“Maisons Vivantes” characterizes the local church. It reflects the divine life reborn in homes where the Lord resides. This active presence and living relationship with the Resurrected creates change. It draws people back and inspires them to invite their friends. The Maison de l’Évangile is a testament to this transformation.
The Maison de l’Évangile embodies a vision. It hopes to see thousands of homes filled with the life of the resurrected Jesus Christ. This salvation consolidates couples and reconciles parents with children. It brings divine light to minds and true love to hearts. This life gives peace and joy. It often brings victory in trials. It helps people through storms and assures them of their destination after death.
In the year 2000 a group of Christians separated from CEPPE. CEPPE is the Centre Evangélique Protestant Paris Est. This separation had the approval of Pasteur Alain Rindel. They took the name “Maisons Vivantes”. This new local church quickly established itself. It was based on the early church described in the Book of Acts. It also followed the Epistles. This type of local church is often called “Church in the houses”. It stands in contrast to “classic churches”. Over the years a network of such groups has emerged. These groups extend the life of the gospel to their neighborhoods.
During the week several house groups are established. They spread the gospel in Rueil-Malmaison, Croissy, Sèvres, and Fontenay-aux-Roses. More groups are preparing or expected in the western suburbs. They may even reach within Paris. Disciples and spiritual parents are at work in these gatherings. They prepare a new generation of saved people. These people are saved through their contacts and new acquaintances. They then open “house cells”. These cells welcome new converts. They help them know Jesus Christ. They help them discover the Bible. They help them to be “born again” into divine life. They grow to become spiritual parents ready to transmit the new life in Christ.
Twice a month on Saturdays, there are formations or meetings. These meetings focus on inner healing. Every Sunday, people gather. They joyfully and convivially express the larger reality of the local church. This includes worship and sharing. A valuable time of fasting and prayer occurs on the first Sunday of the month. Convivial feasts take place on other Sundays. The Maison de l’Évangile is more than just a building. It is a network of homes. It is a community where faith comes alive.
Pastor Jean-Pierre Charlet has served for nearly 50 years. He and his wife Annick have never felt the realities of the Gospel. They have never experienced God’s love more profoundly than in these Christian communities. The Book of Acts and the Epistles show this experience. It is the norm for the Church of Jesus Christ. This church aligns with God’s DNA. It follows God’s eternal design. It embraces the principles of the Kingdom of God that Jesus revealed to his disciples. Despite the pressures of the world they find great peace. They share this life. It is the Gospel. It is good news, ever new. It is a light that shines in a house, animating it with life from above.