Have you ever felt the emptiness of living solely for yourselves as a Christian couple, yearning for a deeper purpose and connection? Could this nagging sense of emptiness be the tug of your love for Christ, and the call of the Holy Spirit to open your home?

Imagine transforming your home into a sanctuary of warmth, joy, and genuine fellowship. Welcome to the concept of the Christian open home—a dynamic ministry that requires no special training or significant financial investment. All it takes is a couple who love the Lord and share a vision for hospitality and discipleship. Picture your home filled with genuine laughter, heartfelt conversations, and the joy of seeing lives touched by Christ’s love. Join us as we explore the fundamentals and benefits of this fulfilling ministry through these FAQs that have been designed to inspire and guide you on this incredible journey.

What is a Christian open home? A Christian open home is a ministry where believers, spurred by love for their Saviour, feel compelled to use their dwelling as a centre for hospitality, discipleship, and evangelism. It’s exemplified by Aquila and Priscilla in Acts 18:26 and Romans 16:3-5: they hosted church meetings and mentored fellow believers in their home. FOR DETAILS ON THIS MODEL, DO READ OUR POST, The Christian Open Home: The Aquila-Priscilla Model

What does an open home really mean? Well, open homes do have locks and keys just as other houses do, if that’s what you’re wondering. What makes these homes “open” is what you sense, from the moment you’re at the door—a welcoming attitude and lifestyle. The hosts seem genuinely happy to see you, even grateful you’ve come visiting. The presence of Christ in that home is unmistakable—not only in how they treat you, but each other. It makes you want this Christ and such a home for yourself.

Can long-term commitment to an open-home ministry really make a difference? Unreservedly, yes! Some of us on this team have had regular weekly Bible studies for college students, even occasional weekend gospel and discipleship camps at home for the last 30 years—and all this despite living in modest apartments. We’ve had the overwhelming joy and satisfaction of seeing lives transformed by the love of Christ. No amount of money we make can give us the joy of knowing several generations of students are leading committed lives wherever God has taken them since. Our ministry may not be in the limelight, and the benefits will only be fully evident in eternity, but we’re prepared to wait.

How do I start an open home ministry? A couple can begin by prayerfully dedicating your home to God’s service, like Joshua did (Joshua 24:15-16). Start small, perhaps by inviting fellow believers over for meals or Bible study, following the example of the early church in Acts 2:46-47. Even if it is just a casual visit, ask the guests at the end if they mind you praying for them. Let your faith and allegiance to Christ be evident.

How can couples work together effectively in open home ministry? Follow the example of Aquila and Priscilla, who worked as a team in ministry (Acts 18:26). Pray together and agree on your approach—remember, unity is crucial (Matthew 18:19-20). Your love for each other as a couple will serve as an unspoken message. It will go a long way in making your love for Christ contagious.

What are the benefits of maintaining a Christian open home? Practicing open home ministry can deepen one’s faith, enhance spiritual gifts, and increase Kingdom impact. It embodies the principle of using one’s blessings to bless others (Genesis 12:2) and storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20).

Are there safety concerns in the open home ministry? If so, how can these be addressed? While hospitality is encouraged, the Bible also advises wisdom (Matthew 10:16). Establish clear boundaries and trust your discernment, as the early church did when facing potential threats (Acts 9:26-27).

How can an open home ministry impact children in the family? It can provide opportunities for children to learn hospitality and service (Proverbs 22:6). Also ensure there are fun times, such as cook-together sessions and indoor games, in addition to Bible study, so your children can participate as well. It will also ensure your children grow up in an atmosphere of warm fellowship and genuine friendship. However, ensure children’s needs are met, following the principle of caring for one’s household (1 Timothy 5:8)—or they might grow up to be resentful, even averse to fellowship.

I am worried I’d have to sacrifice time with my children if I start a Bible study at home. What do you advise? Consider involving your children in the ministry. This can be an excellent opportunity for them to learn about hospitality while spending quality time with you and growing spiritually. It’s best for children to grow up watching their parents sacrificially involve in the lives of others and practice the love of Christ. Children raised in such an environment often adopt an open home mentality when they grow up and tend to relate and socialise better with others. However, remember children also need dedicated quality time and attention from their parents, so you may need to juggle your schedule occasionally to ensure a healthy balance. This balanced approach can significantly contribute to their personal, social, and spiritual development.

My wife and I love the Lord and wish to serve Him with an open home. However, we’re both imperfect and feeling ill-prepared. What do you suggest? Remember God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Start small, by inviting friends over for a meal, perhaps. Ask the friends if they mind you praying for them. Be authentic about your imperfections, and grow together with those you serve. Your willingness to be used by God is more important than feeling fully prepared.

