A Home Church Begins in Kırıkkale, Türkiye

November 13, 2022

By Kelly Mehee Shin

Harpak and Ghazal welcome members of the growing Home Church around a shared meal in their apartment in Kırıkkale, Türkiye.

PUTTING CHURCH PLANTING INTO PRACTICE

In 2022, Harpak and Ghazal were studying in the theological program at Grace Mission University. One of their courses, Cell & Church Planting, challenged students to move beyond classroom learning and begin applying the principles of discipleship and church planting in real life.

With ongoing mentoring from Koinonia Ministry, Harpak and Ghazal began praying about opening their own home as a place where people could gather, build relationships, and grow in faith.

On November 13, 2022, eight people gathered in their home in Kırıkkale for the first meeting. It was a small beginning, but it marked an important step of obedience as Harpak and Ghazal began putting their theological education into practice through hospitality, fellowship, and ministry.

A CHURCH AROUND THE TABLE

The Home Church began with people gathering in an ordinary apartment. There was no church building, formal stage, or large congregation. There was simply a home opened in faith and a small group willing to share life together.

Around the table, relationships could grow naturally. Hospitality created a welcoming environment where people could eat together, talk honestly, pray, and learn about God’s Word. The home became more than a meeting place—it became a space where people could belong and begin growing as a community of faith.

This simple beginning reflected an important biblical principle: a church is first a community of people following Christ together. The ministry did not begin with a building. It began with faithful people, shared life, and an open home.

LEARNING TO LEAD WHILE SERVING

For Harpak and Ghazal, leading the Home Church became an important part of their theological and ministry formation. The lessons they encountered through their studies could now be practiced through real relationships and responsibilities.

Church planting was no longer only a subject discussed in class. It involved welcoming people, listening to their needs, teaching faithfully, serving patiently, and helping a small community grow in unity and faith.

Ongoing mentoring provided encouragement and guidance as they faced new questions and responsibilities. Through study, mentoring, and practical ministry, Harpak and Ghazal continued developing as leaders while serving the people God had brought into their home.

FROM A HOME CHURCH TO A GROWING CHURCH

The fellowship continued meeting in Harpak and Ghazal’s home for approximately one year. What began with eight people gradually developed into a more established faith community.

Then a supporter came alongside the ministry and helped provide a separate apartment that could be used as a dedicated gathering place. This new space gave the community room to continue worshiping, learning, sharing meals, building relationships, and welcoming others.

The move marked an important transition. The Home Church that began around a family table was growing into Grace Church Kırıkkale—a church community rooted in God’s Word, prayer, hospitality, discipleship, and faithful local leadership.

REFLECTION

The beginning of the Kırıkkale Home Church reminded us that God often starts significant work through small acts of obedience. Eight people gathering in one apartment may have appeared modest, but that first meeting created a foundation for a growing community of faith.

We also learned that theological education becomes most meaningful when it is joined with practical service. Harpak and Ghazal did not wait until completing all their studies before serving. They applied what they were learning by opening their home, accepting responsibility, and walking alongside others.

A supporter later helped provide a new gathering place, but the true foundation of the church had already been formed through prayer, relationships, hospitality, mentoring, and God’s Word. Buildings can support a ministry, but faithful people responding to God’s call are what bring a church community to life.