1. House Church
1. The NT (New Testament) church met in houses. Today however, most churches do not meet in houses.
2. There were no church buildings in the NT. Neither Jesus nor his apostles told anyone to build a church building. The first church buildings were built three centuries after the apostles died. Today however, there are many church buildings.
3. In the NT, house churches were the primary meeting place of the local church. House churches were supported by occasional larger gatherings. Today, however, larger gatherings are the primary meeting structure of the church, and these larger gatherings are supported by smaller home meetings.
4. Today’s small groups are not house churches. In the NT each house church was a fully operating church. Small groups today are not fully operating churches. In a house church, all church functions happened. In small groups today, all church functions do not happen.
5. In the NT, to be part of a church you were part of house church. Today however, to be a part of a church you are generally part of a larger meeting in a religious building.
Bible References
Romans 16:5 Likewise, greet the church in their house.
Colossians 4:15 Greet… Nympha and the church that is in her house.
1 Corinthians 16:9 …Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord with the church that is in their house.
Philemon 2 …and to the church in your house.
Acts 2:46 …breaking bread from house to house…
Acts 20:7-8 …when the disciples came together to break bread…in the upper room where they were gathered together.
2. City Church
6. In the NT there was only one church in each city. Each city church met in several different homes, and they were united under a common leadership. Today however, there are no city churches, and there is no common city-wide church leadership.
Bible References
1 Corinthians 1:2 Greetings to the church at Corinth.
Acts 20:17 He sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. (There was a body of elders for the city-church of Ephesus.)
Titus 1:5 …and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you. (There was a body of elders appointed in every city over each city church.)
Revelation 2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14 (There was one church in each city.)
3. No Denominations
7. In the NT there were no denominations. Today there are many denominations.
8. Denominations arise because of disagreements about doctrine or leadership. Denominations are a sign of disunity. Genuine church unity can only happen when we submit first to Christ. Jesus is the Head of the church, and we must first be unified with him before we can be unified with each other.
9. Unity comes through submission to the word of God. A strong, centralized church authority structure will not create Biblical unity. This is evidenced by Roman Catholicism and other denominations with strong hierarchies which deviate from God’s word. If we reject the word of God, no amount of human oversight can create genuine unity.
Bible References
1 Corinthians 1:10-12 Now I exhort you, brethren…that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed…that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.”
John 17:22-23 …that they may all be one, just as We are One.
4. Participatory Meetings
10. In the NT church, each member had an opportunity to contribute meaningfully in each church meeting (1 Corinthians 14:26). Today, however, most believers do not have an opportunity to speak in church meetings.
11. In the NT church, ministers often dialogued rather than preached. For example, the Greek word dialogue is used to describe Paul’s teaching style in church (Acts 20:7). Today, however, the Sunday morning teaching style is usually preaching rather than a dialogue.
12. In NT church meetings, questions could be asked during the meeting. Today, on the other hand, questions cannot be asked during the meeting.
13. In the NT church, meaningful spiritual ministry opportunities were available to each member. Today however, ministry opportunities are primarily practical or physical, not spiritual.
Bible References
1 Corinthians 14:26 Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation…
Ephesians 4:16…from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 5:19…speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
Acts 20:7 Paul…spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. (The word spoke is dialegomai which means dialogue.)
1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister to one another.
5. Lord’s Supper
14. In the NT church, believers ate the Lord’s Supper whenever they met for church. The Lord’s Supper was the backdrop of the church meeting. Today however, many churches only observe the Lord’s Supper once a month or only a few times a year.
Bible References
Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:46 So continuing daily…breaking bread from house to house
Acts 20:7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.
6. Common Meals
15. In the NT church, common meals were an important part of church gatherings. Early church gatherings were called love feasts, in which the believers shared a common meal and the Lord’s Supper, following the example of the Last Supper of Jesus. Today common meals in church are rare.
16. It is difficult/impossible to have common meals in a religious building, whereas in a house it is easy to eat together.
Bible References
Acts 2:46 …breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart…
Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread…
Jude 1:12 These are the men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear..
2 Pet. 2:13
1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner-not even to eat with such a person. (Church discipline meant being excluded from meals, indicating that common meals were a vital part of church life.)
