucial for the continued success of this initiative.
We were also incredibly blessed to have David Bast join us, sharing his wealth of wisdom and experience, which further enriched the training.
To each of you who has supported the Lobiko Initiative, Gina and I want to express our deepest gratitude. Your generosity isn’t just a donation; it’s a tangible investment that is making a real and lasting impact in an underserved part of the world. The work continues through 2026, and we are so excited to see the continued transformation your support makes possible!
From here, participants will learn how to coach as they practice coaching two leaders they are developing in Congo. Beginning in January 2026, we repeat the training process with a new cohort. The vision is to train Lischa, Joel, and Wilita to begin training others. Ultimately, we would like to see leaders equipped in the church so that Congolese disciples are multiplying disciples.
What aspects of this trip or the Lobiko Initiative are you most curious to learn more about?
Want to stay connected with me while I’m in Congo?
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Scan the above QR code to keep up with Gary’s adventures while he’s in Congo. The team has arrived safely and is already seeing the hand of God at work. Gary is excited to share his adventures with you, and thanks you for your prayer and financial support. Please email admin@infocusnet.org if you are unable to access his Instagram account or if you have any questions.
Want to stay connected with me while I’m in Congo?
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A Culture of Coaching Multiplies Disciples
Listening and asking questions are the most basic skills of coaching. The power of truly listening and discerning what the Holy Spirit is up to in a discipleship or leadership conversation can lead to powerful insights. Personally, I have applied myself to be more and more proficient in discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit – there is no substitute for time and focus. Developing others in the ability to listen to and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit is exciting, challenging, and transformational.
It blurs the lines between spiritual direction and coaching, but in the long term, disciples stay engaged and are more likely to reproduce into the third and fourth generation. Leaders lead authentic lives, consistent with who God has created them to be. One leader who has introduced a coach approach into his community has observed a significant change in the manner in which disciples engage in their disciple-making journey. One of the outcomes has been a greater sense of “mystery” – a mystery about Jesus’s desire to capture the attention of all peoples, and for the surprises people find along the way.
One area that has been impacted is its ministry to “young adults”. Placing the responsibility where it belongs, new disciples are taking action to align their lives in more life-giving ways, which has shifted the culture. An emerging leader has stepped up and taken the lead role with the vision to help others listen and obey!
Beyond Individual Coaching: Empowering Networks
Perhaps you’re a pastor or leader looking to empower others through coaching. One of the most strategic tools you can learn to empower other leaders is indeed coaching!
As your need for more coaches outgrows your individual capacity—going from one to many—a common and vital step is to institute a standardized coach training process. This ensures that all leaders using a coach approach, regardless of their prior experience, utilize a uniform process and practice consistent skills. This creates essential quality control for your network and for the “clients” (disciple-makers, leaders, pastors, church planters, missionaries) you serve.
However, standardizing practices is just the beginning. To truly see your coach network flourish, you need ongoing quality control and investment in the development of your coaches.
The Challenge: Ensuring Coaching Excellence
Early on, your network might qualify coaches based on past successes, good people skills, or formal training like Christian counseling. While these experiences are helpful, they don’t always predict consistent coaching success. The reality is that leaders coached by “coaches“ with a wide range of competencies will experience varying levels of success.
Competent and consistent coaching is the “X” factor that will have the greatest impact on your network’s success. Without reliable and valid assessment and development, it’s very difficult to know where to focus your efforts for a coach’s growth.
Here are five common challenges networks face when they don’t assess and develop their coaches:
Mixed Results: Without formal assessment, a coach has a 50/50 chance of maximizing a leader’s potential.
Intuition Can Be Misleading: Most coaches, even with some training, often rely on intuition for their own growth, which isn’t always accurate.
Unreliable Feedback: While client feedback is important, it’s limited as a primary means of assessment.
Lack of Developmental Pathway: Without a repeatable process, coaches lack a clear roadmap for continuous improvement.
No Guide to Walk Alongside: Coaches need mentors to help them sharpen their skills effectively.
Even as a solo pastor launching a leadership training process in your congregation, you’ll encounter these issues. In a team or network, the problem’s complexity grows with the number of coaches involved.
When was your last formal coach assessment?
So far, I have talked about everyone but you. You might have gone through a basic coach training program. You might have gone through a competency-based assessment. If not, have you considered taking the 360° Christian Coach Assessment?
Perhaps you went through coach training that culminated with the 360° Christian Coach Assessment. Is it time for you to take another look at how you are progressing in your coach development? It will provide a new baseline, help you see the changes in your development, and incorporate up to seven clients you have coached. Typically, most leaders only have two assessors in their initial assessment.
