In a free country such as ours, to be a member of a Church in a building is something we take for granted- that it will always be there. But what happens if and when Christianity is banned? Or another ‘pandemic’ hits and the WHO decides for us that we can no longer meet? Do you know where you will go to meet with other believers and continue to worship? Are you ready to be persecuted if caught? These are the things we have to consider when preparing for an underground church in advance.
If you want to take charge in your Church and prepare an underground church, here are some ideas of how to get this going:
- You call a meeting of your congregation (who want to participate), and have a large map of the town hung up. Ask each household to put a push pin (or little stickers) to their basic home location on the map.
- Analyze the map to see the grouping in various areas. Use a marker to circle each ‘neighborhood’ of Church members. Alphabetize them
- Point to each marked grouping and tell the A people to stand over here if you are in this location, B over there for that location, C that-a-way, and so on.
- Let each group introduce themselves and get to know each other a bit. Talk amongst yourselves to decide who has the best place to meet up if/when needed. Someone with the deepest basement or remote Shop would be the best kind of place.
- Smaller cells are better than larger ones as far as staying somewhat secret.
- Swap phone numbers and/or set up a private chat app such as Signal or Element.
- Schedule a time to dry run a meetup there for worship or fellowship. Host it monthly if the group wishes. Get to know each other, their skills and how they can all support each other if needed.
Other tips:
- Don’t park at their house. Walk, ride you bike, or park somewhere else and walk in.
- Evening is the best time when people are normally in their houses.
- Arrange a staggered arrival time with the group so it doesn’t look like crowd coming in.
- Don’t look like you are going to Church.
- Do not use electric instruments if using them, and keep the singing soft
- If possible, change the days around so there is no consistency.
- Be prepared with a response if the authorities stop you and ask where you are going.
What Happens if You Are Busted and They Haul You Off!
Be prepared Spiritually and physically to be caught! How much each one of us can suffer depends on how much he is bound up with a cause, how dear this cause is to him, and how much it means for him/her.
- Being locked up is a blessed time to witness to others, sing hymns and recite Scripture. Rejoice as the apostles did in jail and their suffering. Look up, maintain hope in the Lord and know you are there for good reason. Be glad that you are suffering for Christ.
- Never doubt God, your circumstances and your purpose!
- Also stay silent. Never give any names and be prayerful and pray for all the Saints out there still meeting up and even pray for your persecutors.
- Memorizing the Bible is of great value here!
- Historically, for Christians in prison, many of them slept during the day and were awake all night, putting together a prayer schedule that kept them busy all night. It helped separate them from the wicked that were in prison too, and also filled their nights (which could be long) with God, song and prayer.
- Keep your mind alert: Play mind games, invent things, compose sermons, etc.
- And no matter what, never deny that Jesus is our Savior!
What Happens to Your Children?
You might know from The Voice of the Martyrs literature that thousands of children had been taken away from their parents in the former Soviet Union because they were taught about Christ. You must love Christ more than your children. If you are before a court and they tell you that if you deny Christ you may keep your kids but if not, this will be the last time you will see them. Your heart may break, but your answer should be, “I love God.”
Lets hope we never have to face these circumstances, but it is good to be prepared!
Can you think of anything else to prepare for as you set up an Underground Church? I’m sure there are lots of tips and ideas out there. Tell us in the comments!