Our Model

Biblical, Orderly, Intimate, and Missional

Small, But Fruitful

What makes a reformation fellowship house church?

The 12-Point Makeup of our Model


We believe the model of any local church should be based on Scripture alone. That said, we also believe a local church model can highly influence congregational fruitfulness. What makes Reformation Fellowship so unique is our commitment to a different, yet biblical model of gathering in homes instead of a building. As a confessional network of house churches devoted to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, we are committed to orthodoxy while also reforming the church. Below is a basic outline of our model.

1. Homes

Our house churches gather in homes in an effort to produce the relationally-rich and deeply intimate “one-anothering” culture seen in the New Testament.

2. Pastors

Our house churches have at least one theologically trained, biblically qualified, and formally ordained pastor. However, we strongly encourage every house church to have a plurality of elders and/or deacons.

3. Sundays

Our house churches are not mere Bible studies, they are formal churches. Therefore, they gather on Sunday mornings.

4. Worship

Our house churches believe worship music teaches doctrine. Therefore, we are committed to only singing hymns and songs with lyrics that are faithful to Scripture.

5. Dialogue

Our house churches are not a monologue of the pastor but a dialogue of the saints. That is, they are every-member-functioning congregations within biblical gender roles and church order.

6. Exposition

Our house churches have pastors who are committed to preaching expository, verse-by-verse sermons each Sunday.

7. Children

Our house churches are family-integrated. Namely, the children are present in the church gathering and not sent off to youth ministry.

8. Discipleship

Our house churches are built around deep biblical relationships. Elders and more mature believers are intentional in training younger believers in sound doctrine, theology, and Christlike living.

9. Evangelism

Our house churches are committed to the Great Commission in their local city. For that reason, each house conducts outreach efforts and street evangelism on a monthly basis.

10. Membership

Our house churches are made up of committed members. In a time when church loyalty is rare, we believe Christians should formally devote themselves to a local church, submit to the elders of that congregation, and participate in the lives of those in that assembly.

11. Parishes

Our house churches multiply into parishes. There are up to three individual house churches in one parish. This structure promotes not only greater local connection, diversity, and capability but also increased accountability between house churches.

12. Giving

Our house churches are led by bi-vocational pastors and deacons who sacrifice and serve their congregations. Giving is expected from members to support their ministerial work.


If you would like to better understand Reformation Fellowship’s biblical doctrines, convictions, and ecclesiastical structure, consider purchasing a copy of our handbook “How We Do House Church” (all proceeds go to support our house church planting efforts). You can also view our Free Worship Liturgy template for a deeper look into our Sunday order of worship.

Curious How Traditional Church Doctrine Works in a House?

Learn more about biblical house church and its doctrines, convictions, and order of worship.

Buy Now

Would You Like To Plant a Biblical House Church in Your Hometown?

We are always looking for more qualified church planters. Consider Submitting an inquiry for training at Reformation Seminary.

Apply Now