Home churches are a great idea, but to work they have to be strictly under the radar: no paid staff, no insurance, no property or trusts, nothing that could create a paper trail. The pastor would need to be a tentmaking pastor, which is a demanding way of life.
Perhaps a FReeper with more legal acumen than me could speak to the possiblity of the hosting homeowner being named a party in a civil rights lawsuit. To the point: could you be financially or otherwise liable for hosting a home church that refuses to marry homosexuals? My gut says yes.
“....hosting a home church that refuses to marry homosexuals?”
Like Peter said - all believers ARE priests - we can all lay hands - lead prayer - give sermons - teach Bible studies.
A lot of people think the building is the church - but it’s the people - WE are the body of Christ - WE are the church.
Out of the boat and into the water....
“Home churches are a great idea, but to work they have to be strictly under the radar: no paid staff, no insurance, no property or trusts, nothing that could create a paper trail. The pastor would need to be a tentmaking pastor, which is a demanding way of life.”
Just like the Apostle Paul. We’re returning to the book of Acts.
“Perhaps a FReeper with more legal acumen than me could speak to the possiblity of the hosting homeowner being named a party in a civil rights lawsuit. To the point: could you be financially or otherwise liable for hosting a home church that refuses to marry homosexuals? My gut says yes.”
Legally speaking, how could they sue someone for a private group in his private home?