LEADING A HOME CHURCH
4Â SHARED COMMITMENTS
Consistency
I will make life together with others an established rhythm in my life. Without consistency, real community is impossible to cultivate. Because of this, we commit to meeting together at least twice a month.
Questions:
– Where will we meet?
This can be multiple locations, or one spot.
– When will we meet?
What time best fits the rhythms of our lives?
– How will we communicate?
Texts? Email? Facebook? GroupMe?
Vulnerability
I will open my story to others and experience love through both challenge and encouragement. The more time you spend with one another, the more one thing becomes clear: we’re all a mess. So in the messiness of life – successes and failures, ups and downs – we share our true selves with one another and offer encouragement along the journey.
Questions:
– What are the struggles and burdens you face
that you might share?
– How can you encourage and challenge one
another in spiritual growth?
Intentionality
I will give my focus to growth in the practices of faith we share together. As a group, we have a shared commitment to grow. As a result, we share a few common practices that draw us together whether we are together or apart. Perhaps it‘s working through scripture, sharing meals, praying together – simple, accessible acts that help us grow.
Questions:
– How will we pray with and for one another?
– What spiritual practices might you share
and grow from together?
– How will we facilitate discussion and
conversations when we gather?
HOSPITALITY
I will be a welcoming presence to others by creating environments where love can thrive. Every human being is looking for a place to belong. Knowing this, we are actively looking for ways to welcome people into the family of God. This isn’t complicated. It’s simply finding ways to serve and save a seat at the table for others who are exploring faith and following Jesus.
Questions:
– How will we share meals, coffee, or drinks?
-How will we share the load of responsibility together?
– What are some of the practical, tangible needs among you may be able to meet through sharing resources? (furniture, kids clothes, bill payments, etc.)
– How can we make our times together open and welcoming to new people exploring community and faith?
THINKING PRACTICALLY
What About Kids?
Kids are an important and welcome addition to our Home Churches. If the number of kids is small enough and manageable, try and incorporate them into the night as much as possible. If the number (or ages) of kids is disruptive to conversation, we recommend pooling resources and hiring a babysitter. We’ve found this simple step makes it easier on parents to connect together. If the kids are old enough to be involved in the conversation, by all means – include them!
How Do We Make Meals Work?
The idea of getting a meal together for a group can be intimidating for some. We’ve found that there are 2 principles that make these weekly/bi-weekly meals together manageable. First, as much as possible, encourage everyone to share the load. If everyone brings something, there’s almost always enough. Typically the host provides the main dish, but this doesn’t have to always be the case.
Second, keep it lightweight and low-maintenance. Is ordering pizza or take-out easier? Do it. Also, don’t worry about being fancy. Break out the paper plates and plastic cutlery. If eating out at a restaurant or bar is doable and easier, do it! Find a rhythm and space that is hospitable and simple and go at it.
LEADING AND HOSTING
How Do We Communicated And Stay Connected?
This can vary by group, but we’ve found forming a Facebook group can be a great tool to keep communication at the forefront about food, location, childcare, and needs. Email and text can also work, depending on the group’s preferences, as well as apps like GroupMe. Often, it’s a mix of all of them! Whatever works for your group, one thing is certain: consistent communication is vital for every Home Church.
How Do I Lead A Home Church?
For a lot of people, the thought of leading any type of group can be intimidating. That’s why we want to make leadership as accessible as possible, while also equipping you with the necessary tools to discern how best to build community and growth together.
Leadership Checklist
As you journey into leading a Home Church, it can be hard to know where to start.
Here’s a simple checklist to help move the process forward.
Pray.
What kind of group is God calling you to lead?
What will be the focus? Who does he want you to include?
Invite.
We all have people in our lives who we can invite into our group.
Who are the natural relationships you already have?
Start to reach out and gauge people’s interest.
Logistics.
When will you meet? Where will you meet?
Will it be at someone’s house or apartment? Or at a local establishment?
What best works for those involved?
Partnering.
Who in your group can help share the load of leading and logistics?
What areas of weakness do you have that someone else would
be able to compensate for and lead alongside you?
Communication.
How will our group communicate?
Social media? Text? Email? Messaging apps? Phone calls?
Discuss the best & most consistent form of keeping in touch.
Coaching.
At least once a month, check in with leadership at Restoration
to be encouraged and share successes, failures, needs, praises and prayer requests.