7. Holy Spirit Baptism
17. In the NT church Holy Spirit baptism, like water baptism, happened after people were born again. Jesus defined Holy Spirit baptism as receiving power for ministry (Luke 24:48-49, Acts 1:4-8). Today, however, Holy Spirit baptism is often assumed to automatically happen to every believer the moment they are born again.
Bible References
Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. [plural baptisms]
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Acts 1:4-8 …but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now…you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses…
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:1-4; 8:14-17; 9:17; 10:44-46; 19:6
8. Spiritual Gifts
18. In the NT when believers came together they operated spiritual gifts to edify each other. They exercised gifts of prophecy, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, etc. Today these spiritual gifts do not operate in most churches.
19. In the NT believers were encouraged to seek after/operate in spiritual gifts—especially prophecy. Today however, people are often taught not to seek after spiritual gifts like prophecy. Instead, they are often taught that such spiritual gifts are not for today and/or are demonic.
Bible References
1 Corinthians 12:7-10 …to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
1 Corinthians 14:1 Desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.
Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:28
9. Laying on of Hands
20. In the NT, the laying on of hands was a fundamental part of Christian life. Laying on of hands was used to baptize people in the Holy Spirit, heal the sick, and impart spiritual gifts. Today, however, the laying on of hands is rare in church.
Bible References:
Hebrews 6:1-2 the elementary principles of Christ…the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (The laying on of hands is a basic principle of Christianity.)
10. Church Leadership
21. In the NT every city church was led by a body of elders (Titus 1:5). Today however, churches are usually led by a single pastor.
22. In the NT church there were several ministry positions: apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). There were also elders and deacons. Today however, there are usually only pastor, elder, and deacon positions.
23. In the NT, church leadership positions were generally filled by people who had a calling from God. Today however, church leadership positions are generally filled by those who have degrees from Bible College or Seminary.
Bible References:
1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Ephesians 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers…
Titus 1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you…
1 Timothy 3:1-13; Tit. 1:6-9; Philippians 1:1
11. No Seminaries
24. There were no seminaries in the NT. Today however, there are many seminaries.
25. In the NT church the anointing of the Holy Spirit qualified people for ministry. Life together in the local church prepared people for ministry. Today however, seminaries are seen to qualify people for ministry.
26. Paul was trained by the best religious systems of his day which taught him extensively from the Bible. In spite of all of this training, Paul persecuted Christians and fought against God. No wonder he said all his seminary education was “dung” (Philippians 3:8).
Bible References
Matthew 15:9 But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
12. Body Ministry
27. In the NT every believer was expected to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12-16). Christians were not spectators, but active participants in church. Today however, generally only religious professionals are expected to minister in church.
Bible References:
Ephesians 4:16 …from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
13. No Clergy/Laity Distinction
28. In the NT there was no distinction between religious professionals and everybody else. Today however, there is a significant practical distinction between church leaders and church members.
29. In the NT religious titles were not used among Christians. Today however, religious titles like Reverend, Pastor, Doctor, Father, and Bishop are often used in churches.
Bible References:
Matthew 23:8-10 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.
14. Church as Community, Not an Occasional Meeting
30. The NT church was a genuine community. The believers knew each other and shared life together. Today however, many church relationships are superficial.
31. Community is important. It makes discipleship possible, makes hypocrisy harder, and makes healthy church discipline possible. Genuine community also enables believers to bear each other’s burdens, both spiritually and materially.
32. The NT church community was wholistic. Church was not subordinate to “secular” life. Today however, church occupies a small part of Christian life, and most time and energy is spent on “secular” pursuits.
Bible References
Acts 2:42-43 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and dividedthem among all, as anyone had need.
Acts 2:46 …continuing daily with one accord…
Acts 4:32 The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.
1 Corinthians 12:26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
15. No Sunday School
33. In the NT, there was no Sunday school. Neither Jesus nor his apostles told churches to have Sunday schools. Sunday School only developed in the 1700s. Today, however, most churches have Sunday schools.
34. In the NT church, children were part of church gatherings with along with their parents. Families worshiped God together on Sunday mornings, and this helped them grow spiritually. Today however, children are often separated from their families during church and kept in day care or Sunday school.
Bible References
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 21:15-16 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?”
16. Discipleship
35. The NT church multiplied disciples who grew into spiritual maturity. Today, however, the church struggles to produce disciples who grow into maturity.
