Sunday, Feb. 05, 2012

This church has a home - literally

Every other Sunday, the Garner-Cleveland Record spotlights a local church in "Houses of Worship." Pastors or parishioners who want their church featured should call 919-829-4758 or email snagem@newsobserver.com.

Paul Huyser grew unsatisfied in his traditional church, but he couldn't pinpoint what bothered him.

Then one day he came across a magazine article about house churches, groups that meet in people's homes for worship and Bible studies.

Huyser, 59, a deputy with the Johnston County Sheriff's Office, had never heard of home-based churches. But about six years ago, he and his wife, Muriel, began hosting a weekly dinner and informal worship group called Christ's Home Fellowship.

Now, between 15 and 25 people usually show up at the Huysers' home in the Cleveland community on Saturday evenings, sitting on folding chairs and eating off TV trays in the living room.

Low cost: Traditional churches have lots of expenses, including utilities and building maintenance. Huyser saw that in the church he used to attend.

"They had a really nice building and a lot of very nice things, but it was really holding them back from getting out and making a difference," Huyser said.

He said most of the money collected at Christ's Home Fellowship goes to the group's benevolent fund, which aids group members who need to pay their rent or medical bills. The group also gives money to a traditional start-up church and missionaries, Huyser said.

Back to roots: Huyser said traditional churches expect the community to come to them. But, he said, "Jesus didn't do it that way."

Churches were originally community based, Huyser said.

Not at odds with traditional churches: The group meets on Saturday evenings because some members attend traditional churches on Sundays, Huyser said.

Wayne Haines, 51, of Clayton said he goes to a traditional church and served as a deacon at a church in New Jersey. But when Huyser, his friend for years, started the house church, he got on board.

Now Haines leads Bible studies and enjoys teaching others. At church, he said, people sit in pews and listen to a preacher's sermon without being able to ask questions. In Huyser's living room, group members can interrupt any time they choose.

"I think a lot of times you get more out of it if you're able to talk and ask questions," Haines said.

No formal leadership: Although the group meets at the Huysers' home, it has no formal leaders.

Huyser maintains the bookkeeping duties. Haines leads the Bible studies. And Daniel Robertson provides transportation for those who need it. "People kind of step up and do what's needed," Huyser said.

Spreading the word: The group has grown through word-of-mouth advertising, Huyser said. And he said some people have contacted the group through its website, christshomefellowship.org.

A diverse group: Members come from all walks of life, Huyser said. "We've got people that have been in prison; we've got people that have been homeless," he said.

The dinners: Huyser's wife cooks, or sometimes he grills burgers or orders pizza. The meals aren't potluck, because Huyser said he doesn't want anyone to feel discouraged if they can't bring food.

Schedule: The group typically eats dinner around 6 p.m. and has a Bible study until 8:30. Currently, the group is studying a series called "Encounters with Jesus."

Dress code: None.