​Creating an Indigenous-led and culturally-contextualized home church is a process that focuses on relationships and cultural relevance over formal structure. The goal is an Indigenous Christian expression—one where core Christian beliefs are integrated with respect and honor for Native American values, traditions, and ways of life.  Here are some steps to consider and a vision for what it might look like:

 

 

1. 👣 Initial Steps for Starting the Home Church

 

The first phase is about seeking spiritual guidance, finding co-leaders, and establishing a core vision rooted in both faith and culture.

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Step #1. Spiritual & Cultural Discernment

        Action:  Pray and Listen - Ask God for clarity on the specific tribal/community identity your church will serve and what cultural elements                                                   (language, symbolism, practices) are appropriate to integrate.

         Focus: Contextualization - This is the most crucial step. Acknowledge the history of Christian harm and ensure your approach is                                                                restorative and respectful.

Step #2. Find Core Companions

        Action: Identify 2-3 trusted individuals who share your vision for an Indigenous-focused Christian community. They will be your co-                             leaders and prayer partners.

        Focus: Relational - Home churches thrive on shared leadership and deep trust (like a family). Don't try to start it alone.

Step #3. Define Your Mission

        Action: Write a simple, clear mission statement. Example: "To follow Jesus' teachings while honoring the [Tribe's Name] way, providing                                                                                                       a healing space for our community."

        Focus: Clarity - This statement guides all decisions and helps you invite people with a clear purpose.

Step #4. Choose your format

        Action: Decide on the basic rhythm - When, where, and how often will you meet? (e.g., Weekly on Wednesday evening, centered                                                                             around a shared meal, or maybe just coffee and cookies)

        Focus: Simplicity - Keep it simple and sustainable. The goal is to focus on community, not complicated logistics.

Step #5. Start with a Soft Launch

        Action: Begin meeting with just your core companions and a few invited family members or close friends. Use this time to test your                           format (worship, teaching, sharing).

        Focus: Practice - This phase allows you to work out the flow and culture before inviting a wider circle.

 

 

2. 🦅 What the Home Church Could Look Like (Cultural  Contextualization)

​The physical space and the format of the gathering should naturally blend Christian practice  with Native American cultural values.

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A. Environment and Atmosphere

• Setting: Create a warm, informal space in your home or a communal room. Arrange seating in a circle to symbolize equality, relationship, and connection (similar to a drum circle or council).

• Symbolism:

  • Incorporate culturally appropriate artwork, blankets, or traditional crafts.

  • Consider using the four directions in prayer or blessing the elements (food, water).

  • If culturally appropriate for your specific tribe, incorporate items like the feather, the drum, or a pipein ways that are non-sacramental but culturally honoring (always with respect and guidance from elders).

• Sound and Scent: If appropriate for your traditions and tribe, consider starting with a smudge using sage, cedar, or sweetgrass to cleanse the space, mirroring a desire for spiritual purity before worship. Consider Incorporating the presence ceremony using sage, cedar, and sweetgrass.

  • Music: Use hymns in your language if possible, drumming, or contemporary Native Christian artists alongside traditional worship                songs.

 

B. The Flow of the Gathering

This is what makes an indigenous house church different from the traditional European-style of worship.  Through the flow of the gathering we answer the question: "What would it look like if I invited Jesus into my culture, rather then force me to leave it."  This is where you can redeem your culture for the glory of God!

 

The typical flow could emphasize participation, storytelling, and relationship.  You might even be comfortable leading a Bible study or watching a video. Some home groups listen to my First Light Bible Study and then discuss it.

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In the section below I will compare the Traditional Home Church (THC) to what Native American Contextualization (NAC) could look like.

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THC - Traditional Home Church Approach

NAC - Native American Contextualization

 A. Beginning

THC: Opening prayer.

NAC: Start with a smudge or a presence ceremony.

• Maybe your comfortable drumming an honor song to Creator to start your gathering.

• Consider smoking your prayers as found in Revelation 8:4 -

  • And the smoke of the incense with the prayers of the holy ones billowed up before God from the hand of the angel. 

• A prayer offered in the native language (if possible) would be meaningful but not required.

• Consider using the term "Creator", rather than "God."

B. Worship

THC: Singing 3-4 worship songs. 

NAC: Participatory Worship: Include drumming, singing accompanied by cultural rhythms, or "round dance" hymns. The drumming often represents the heartbeat of the people and the Creator.

C.  The Time of Teaching

THC: A pastor delivers a 30-minute sermon. (Many times less than 30 minutes) Interaction is not invited. (you sit and listen)

NAC: Style your teaching time to your comfort level.  Do not feel that you must have great Bible knowledge to lead your gathering. There are many good resources that you can use to facilitate the teaching time.  If you have access to the internet, Right Now Media is an excellent source to use.  Maybe you're comfortable with using a study guide

 

Storytelling and Discussion: Focus on oral tradition. A leader shares a short teaching from the Bible, then opens the floor for discussion ("Sharing Circle"). Emphasize how Jesus' teachings align with core Native values like love, harmony, community, and respect for creation (the concept of Shalom or harmony is often a central theme).

D. Fellowship

THC: Short announcements, coffee & donuts.

NAC: Fellowship and relationship building is an important part of the Native Home Church.  We don't sit in rows looking at the back of someone's head.  We sit in a circle, where we can see each others eyes and feels their spirit when they talk.  We can see their joy and feel their pain as they share.  

• We keep our kids with us.  We don't ship them off to another room for Sunday School.  They sit with us and learn to honor and respect the elders.  Plus, their Mindis are like sponges, they can absorb many of the teahings.

• Shared Meal: In the beginning pray about this area.  I have seen many Native home groups share just coffee and cookies and share a potluck meal once a month.  Often this sharing happens before or during the gathering, emphasizing the family atmosphere and hospitality. This honors the importance of gathering around food.

E. Ending Prayer

THC: Individual/private requests.

NAC: Corporate Prayer: Use a "Talking Stick" or similar object to ensure everyone who wishes to speak is heard without interruption, allowing for personal testimony, healing requests, and prayer for the community.

 

C. Leadership Model

• Indigenous Leadership: The home church must be led by Native Americans, fostering a truly indigenous (locally built, governed, and supported) expression of faith.

• Elder Guidance: Seek the wisdom and counsel of trusted Native American Christian elders or respected community members for cultural and spiritual guidance.

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The ultimate goal is to create a safe place where Native Americans can meet Jesus Christ without having to abandon their cultural identity, addressing the historical pain of assimilation and finding healing in a faith expressed authentically.