Home Groups

How is it that so few can limit good things for so many? Tell me really how many people can be opposed to Home Groups? After some discussion last night Kelly and I are really frustrated. We love working for the Lord so we're putting our heart and might into this program. We're going out on a limb in the congregation by leading a pilot group. We feel like there is no support due to our leadership being on the fence. We wish that everyone in the congregation could experience Home Group and reserve judgement until after they have been a part of it. Isn't this the way Christ began the church? If we truly pattern ourselves after the first century Christians then why do we have buildings and why don't we meet in homes for every service? While I am not suggesting that I do think this is the only way to effectively minister to our members, ensure they are on the path to heaven, and hold each other accountable? Our elders have an enormous responsibility in shepherding the flock. I contend that Home Groups is a way to not only alleviate their burden of feeling like that can't keep track of all of our souls but to actually accomplish it. How many people are by definition "active member" (attend 3 services and bible class and are involved in active service). Well I think there are alot that are considered "active members" who feel not at all a part of our congregation. I think this because Kelly and I were those people. Our congregation has many ways to serve the Lord I create them that. And we were involved in many of those through teaching, marriage ministry, LTC, and photo taking of new members. This however did not help us meet friends. There is a statistic that says a new member must have 7 people they would feel comfortable calling in the middle of the night for help... We didn't get that through serving or attending service. Were we trying absolutely.. But how can you really get to know people while listening to a sermon or talking for 10 minutes after service. Yes we hosted Christmas parties for young couples and invited people over but still didn't have "friends" after 2 years.

It wasn't until Home Group that we gained these "middle of the night" friends! We were blessed by God to meet Kyle and Jenni Reuter and Brandon and Gaylyn Byrd. They helped us feel connected, asked about us, and wanted to hear the answers. They came over to our house and invited us to theirs. And now if we needed anything we know without a doubt they would be there for us. After our multiplication we met more friends and we're becoming closer with the new couples in our group now. Relationships take time to build and that doesn't happen through church activities or talking after service. It happens when you are in each others homes learning about God and sharing intimate details of your lives with each other. How is it that this program can be ungodly? I want to invite anyone who has any questions about the effectiveness of Home Groups to come and be a part. And not just 1 meeting, see what it's like to come week after week. To hear your prayer requests answered and to not only pray for help but for praise to the Lord for changing people's lives. We have asked to have this program opened up to the entire congregation so that everyone can adequately assess whether it will be beneficial for us. I think we already have God's answer in our Bibles at home probably sitting on a counter somewhere or in the car. He began the church this way so why would it be wrong now? Do we cling so much to tradition that we can't minister to our own people.

We have added many people to our number recently, but does anyone notice the pews getting filled? I don't. We are obviously not doing something right. God asks us to outreach, but does that only mean new baptisms? I don't think so. I believe we have many Christians sitting in our pews every Sunday, Sunday Night, and Wednesday that are not on the path to heaven. If we bring those Christians back and grow in spiritual maturity ourselves aren't we also fulfilling God's commands? Remember the lost sheep?

These are just a few of the things running through our minds today after speaking with the elders. We ask that everyone pray fervently for God's will to be done in this situation. That hearts will be soften and that God will allow flexibility in our comfort zone and that Home Group will touch everyone congregation wide and then into the community. Cause how can we effectively minister to our community if we aren't healthy as a congregation? Why would anyone be a part of our church if the Brotherly Love and Compassion that Christ demonstrated is missing? Let's get the passion back and use Home Groups as a way to connect the congregation brother to brother and sister to sister.