I’m the impatient sort, and fear I’d get irritated and bugged by people. Can I still invite friends over for a weekly study? Absolutely. View this as an opportunity for personal growth in patience and love. Set clear boundaries and schedules, and don’t hesitate to take breaks when needed. Remember, even Jesus occasionally withdrew to recharge.

I’m hesitant to reach out to certain friends because I’m not sure we connect well. What should I do? Building and maintaining friendships can sometimes be challenging, especially when we feel unsure about our connection. However, meaningful relationships often require effort and can surprise us in positive ways. Just as the good Samaritan took a chance by helping a stranger in need, sometimes we’re called to step out of our comfort zone in our relationships. This doesn’t mean forcing connections that truly don’t work, but rather being open to possibilities we may not have considered. We must trust our intuition, but also be willing to challenge it occasionally. We could consider reaching out for a low-pressure interaction, like a quick coffee or phone call.

Our home Bible study has been going on well. However, we shall have to relocate in a month’s time, since my husband has been transferred to another state. What do you recommend we do? Prepare your current group to continue independently and consider helping them choose a new leader. In your new location, pray for guidance and be open to either starting a new group or joining one, just as Aquila and Priscilla did in their travels.

Why are there few role models for young couples in Christian open home ministry? Despite being a ministry all believing families can engage in, the Christian open home is less common due to its demanding nature and the cultural shift towards more private, individualistic lifestyles. The scarcity of examples makes it challenging for young couples to find mentors.

What potential property impacts should hosts anticipate? Hosting may lead to some wear and tear on our home. This could include general wear on furnishings, occasional accidental damage, higher utility bills, and often even major invasions of our privacy and ‘me’ time. We’re reminded of the biblical account where friends lowered a paralysed man through a roof (Mark 2:4) so Jesus could heal him. While the homeowner likely had repairs to make, surely the sheer joy of seeing even one life transformed by encounter with Christ overshadowed any inconvenience.

Similarly, we believe the spiritual impact of these gatherings far outweighs any minor material costs. Witnessing lives transformed through encounters with Christ is a priceless reward for hosts.

Is there a biblical basis for open homes? Yes, there’s strong biblical support for open homes. Examples include Abraham and Sarah hosting strangers, Jesus being welcomed in local homes (Luke 19:5-10), Paul and Apollos being nurtured in open homes, the early church flourishing in such settings (Romans 16:4,5), and Jesus performing miracles in open homes. Scripture repeatedly encourages hospitality (Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:9). Jesus Himself often ministered in homes (Luke 19:5-10), and the early church thrived through house meetings (Acts 2:46). What’s more, the Bible showcases several success stories among open homes: Lydia’s home becoming a centre for the Philippian church (Acts 16:40), Mary’s home hosting prayer meetings (Acts 12:12), and Aquila and Priscilla’s home churches in various cities.

What are some hindrances to an open-home ministry? Key hindrances include lack of understanding or agreement between spouses, reluctance to invest time and money, and lack of patience. These factors can make it difficult for couples to commit to and maintain an open-home ministry.

How can I balance privacy and hospitality in an open home? Set boundaries while remaining generous, as Jesus did when He sought solitude (Mark 1:35). Remember that even Jesus had a close inner circle (Mark 5:37) while still ministering to many.

What resources are needed to sustain an open home ministry? Beyond material resources, sustaining an open home requires love, patience, and generosity (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). We embark on this journey trusting in God’s provision, as exemplified in the widow of Zarephath’s story (1 Kings 17:8-16).

Can single individuals practice the Christian open home ministry? Absolutely. Lydia, a single businesswoman, opened her home for ministry (Acts 16:14-15). The key is dedication to God’s work, regardless of marital status.

How can open homes support missionary work or visiting ministers? Open homes can provide rest and support for traveling ministers, as seen in the Shunammite woman’s provision for Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-10). They can also serve as bases for local mission work, like Jason’s home in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-9).

Conclusion: The Christian open home ministry offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the true joy of hospitality and discipleship. It’s not about the size of our home or the depth of our pockets, but the love in our hearts and our willingness to open our doors. As we embark on this journey, we begin to witness the transformative power of Christ’s love in the lives of those we welcome. Our home will become a beacon of hope, laughter, and spiritual growth—a place where even our children can thrive and learn the values of service and compassion. By choosing to live beyond ourselves, we discover a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment, knowing the impact of our ministry will resonate for generations and eternity.

Related Reads

•  The Christian Open Home: The Aquila-Priscilla Model