Simple churches—small groups of believers meeting in homes—are biblical, but being small doesn’t automatically make them more “godly” than larger congregations. What matters is faithfully studying God’s Word, applying it, and fulfilling the mission of the church, whether in a house or a building.
The simple church movement, centered on small groups of believers meeting in homes, is biblical and reflects the early church’s practice of gathering wherever possible, as seen in Paul’s letters to the house churches of Prisca and Aquila (Romans 16:3-5) and Colossae (Colossians 4:15). While the intimacy and accountability of a small group can foster close relationships and diligent study of Scripture, size alone does not determine godliness; faithful exegesis, application of God’s Word, and commitment to the Great Commission are what truly define a healthy church. Simple churches can thrive when members actively seek truth, disciple one another, and live out the mission of the church. The biblical model of a church prioritizes spiritual growth, community, and mission over building size.
"Simple church" is another name for the concept of house churches. A house church is a small congregation (usually around 20) who meet in a home. Meetings vary in type and character, but they generally resemble small group Bible studies more than traditional church services. They may include singing, teaching, and eating together. Accountability and relationships are emphasized.
There is nothing inherently right or wrong with a simple church. Small churches are scattered all over the world simply because of a lack of believers who can meet in any given area. Many traditional church plants start by meeting in a home. What is wrong is the belief that the Bible only endorses simple churches. In reality, the church in Acts grew daily, as it was supposed to. And because of that growth, the Bible explains how local bodies of believers should be organized and led. Most biblical house churches want to see growth expressed in the reproduction of more house churches rather than building larger buildings.
As long as a simple church group includes members who take responsibility for seeking out the truth of the Scriptures and are as devoted to the Great Commission as they are to each other, the simple church concept can work.