36. The examples of Jesus, Paul, Barnabas, Priscilla and Aquila show that discipleship is to be intensive, spark rapid spiritual growth, and enable believers to fulfill their spiritual callings.
37. In the NT church, discipleship was relationship-based. Today, however, discipleship is mostly classroom-based.
38. The NT pattern of wholistic church was conducive for intensive discipleship because it promoted strong relationships. Today however, the church structure of meeting once a week in a building is not conducive to building such relationships among believers. Therefore discipleship is not as strong.
Bible References
Matthew 28:19 Make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
Acts 18:24-26 Apollos… spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John… When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation…
17. No Use of Entertainment for Ministry
39. NT church ministry was focused on the spiritual edification of the church, and it did not use entertainment as a means/platform to do this. Today however, many churches try to use entertainment as a means/platform for spiritual edification or evangelism.
18. No Parachurch Organizations
40. In the NT there were no parachurch organizations (Christian organizations that are separate from the church – like missions societies, poverty relief programs, and evangelistic organizations). Neither Jesus nor his apostles told anyone to build a parachurch organization. He told them to build the church, which is God’s organization which is to meet all genuine needs in the world through the Holy Spirit. Today, however there are many parachurch organizations.
19. Spirit-led Ministry
41. In the NT, ministry was led by the Holy Spirit. Today however, ministry is often led by human ideas.
42. NT church meetings were more spontaneous. Today church meetings are more scripted.
43. The NT church depended on the power of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. Today the church depends more on natural abilities and talents.
20. No Worship Teams
44. In the NT there were no worship leaders or worship teams. Today however, the worship team and worship leader form an essential part of most church leadership structures.
45. The NT church did not use musical instruments in their meetings. There are no examples or instructions regarding the use of musical instruments in the NT church. Historians agree that the NT church did not use musical instruments. Musical instruments only began to be used in church several centuries after the apostles died. Today however, most churches use musical instruments.
46. In the Bible, worship is defined as submitting to God. Today however, worship is often defined as listening to music.
47. In the NT, all believers were expected to sing in church meetings. Today however, often only a few talented people are expected to sing in church.
Bible References:
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
21. No Christian Holidays
48. The NT church never celebrated Christian holidays. All passages in the NT regarding holidays refer to Old Testament holidays. Neither Jesus nor his apostles told anyone to invent any religious holidays. Christian holidays were created centuries after the apostles died. Today however, most churches observe Christian holidays.
Bible References:
Galatians 4:10-11 You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
Colossians 2:16-17 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
Bethel Cornerstone 
I read many comments and have this to offer:
None of us have the exact religious education and even if we did, many of us would have different interpretations on some aspects of both the old and new testaments. We all need to respect each other and accept each others peaceful interpretation so long as we don’t resent, discriminate, hate, IMPOSE or alienate each other based on differences so long as its not a gross and / or intentional act of disinformation / blasphemy. Take the approach of discussion to understand how we reach different opinions.
Regarding people who complain about the business side of religion … I understand how many resent the wealth of the Catholic Church and other “Mega Churches” that have propped up in decades past. Its expensive to build houses of worship, especially in accordance with today’s local building codes. It also requires a healthy budget to maintain structures, inside and out, pay utilities, insurance, support staff, etc. It’s no different than your households or other businesses.
God required Israelites to tithe to the Levites and Jesus acknowledged tithing as well. Lets not forget Jesus disciples sold land (Barnabas) and other assets to support the poor and Jesus’ ministry. Acts 2:45, 4:32, Matthew 19:21 etc
That said, don’t penalize religious organizations for an accumulation of wealth especially The Catholic Church as its been around since 30 AD. Our religious leaders never set a minimum fee for you to participate and celebrate Jesus. You are always welcome to join in celebration of God in both the Old & New testaments.
God Bless.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! The Roman Catholic Church was only developed in the 3rd and 4th centuries, particularly around the time of Constantine, and does not reflect the teachings and practices of the NT apostles.
Payment for preaching the gospel in NT went to Evagelists (outreach), not Pastors. There was no Pastor role. Christ Himself was their shepherd. Paying one person (Pastor) to do the entire work that the Body should be doing is not right; it can lend to corruption at the head and the unengaged congregation can become superficial and fall away.
