The ministry of the gospel must move directly from its proclamation by the 'messenger' , i.e. by those who have this ministry grace and accountability, to a 'first hand' process in each family or household. Then the overflow and overlap of genuine Christian life and first love moves 'from house to house' as we break the bread of life from house to house with gladness and simplicity of heart Acts 2. Elders 'among the flock' 'Elders' so called, are 'among the people', not 'over the house groups'. House fellowship meetings can be effective in facilitating the life from house to house, but must never become 'house churches'. This is a serious breach of the Scriptural pattern, and is the result of families who default toward being 'ruled over', and of men who default toward being 'leaders' that rise up.
Elders are examples, never overlords.
Leading is defined by leading in one's own home, and by demonstrating a culture of grace and respect, which leads in such a way that others simply follow as we follow Christ. Hundreds of years of church history have promoted a culture where a priesthood class of some description is always sought and installed as having the spiritual authority toward us. Even where we think we have removed this culture, the vestiges can remain and grow like leaven.