The simple church…
There is a new way to experience Church in Japan and that is through Christian Life Groups. In the Book of Acts, everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Rival is taking place...
Missionaries throughout Japan are seeing miracles, signs, and wonders in Christian small groups, in cafes, businesses, community parks, homes, and common areas.
Devon Glenn
The Flame Spreads through Common Areas
The disciples formed house churches, modeling the strategy of Jesus. In Japan, the simple Church approach is an essential role in the rapid growth of Christianity. We’ve used several methods and found that a simple approach was most effective.
The first three centuries belonged to the simple-church movement. House-to-house ministry allowed the believers to challenge each other. They became witnesses—through their words, lives, and long-suffering. Because of their small size, these meetings maintained a safe, family-like atmosphere.
Inside a Japanese Christian Life Group
Our Christian Life Group meets on Wednesday nights from 8:00 pm- 9:30 pm at our cafe which is called Heaven’s Cafe. The Holy Spirit gives us a word before the group meets. People continue to trickle in until 8:30 pm. The group fluctuates in size, but it’s usually between 8-12 of us. As we start praying, the anticipation in the room grows, and the Holy Spirit takes over. We lose ourselves in His presence and in most gatherings, the night usually ends three to three and a half hours later. Nobody wants to leave the presence of God. It is the most incredible thing to see new believers on fire for the word. Many non-believers come to our group and we teach the new believers how to share the Gospel with them. In most cases, if they come back more than three times the presence of the Holy Spirit is so strong they are saved.
We are in awe of what God is doing in our small Church at Heaven’s Cafe.
Paul wrote, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). Paul wanted believers to encourage one another and rejoice in God’s goodness; it’s an honor to witness the Japanese people do the same.
