The Senior pastor of the Church that we referred to in CETF Vol 3.2 recently wrote to me as follows:

Our understanding about buildings came about when we considered developing the site where we were. The Holy Ghost badgered me about it one night till 5.00 am saying, "Lay not for yourselves treasures on earth", like a wet fish upon my face! Subsequently we made it known that the facility was for sale and a local gentleman duly bought the premises for nearly two million pounds.

We (as a Church Oversight) came to the simple yet solemn conclusion that:

I) A lot of resources were tied up in bricks and mortar that could be used to release some of our young leaders into full time pioneer evangelism. We invested about half the money into three or four men and planted them into the north. The rest of the money was given away;

II) When we stand before the Lord on that Great Day, buildings would not be mentioned but the question would be it we brought in the Harvest or not!

The denomination was less than pleased. We had not referred to them during the sale though we did make sure we kept to the law in the transaction. The way we were dealt with encouraged us to resign, which we did in 1994. The Area Superintendent had a habit of screaming at me which I could not respond to.

Nicolaitanism reared its head as we tried to break free. That ancient desire to conquer the laity is still rampant in the earth. The Superintendent subsequently lambasted us / me at their next General Conference for one hour with no avenue for response from our side.

Since that time we have used various rented halls, hotels and centres. This allows us carefree activity with no responsibility for maintenance or insurance etc... It also means we are free to move and be open to the Spirit - cloud. That if the dust needs to be wiped off we can move to another locality. Folk are also more inclined to come to a public building. There is less of a psychological barrier. The best army is the one that can move according to circumstances. Our identity and security is Jesus Christ.

There is a cost. But we follow the One who had nowhere to lay His head, and made Himself of no reputation. Though we could be rich in finance and buildings, we have chosen to be poor, yet rich in faith. As a result, we more clearly reflect the primitive stance of the Baby Church, our people are flexible to receive new wine; our men are growing fast and we are being like our Lord who, "through His poverty made many rich". The Home is the most natural of settings in which to meet. 90% of those who are won to Christ are won through family and friends and so it is relatively easy to invite someone to a local home-

Our own folk find it less threatening to operate in the Gifts of the Spirit in a smaller environment. There is also more time and space for individual contributions. Almost all the Church's activity now takes place in Homes - Church Council meetings, Prayer meetings, Children's work, Action groups, Sunday morning gatherings and so on.

Once a month 12 men meet with me and receive the next month's teaching (on Matthew 5 - "Kingdom Lifestyles"). This maintains consistency of doctrine and does not overburden the men. Faith makes things possible - it does not make them easy. We're pressing on toward the Goal.

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Appeared in Volume 4.1 January/february 1998