I agree with you about the Pastor role – the modern definition of pastor is very different than the Biblical definition. And yes, leadership should be a plurality of elders and the body of Christ needs to minister rather than just one man. However, other ministers also received support in the New Testament besides evangelists like Elders and apostles. Some people are called by God to full time ministry – and they should be supported by the church.
I am amazed @ the number of differences between the Christian church of today and the New Testament Church of yesterday!
And there are many more differences not even stated! .ie. accepting homosexuality, transgenderism ,idol worship, women “pastors”, all not biblical and more! No wonder there is moral decline, confusion,increasing violence in our culture.The church was to be responsible to set the bar for our country and it has failed miserably.
I believe also today’s churches are mostly like businesses then like families that are in the New Testament!
In The New Testament we are not supposed to yoke with unbelievers but in today’s churches anyone is welcome in order to get money to keep the church business opened.
Right on target! You have listed the reasons I find it so difficult to relate to the local, institutional churches. My book, CURING SUNDAY SPECTATORITIS, deals with the sit/watch/listen format that has taken over our churches today.
I did some studies through modern American Christianity and New Testament churches. I didn’t even have to nitpick to come up with quite a few differences.
1. No fear of God in Christians. Do what you want, bring your food and lattes in, and enjoy.
2. Worship is performance-driven, not heart driven. God is more impressed with how well you did the song.
3. Prayer was every day. Now it’s once a week or a month. If people don’t pray, they agree.
4. Evangelism was done outside the church. Now you are told to bring them in. Leaders need a count.
5. Greed in the form if giving. They don’t trust God. They guilt people into giving.
“The apostles had no gold and lots of glory. Today, we have lots of gold and no glory. ” ~Leonard Ravenhill~
6. Churches boast of the work they do against Scripture (Matthews 6:1-4).
7. No peon can correct or rebuke a leader. If you don’t agree fully, find another church.
8. Programs have replaced the Holy Spirit. We need to fill the time, just in case the Holy Spirit (is forced to) remain silent.
9. Pastors don’t want prophets in the pulpits or anywhere near a service.
10. Believers were separated and a peculiar people. Secular themes are now acceptable as long as they have biblical intentions.
11. Discernment is not taught. That is left to the leader.
12. Tithing is more blessed than obedience. Forgiveness is more acceptable than holiness.
13. No trials or persecution. “Christians rather be happy than mourn with another believer.” (paraphrased) A. W. Tozer
14. Cherry-picking the Scripture. Better to choose the ones we like and avoid the ones that go against our flesh.
15. Adhere to thirty things on the list to be a member. Jesus never did this to His disciples.
16. Every leader teaches to serve at all costs but the NT church taught family comes first.
Why do we have so many denominations and Bible translations? Why are they needed? Because many pastors are church builders and not Christ seekers. They use His name to build their own kingdom.
You hit a few that I saw as well.
The modern American Church is all glitter and no power. The NT church was all power and no glitter.
Hi Nellie, Thanks for adding some good points!
So with all truth to be revealed where does that leave the so-called churches of today that lack power of the Holy Spirit. God is the same everyday and the words of Jesus are for today!!!!
Amen, Mike! God’s word is for today and some radical saints will embrace it
Hi Joanna, thanks for commenting and for your question. If I understand correctly, you’re wondering why a church would want to remove a replica of the Ark of the Covenant from its building. Without more information, I can’t say why that particular church would decide to remove this. But some churches rightly recognize that the Old Testament contains types and shadows of New Testament truth, and they may feel that such replicas distract from the spiritual worship that Jesus commands. Some may believe that if a church includes such things then people may misuse them and make them objects of devotion.
To answer your other questions, yes a true New Testament church would preach the Old Testament. It would encourage people to learn from the OT symbolism, but not to follow many OT instructions literally. Some churches today encourage people to follow the literal instructions of the OT like not eating pork or celebrating Passover. These teachings are wrong. The NT sets us free from the need to obey many of those OT laws literally. I hope this helps.
Why does a NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH want to remove a replica of the ARK OF THE CONVENANT….. pastor said it was because GOD was gone from the box and that some NT churches consider it a CULT….. does the NT CHURCH preach the Old Testament..???? What is the main differences between OT AND NT CHURCHES….???