Establishing Foundations: Home Groups

The home groups, cell groups, life groups etc. are a vital part of the life of the church. These are to be places of special intimacy with each other and a place of support and encouragement. The times we meet together should be a reflection of Christ in a small setting. This is a time to ask questions, give input and be stretched in fellowship and being vulnerable to each other. Songs should be choruses we sing in church and easy for visitors to sing. The main focus of the home groups is for growth. This should be a safe place to invite those people we know who are not in church but are spiritually interested. Home fellowship can draw those in for answers to life's problems. There are many that are looking for a place to belong and home groups are an ideal place to start with spiritual life.

In the early days the church met house to house. The first meetings were done outside of the temple, because a new order had come, not under law but grace. Later on, and years after the initial birthing of the church, we see Paul gathered daily in the temple to teach. The new order of grace was now accepted and embraced. After all, the reestablishment of the tabernacle of David (Acts 15:16 ) is a corporate action of the body, and a prophecy now unfolding. Having or meeting only in a home for church, is wrong and unscriptural. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. The word assembling means: gather together in one place, to bring together, assemble collectively. You see the body needs to meet corporately as well. If we are not careful, we can take scripture and misinterpret it, by taking it out of context.

The early church was so alive to God that when they did meet for fellowship, discussion of plans, etc. it always ended in teaching, prayer and worship. These are not just conducive to home meetings or even church, but the life of true believers. Ask yourself, "what can I do to help this home group be more dynamic?" And secondly, "who do I know that is hurting or interested in spiritual things and is not attending church?" These are the ones to come to home groups.