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HOME groups are an awesome part of North Point Church! It’s a place
for you to get connected with others, share life experiences and grow spiritually
in a non-threatening environment. In small group, we look into God’s
Word to find real answers to life changing questions. Here are some frequently
asked
questions about HOME groups:
1. Q: What does "HOME" Group stand for?
A: H.O.M.E. is an acrostic to illustrate the purpose of H.O.M.E. Groups (Homes
Open for Ministry and Encouragement).
2. Q: Aren't H.O.M.E. Groups the same thing as Sunday School?
A: No. Sunday School usually centers around a study
only and is usually a lecture format. H.O.M.E. Groups center around relationships
and community
where Bible
study is important, but they include other aspects such as developing relationships,
prayer, sharing of life, and caring for each other. It is also a participation
study where everyone is involved. H.O.M.E. Groups are more like "families" than "classrooms."
3. Q: Why do H.O.M.E. Groups meet in homes?
A: H.O.M.E. Groups meet in homes for a variety of reasons.
Most everyone has one. Homes are more comfortable and relaxed making the group
feel more like
a "family" than
a “classroom." Homes allow the church to have unlimited growth without
having to continuously be building more classrooms. This makes better sense
(stewardship wise) and frees up more of the church's money for ministry.
4. Q: How long do H.O.M.E. Groups meet?
A: Most H.O.M.E. Group meetings usually last for about an hour and a half.
5. Q: Why do H.O.M.E. Groups have food and refreshments at their meetings?
A: Several reasons. For one, sharing food together just has a way of breaking
the ice and setting people at ease. Also, some people may come to H.O.M.E.
Group straight from work without having time for supper. Finally, it is just
simply
something the early church of Acts did and helped to build loving community
within the church. It can do the same today.
6. Q: Will I be put on the spot if I go to a H.O.M.E. Group?
A: Absolutely not. H.O.M.E. Group leaders are trained not to force anyone to
pray, say, read, or do anything you don't feel comfortable with. Go at your
own pace.
7. Q: How and when do we multiply our H.O.M.E. Group?
A: Great question. Once a H.O.M.E. Group has grown to 14-16 people it should
begin to think about multiplication. Hopefully someone in the group has been
identified as a H.O.M.E. Group apprentice and trained. Usually the new leader
will leave the group and take four to six people with him/her to begin a new
group, although certainly there are times when it may be the other way around
and the original leader may be the one to leave and begin a new H.O.M.E. Group.
8. Q: Why use the term multiply instead of split or divide?
A: Words like split and divide can have negative connotations with them. And
besides, multiplying the kingdom of God through H.O.M.E. Groups is what we're
all about!
9. Q: Should a H.O.M.E. Group be opened to newcomers or closed?
A: In almost all cases H.O.M.E. Groups should be open
to growth, for several reasons. We should share with others what God has blessed
us with. New people
keep the group fresh, alive, and exciting. And new people at our church need
to feel that they belong and H.O.M.E. Group is the best place to become part
of the church "family."
10. Q: What about childcare during my H.O.M.E. Group time?
A: We do have H.O.M.E. Groups where parents can bring their children. So there
is an option, in case someone doesn't have child care.
11. Q: Do H.O.M.E. Groups end when the study book is finished?
A: No. Since H.O.M.E. Groups center around being the family of God in community
together, there is no beginning and end. They are fluid. Although if for some
reason you want to attend a different H.O.M.E. Group, perhaps just to meet
new people, that is perfectly all right.
12. Q: Is the H.O.M.E. Group a place where you have to drag all of your deep
dark secrets out of the closet?
A: Funny one! But the answer is no. Sharing in H.O.M.E.
Group doesn't mean that you have to drag out your old "laundry." It
simply is a place to find some support, encouragement, and help from God's
word for everyday
life. That's
all.
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship,
to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and
many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers
were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and
goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet
together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together
with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all
the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being
saved."
Acts 2:42-47
Best way to get Plugged in to a
Home Group
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