[TexanToTheCore]

Interesting that all the reasons that have been given are negative. Let me give one that is positive:

Many people are being called to lead and cannot do so in their own church, so they begin a new one.

I see this all the time in my area and it is quite a positive thing.

And for those who think these house churches are just faith groups, many Christians attend two churches.

[Notwithstanding]

Is it really helpful for those who don't feel they fit in to start their own church?

Of course it is the Protestant ideal: break away if the reform you think is needed does not happen exactly when and how you think it should.

But how does splintering off help the universal Church?

[taxcontrol]

You bring up an interesting point. I had not thought of that angle and can easily see where this could be an issue. I will have to give this some thought.

[Xenalyte]

Many people are being called to lead and cannot do so in their own church, so they begin a new one.

Wouldn't that I-gotta-run-things impulse lead to fragmentation? I mean, you can't have all chiefs. You have to have some rank-and-file Indians.

One of the most important facets of leadership is that you must have followers, and if everyone is "called to lead," who will follow?