Like other houses of worship, the Meeting House in West Chester offers Bible studies, youth group, community dinners, and a Sunday morning worship service.

But unlike most others, the Meeting House literally meets at a house.

It’s part of a house church movement that’s becoming a growing nationwide trend, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer report by Kristin Holmes.

“It’s life together every day,” said Co-Pastor Fred Balliet.

And whether it’s the personal connection, a freedom to innovate, a return to simplicity, or a more intimate setting that’s drawing people to house churches, there are dozens popping up across the Philly area.

“Sometimes when I walked into a church and didn’t know anybody or feel a connection, I almost felt judged,” said Meeting House churchgoer Rachel Gimber. “But in Meeting House, it’s a family setting, and they met me where I was.”

The house church congregation of about 50 pastored by Balliet and Robb Hollman even baptized Gimber in a setting that was about as family-oriented and familiar as it could get: an inflatable swimming pool at a backyard barbecue.

Read more about the Meeting House and other area house churches in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.