Are you new to the church and wondering how to get more connected? Why not join a Home Group?
Sometimes, joining a new church can seem a bit daunting; Sunday mornings fly past in a sea of new faces and it can take weeks to get to know just a handful of people’s names.
Jesus understood the need to form good friendships… It is why, although he preached to crowds of thousands, and healed the sick in their hundreds; he chose to hang out with a group of just twelve guys consistently and they followed his example meeting together in small groups after his resurrection, as the early church was formed.
In a small group it is easier to make friendships, enabling us to better support one another in life’s troubles. We can also learn about the Bible and from each other as we grow as individuals and in our relationship with God.
Home Groups, (as we call them at the Vineyard Church) often have Worship in the form of singing, Bible teaching and an opportunity to talk about it. The home group leaders are not only there to make sure discussions don’t become too heated, but take a pastoral role, helping the Pastor of the church make sure that everyone is doing well and gets any help they may need. We all have the opportunity to serve one another in a small group, in practical ways if anyone needs assistance, or by expressing simple kindness, offering encouragement and prayer. In today’s increasingly uncertain world, a regular chance to meet in a group at someone’s house can be a lifeline to those who feel the loneliness which often marks modern living.
There are several purposes which meeting in home groups perform, it not only creates a place where people can get to know one another and God, but can also be a place where people can begin to experience healing and personal prayer. We also view these groups as a great way for the church to use their spiritual gifts and learn more about the Holy Spirit and his work. New leaders can be spotted, trained and given the opportunity to gain experience before beginning new groups of their own.
In short, what’s there to lose...? We can all use an extra friend… Join a home group… gain a whole bunch!
For more about Home Groups download our leaflet. For contact information for our home groups, please pick up a Home Group list from the information table on Sunday.