Could the longing of COMMUNITY be pointing us towards the church of tomorrow?

Could a re-interest in the early church be a preparation for the church of tomorrow?

As I was sitting in staff yesterday, the following question came up; "Do you think it is easier to invite people to Sunday morning experience or to your home?" The overwhelming answer was "our homes." Every book you read, or at least I read, makes an inference on the point of belonging to a community. Whether the author is Francis Chan, Rob Bell, Chip Ingram, David Kinnaman, etc. the importance of community arises in each book.

But there is even a more powerful, inspiring, relevant book that speaks even more of the importance of the community! What book is that? The Bible! Check out the verses below:

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...All the believers were together and had everything in common...They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42, 44-47

So, why is there an increasing importance on the "smaller community?" Could it be that in the future the "smaller community" will only be what is available? Could persecution arise against the followers of Christ in such a way that causes the typical "big church" to close the doors sending the church underground? Will it be against the law to someday worship publicly our Jesus in the "larger church" setting? Could it be that the only way we will do "church" is the way God first designed church; in the smaller community?

We do not have answers to the questions above, but we do sense a calling back to the "home community."

But do not let this discourage you! Why? If and when persecution comes, the church always flourishes.

"Though beheaded, and crucified, and thrown to wild beasts, and chains, and fire, and all other kinds of torture, we do not give up our confession; but, the more such things happen, the more do others in larger numbers become faithful."

-- Justin Martyr