What Are HOME Groups?
“HOME” is an acronym for “Homes Open For
Ministry And Encouragement,” which is the name
that Resurrection MCC has chosen for small groups
which meet regularly for study, prayer, fellowship,
and ministry to each other. Most groups meet in
homes, while others meet at the church. Some
groups have special interests but most are open to
anyone.
Groups are facilitated by volunteer leaders who
have agreed to assume this responsibility and attend
regular training and discussion sessions. A
Resource Team assists facilitators and group participants
as needed.
Why HOME Groups?
Resurrection MCC is a congregation which
serves more than 1,500 persons. Professional observers
of church dynamics have discovered that
once a congregation exceeds about 30 people, it
becomes increasingly difficult to get to know each
other and minister to each other’s spiritual and other
needs. Similarly, these experts have found that
people relate deeply and honestly to each other in
groups which are not larger than about 15.
Most people prefer to experience a “small group”
feeling in their church, but almost every force in our
society seems to be demanding that all institutions
(automobile dealerships, banks, drug stores, funeral
homes, medical and legal practices, movie theaters,
restaurants, and churches) become larger. Economics
and the desire of people to have the benefits of“one-stop shopping” are major factors bringing about
this change. Growth is a fact of life.
The reality is that from the beginning the Christian
Church has always been concerned with
growth. Jesus (see Matthew 28:19) instructed Christians
to “go forth and make disciples of all nations.”
Jesus did not say “go forth and make disciples of
only 30-40 people.”
It’s a challenge to grow and still maintain a “smallchurch”
feeling, but Resurrection MCC is seeking to
do so. Our effort is guided by the pattern established
by the Early Christian Church, which is described in
Acts 2:42, 46-47:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles,
teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking
of bread....Everyday 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 people. And God added to their number
daily.”
The early Christians worshipped together regularly
in their churches as a Christian fellowship, but
they also met regularly in small groups in their homes.
That’s what Resurrection MCC is doing through its
HOME Groups Ministry.
Who Can Join A HOME Group?
Any adult who is a member or friend of Resurrection
MCC or who is seeking to grow in their Christian
faith may become a participant in a HOME Group.
How Do You Join A Home Group?
There are HOME Groups which meet, or are in
the process of being formed, throughout the Houston
metropolitan area, as well as in Galveston. Contact
Jason Wood, Director of Connections, at JWood@ResurrectionMCC.org or by phone at 713-861-9149 x105, to find a location and schedule that works for you.
How To Form A HOME Group
To become a HOME Group facilitator or to start a
new group, email JWood@ResurrectionMCC.org or by phone at 713-861-9149 x105. New Groups and facilitators
are always needed and welcomed.
What Is Required Of A Participant?
HOME Groups ask participants to sign a covenant
which the group has developed. They define
the purpose of the Group, asking participants to agree
to:
-
Get to know each other and become a caring
community.
-
Support one another through listening, sharing,
praying, and being present to one another.
-
Discover the meaning of God’s Living Word
and apply that meaning in one’s life.
-
Enjoy one another’s uniqueness and to take responsibility
for the Group’s adventure together
in Christian growth; and, share ideas
about how the Group can minister together in
Jesus’ name.
Covenants also ask for an agreement:
-
To make attendance a top priority.
-
To pray regularly for everyone in the Group.
-
not to give advice to others or attempt to “fix”
their personal problems or to judge anyone
no matter what is shared, unless asked to do
so.
-
To keep personal things spoken in the Group
confidential to provide an atmosphere of openness
and trust.
-
To strive to become a member of a caring community
by freely sharing (as desired) experiences,
struggles, feelings, joys, hurts, and
questions.
-
To welcome new members into the Group with
the objective of ultimately “multiplying” to
form an additional Group.
Current H.O.M.E. Groups