We view the 360° Christian Coach Assessment as a kind of annual physical for coaches, recommending anywhere from 12-24 months between assessments. The important thing to consider is whether taking the next step in your coach development is the assessment or some other specialized coach training that fits your unique ministry focus area.
How about you?
Reflect on what you can do to increase your coaching effectiveness.
Consider having a coach mentor walk alongside you.
I can guide you through your coach development journey and accelerate your growth.
The bonus?
The International Coach Federation (ICF) recognizes the 9 Christian competency areas, 55 behavioral outcomes, AND coach mentoring with InFocus. Bottom line: 10 hours of coach mentoring satisfies the requirement towards ICF certification.
Ready to take the next step in your personal coaching journey, or to empower your team with truly excellent Christian coaches?
Two years back, Gina and I marked 30 years of marriage with a trip to Iona, Scotland. This was the grand finale of a 2 1/2-year journey in spiritual formation through Fuller Theological Seminary. I wanted to celebrate this milestone with the love of my life, honoring three decades of marital happiness.
The reason I’m sharing this blog now is that I’m heading back to a retreat center where I’ve been taking personal retreats since then. It’s a peaceful spot, tucked away in the northern California mountains, and it’s called Iona House (no relation to Iona, Scotland).
I’m writing about retreats because it’s crucial to take a step back and slow down!
As followers of Jesus, we navigate numerous paradoxes. A paradox is something that seems contradictory at first glance, but actually has a deeper, synergistic connection. Here’s one that resonates with me from the Apostle Paul:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
(II Corinthians 12:9)
I can’t claim to fully grasp this paradox. But it’s one of those concepts that retreats help us, as Jesus followers, to reflect on, allowing us to return to the world with a renewed perspective.
I highly recommend a book entitled: “Invitation to Retreat: The Gift and Necessity of Time Away with God” by Ruth Haley Barton as a fantastic resource for practicing retreat. The “Practicing Retreat” section at the end of each chapter is pure gold, offering practical tips for planning and engaging in retreat. Two questions I’d like to assist you with, inspired by Barton’s book, are:
How do you prepare for a retreat?
Plan a time and a place.
This might seem simple, but it can actually be quite tough. I remember when I first relocated to So Cal from Phoenix, AZ, how hard it was to find a rhythm for retreat. Finding a suitable location was even trickier. I tried out several spots, but nothing felt quite right. Some places were overly religious, while others gave off a creepy vibe. But in the end, you really need to find a spot that feels right for you.
Do less with more and more with less!
I’m a fan of this super simple acrostic: ESP – Eat, Sleep, Pray.
Be careful not to turn this into a ‘writing’ retreat, meaning – try to get as much work done as you can during your ‘free time.’
Go digital-free:
Once you get to your destination, switch off and stash away all your digital devices. I’ve found this to be a major temptation. It might start with a text, which can quickly turn into an email. Before you know it, you’re chatting with loved ones when you didn’t plan to. The goal is to get more comfortable with silence.
*For more tips on Planning Your Retreat, check out Appendix 2 in Barton’s book.
How to Practice Retreat
Think about a daily rhythm.
One thing Iona House offers is the chance to join the community for fixed prayer times in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. This is a fantastic way to structure your day. But it’s also useful to consider your own rhythms. Here’s a glimpse of my usual day on retreat:
Personal Bible reading
Morning Prayer in community
Hike and meditate (sometimes while walking the labyrinth)
Noon Prayer in community
Nap
Evening Prayer in community
Devotional reading
Bed
Don’t push it.
The truth is, you might feel the urge to accomplish too much at the start as you settle into a regular retreat rhythm. Go in with a question and let that question guide you throughout your retreat. In other words, don’t try to fix all your life and ministry issues while on retreat.
Be gentle with yourself.
This might come off as a bit ‘warm & fuzzy,’ but I read a book a while back that describes Jesus as gentle and lowly, which challenges the usual evangelical portrayal of Him (Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund). The takeaway is, don’t be harsh, mean, or critical when your self-expectations don’t align with reality. Just be human.
*If you need more info on Fixed-Hour Prayer, check out Appendix 1 in Barton’s book.
What’s your retreat plan?
Take some time this week to map out your retreat schedule for next year. From my experience, if I put these dates on the calendar now and book my spots ahead of time, I’m much more likely to follow through! Otherwise, it’s all too easy for the less critical aspects of life and ministry to distract me from what really matters, even if it’s not urgent.
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