Housegroups
We have just re-launched the Housegroups (sometimes
known as 'Cell' groups). The existing groups have been re-publicised
and new ones started last Summer. Some take place in
the day time and some in the evenings (usually Wednesdays) and some are
'ad hoc', taking place as & when the members arrange to meet. As soon as
we have a full timetable of the regular day time and evening Housegroups
we will publicise it here.
If you are interested to know where the Housegroups
meet, and would like to consider joining one of them, contact the Church Office or e-mail and we will let you have more information.
Why belong to a Housegroup?
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The first Christians met in Housegroups - see Acts 2
v46-47
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Christians had no Church buildings for at least 300
years - the period of the Church's greatest growth - they met in homes.
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There are many references to churches meeting in
homes in the New Testament - look at Romans 16v5, 1 Corinthians 16v19,
Colossians 4v15.
What are the benefits of Housegroups?
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They enable fellowship to happen at a deeper
and more personal level than Sunday Church can.
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They encourage discipleship (Christians
becoming more like Jesus), by allowing interaction, discussion, sharing
ideas, accountability etc.
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They make service a reality, by enabling group
members to get to know each other's gifts and abilities and by members
encouraging each other to serve in new and important ways.
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They can also help to promote evangelism, as
members encourage each other to share their faith, and perhaps even
through group activities. It is much less threatening to met a
small group of people than it is to meet a large congregation.
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They enable prayer as group members pray for
each other (in between meetings too!) - and as relationships are
strengthened.
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They allow for better pastoral care as members
get to know each other, and learn to show love and practical concern.
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They can also be a way of helping us to study the
Bible together - but this should be a means to an end - not an end
in itself! Bible study is about building fellowship and building
better disciples - not showing off our knowledge, or giving the right
answers to questions!
- Telephone the Church Office: 01255 474391 or
email us
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