Houses that Change the World [Paperback]

Wolfgang Simson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 6, 2001

Millions of Christians around the world are becoming aware of an imminent reformation of global proportions within the church. God is changing this revered institution and is making a new collective awareness of an age-old revelation, a corporate spiritual echo that reflects God's desire for the church. In this book, Simson brings to light what God is saying to Christians everywhere. Researched across the globe, he presents the case for the reformation of the church's existence. In a world where the church is being ignored, it is time to bring the church to the people and not the people to the church. Whether it is what we know as church from the last five years or the last five hundred years, no one has truly been able to break free from the structures of the past. Many may see this book as radical, many may see it as a reforming of old ideals but all who read it will be challenged and their priorities refocused in a life-changing way.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A far more significant book than I expected. It challenges many sacred cows, demonstrates remarkable biblical, theological and strategic insight." -- Prof. Kenneth B. Mulholland, Dean, Colombia Biblical Seminary

"Prophetically shocking! -- Robert Mountford, City Vision,UK

"This book takes exactly the right approach to the most basic problem in missions today." -- Dr.Ralph Winter, US Centre for World Missions

"Whether this is God's new direction...for His Church remains to be seen, but it...should not be quickly dismissed!" -- Strategies for Today's Leader, Second Quarter 2002

The textbook on Simple Church -- Jonathan Dale - Editor, House2House Magazine

From the Publisher

Researched across the globe, Simson presents the case for the return of house churches and the reformation of the Church's existence.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 316 pages
• Publisher: Authentic (March 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 185078356X
• ISBN-13: 978-1850783565
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #239,695 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Dangerous book for Pharisees, November 8, 2003

By 

Gregory Wallace "Greg Wallace" (Beech Grove, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Houses that Change the World (Paperback)

I don't often recommend books so highly, but I read this through once and then immediately turned back to the beginning and read it again. And again. I kept waiting to find the fly in the ointment (a few typos was the best I could manage), but this is simply one of the best books written on the subject of the house church. Thankfully, the author repeatedly states, "I'm not here to provide a model for the house church. That's not the point of this book. I simply want to present the theology and value of the house church as a model for true community."

My own admitted bias is strongly against "church as usual," so Simpson's book is of particular significance for me. He goes through some lengths to not judge the church structure, per se, but is firm in his evaluation of where such a structure has led us (and indeed the world) since the 3rd Century.

Ministers and church leaders who are dyed-in-the-wool conservative in their respective dogmas and doctrines will condemn this work outright as a threat to the very church. They will be profoundly wrong in doing so. Simpson presents what many believe is the salvation and survival of the church.

Perhaps this book resonates so strongly with me because I had just finished reading John Eldridge's "Waking the Dead." His chapter on his small group made me weep. That's what I'm looking for. That sense of vulnerability in a safe place, honest encouragement and support, and a place where my own gifts can be recognized, nurtured and called out. Simpson merely reaffirmed that desire in greater dimension and detail.

If you are satisfied with church as usual and simply going through the motions of what looks like Christianity, if you value form over substance, if you value the image of community more than community itself, stay away from this book. Just go to church on Sunday and clutch your coffee and doughnut, do the grip-and-grin and convince yourself everything's just fine. But if you long for something more, something real, something lasting, read this book. Then go do what it says you can do.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Work on House Churches, September 13, 2004

By 

Roy Ingle "The Seeking Disciple" (Lexington, SC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Houses that Change the World (Paperback)

Wolfgang Simson is to be commended for his excellent work on house churches in his book HOUSES THAT CHANGE THE WORLD. The book deals with nearly every facet of house churches. His chapters include:
-The Reinvention of the Church
-House Churches in History
-The Nature of House Churches
-The Fivefold Ministry
-House Church or Cell Church?
-Developing a Persecution-Proof Structure
-No Progress Without Change
-All Change is Practical

And much more! The book is a complete resource for those looking for information on house churches without the radical feel or condemnation usually aimed at traditional churches from house church leaders. Simson writes with grace, clear exegesis of Scripture, and a heart to touch the nations with the gospel.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book!!!, December 16, 2002

By 

Paul L. Hudson, Jr. (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Houses that Change the World (Paperback)

Wolfgang Simson presents a vision for planting house churches. 'House church' is the terminology used to describe a return to a more primitive, New Testament type of gathering. These house churches generally have meetings in which believers in the congregation use their gifts to edify one another per I Cor. 14:26 and Hebrews 10:24-25. Many in this movement desire to have strong relationships with one another, rather than a superficial handshake once a week at church meetings.

Wolfgang Simson gives readers a vision of how house churches can be planted, and how these home meetings are a good tool for evangelism. The book describes practical ways in which believers can build one another up in the Lord. His explanation of house churches in church history was very interesting. The book was an exciting read for me.

I got the impression that Wolfgang Simson's view of church government was a bit more like a cell church system put into house church packaging. For example, he presented the idea that a 'pastor' is responsible for many house churches--with the house churches having elders. Many house church advocates see the elevation the role of the one-man pastorate as not scriptural. Wolfgang's view of an apostle as someone who gives others a vision, etc. seems a bit atypical when compared to the views of many house church people in the US. Some see Acts 13 as a model for apostles--with apostles being sent out on evangelistic missions to plant churches. The views presented of five-fold ministries seem similar to institutional cell church views of these roles in the Charismatic movement. The book 'felt' a little like something coming from the Third Wave of Charismatic movement to me.

Another concern of mine is the brief re-hashing of the teaching that 'Nicolaitan' refers to clergy, which shows up in a quote from Watchman Nee. This idea is often repeated in house church circles in the US, but, imo, doesn't fit well with the text in Revelation.

I think Wolfgang's book can serve as a paradigm-shifting book which is especially suited for Charismatics who emphasize the role of five-fold ministry.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It's a good read for those who are interested in such things. I think this book is especially good for Christians who are planning on doing traditional church planting or missions, or a church leader or 'lay person' who wonders why they are unfufilled in a traditional church setting.