Is the “Home Church” Concept Biblical?

Our decision to leave the institutional church (the Sunday morning pastor led church service) has been somewhat liberating for us.  To others, there is a degree of concern.  So, I have decided to do a blog series answering the questions that I have received via email, facebook, or through conversation.  I figure if I have been asked those questions, surely there are others with the same questions/concerns.

I am not an expert, we have only just begun this journey.  I will just share how we came to the conclusion that we did.  What I would like, however, is encourage readers to make comments on each question/concern I bring up.  I will answer one question per day, scripture verses where applicable, and will keep it brief.

I would love to read your comments regarding your experiences or to give another viewpoint.  I would like this to be a participatory as possible.

Today’s question/concern is:

I have never been able to Biblically support the “Home Church” concept.

I was actually pretty surprised by that comment (which I got via email), since the individual who stated it is well-versed with the Scriptures.  I’m not sure if I misread that or not, because the next sentence was “Being part of a local expression of the Body of Christ is simply part of God’s design” which will be answered in another post.

I know there are numerous verses that mention the church meeting in homes.  I have listed only 3 verses, but those are ones I came across initially.  Please share the ones you know.

1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.

Acts 20:20 (Paul speaking)
You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.

Romans 16:5a
Greet also the church that meets at their house.

Again, please participate.  I, and others, have a lot we can learn and understand from everyone.

Look forward to hearing from you!