Home Groups (Fellowship Groups)
What are they?
Generally small groups of about 8-12 people meeting in someone’s home during the week to encourage and support each other and grow in faith. *Though some are more formal and meet in the church lounge.
When do they meet?
The home groups meet at different times and places around the community so that everyone can join in at some point.
Should I join a Home Group?
We want to encourage everyone to join in a Home Group for the following reasons.
· In depth fellowship.
Home groups provide a great opportunity with a small group of people to get to know each other at a deeper level, rather than just a superficial hello in church.
· Pastoral Support.
They provide a safe place to share concerns you face in the week and find some support and prayer through friends in the group.
· Grow together in Christ
It’s great to hear people consider aspects of their faith they struggle with and experience how others have also struggled and learnt more about trusting Jesus on a daily basis, with common every day issues.
· Prayer Support.
Prayer is an important part of our walk with God and a great encouragement to know that others you know are praying for you and you for them.
· Building meaningful relationships in the body of Christ.
As people meet, pray and share together in the safety of their group, then real meaningful and close relationships develop and so the Body of Christ grows stronger.
· Mission and service together.
Many groups take on together an act of service in the community such as a Rest Home, and or responsibility for linking with one of our missionary partners.
· Welcoming others.
Sometimes a small group is an easier and saver place for others to be welcomed into before coming to church. And sometimes new people in church can be invited and welcomed into your small group, so that no on is left out.
· Multiplying your group.
Healthy bodies grow by the cells multiplying. We hope and pray that your group will grow too big because you are working so well together. This means that the group can divide (like living cells) and form another group so that both can continue to grow and divide again later on.
· Start a new Group.
You can either join a group or ask to register a new group with the Task Group Leader for Fellowship Groups.
· Training for Leaders.
We will provide training and oversight for the leaders of the groups to encourage growth and pastoral care.
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