Our Story
Belonging House began in 2005 when God asked an artist to pray for a house.
A year later, the artist had an encounter with an angel. He was asked to “raise up an army of artists who will build Jesus a throne in the earth.”
This was an invitation to step out in faith and go on an adventure.
Pray for a House
While driving to work in 2005, Christ (rhymes with “wrist”) John Otto sensed God asking him to pray for a house. Over the next year, that prayer began to become an adventure. Friends began joining him to pray at his apartment in Akron, Ohio. In 2006 he sensed God was asking him to leave his job. After resisting, he got fired! And that was the beginning of learning how to walk by faith, write, and listen to God.
In the beginning, our first community believed that God was calling us to get a house in Akron. We now know the house is much bigger than a building.
Raise up an Army
On July 12, 2006, during his morning prayer and worship time, Otto had an encounter with an angel in his living room. It was during this encounter that he believes God called him to “raise up an army of artists who will build Jesus a throne in the earth.” Part of that call was about letting go of traditional ministry methods, no networking, and no fundraising.
And most important of all, this call to artists was about preparing the way for the coming of the Lord.
Fear Not
The call to live by faith is a living parable for artists and creative people: no matter what God is calling you to do, you can step out, take a risk, and trust God.
And to prove that the word was true, God provided a very funny sign.
From 2005 to 2018 God provided all of our toilet paper. We stopped counting at 500 rolls. Listen to Christ John Otto tell the story.
There is no house like the house of belonging.
Our Name and Identity
The name Belonging House was inspired by the book The House of Belonging by David Whyte. Mr. Whyte graciously gave us permission to use the name in 2006. It is also based on the idea of “geborgenheit,” a German word meaning the warm feeling a child feels in his mother’s arms. Often Christian artists feel like they have no place to belong, in the church or in the art world. There is always a place for the artist at the Father’s table.
Our logo was designed by Lynette Silarski and has had a few versions since 2014. It was inspired by the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the intense love God shows for us. In that intense love, there is a place for us to live and dwell. So our house is in the heart of God. The three rays represent the Trinity, and our life of prayer as a community. We leave a light on for you. The color is Yves Klein International Blue, representing heaven, and our international community.
Tell the Story
The call to raise up artists came with the instruction to “tell the story about all God is doing, and God will move people to give.” We have been telling this story every week in our Friday email, and through books, teaching, and video. You can hear the Belonging House story in the playlist.
Fabulous Dinner Parties
In Akron, we had dinner together every Thursday, and followed this with prayer. Eventually, our “House” become known for throwing fabulous dinner parties.
Hospitality has always been a big part of our life. We have made a welcome place for artists and creative people, and also a place where the Holy Spirit is welcome. And when we eat together, miracles happen. We have seen people healed, families reconciled, and unbelievers come to Christ all around the dinner table.
Show the world answered Prayer
We are a prayer based, relational community. We pray for our community needs. It really is about a relationship with God who wants to reveal his lavish love.
Belonging House gathers daily for prayer, weekly for worship, and has a committed group of people who pray for our mission regularly.
So far the Lord has provided seven cars, five MacBook Pros, four iPhones, and countless rail and air tickets. We depend on miracles to keep going.