Home Groups

HOME GROUPS

From the early days of the Christian church the followers of Jesus Christ have met together in their homes as well as meeting together in larger numbers for public worship.

During recent years many churches have rediscovered the value of these smaller groups within the life of the larger church fellowship.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF HOME GROUPS?

1: To build up the individual believer.

Many people have found that in the smaller Home Group they are enabled to grow spiritually. Within the smaller group each member can feel valued and accepted as together they minister to one another through prayer, worship, teaching and fellowship.

2: To facilitate ministry and service.

The smaller group such as a Home Group is the ideal place in which we can learn to minister together and to one another. There may be specific ministries or tasks that the Group as a whole can be engaged in. Experience has shown that when a group takes on an area of service, the members not only grow in their faith but also grow in their fellowship with one another.

3: To pastorally care for one another.

Small groups enable their members to pastorally care for one another by supporting them when they are ill or in need of assistance. The Home Group can be a place where delicate and sensitive issues can be shared and prayed for, either by one member with another, or by the whole group.

4: To facilitate faith sharing.

Home Groups are aware of the needs of the wider community and the world at large. They seek ways to encourage missionary activity both locally and worldwide through the support of missionaries or indeed by actively being engaged in faith sharing within the local community.

WHAT DO WE DO IN OUR HOME GROUPS?

Bible study: Bible Study is at the heart of our Home Groups. As we study the Bible we seek ways to put into practice what God may be saying to us from His word.

Prayer: Prayer should flow out naturally from the Bible Study. Home Groups are places whether each and every person can be prayed for, and with, and where they can pray for the needs of the Church and the wider world.

Worship: Worship is a key area of Home Groups, which may use the talents of a musician if one is present or indeed may be silent worship and meditation on a Bible passage. Whatever the style of worship it should flow out of our desire to spend time together in God’s presence.

Fellowship and fun: Home Groups are wonderful places for enjoying one another’s company, and a Home Group should have a time of fellowship over a cup of coffee or tea. Some groups will sometimes share a meal or even an agape meal. Some may also organise social events that give an opportunity to introduce friends to the Group.

Training: Home Groups are excellent places for us to try out our gifts and talents in a friendly environment. The Leader will facilitate and encourage each member to discern their gifts and then enable them to try them out. The ultimate aim is to release every member into the specific area of ministry and service to which God is calling them.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF A HOME GROUP IS FOR ME?

If you would like to visit a Home Group as a guest please to speak to one of the Church Leaders. Visiting a Home Group doesn’t mean that you are signing up for life.

 If you are member of an existing Home Group and would like to change to another again that is fine, just speak to one of the Church Leaders and they will be able to suggest an alternative.

For details of how to become part of a House Group please contact David Miller