 |
 |
 This page contains a comprehensive amount of information on Home Groups. Feel free to scroll down and browse as much as you desire. If you want to quickly skip down to topics of interest, please use the following index links: |
|
Introduction to Our Saviour's Home Group Ministry Our Mission Our Saviour's Lutheran Church has a mission to "Make Christ Known" to all people. In order to achieve this mission, by the power of God's love we:
Our Vision The need for "community" is at the core of how God made us and how God works in us and through us. Among our highest priorities and focus should be to develop a sense of community between the people of Our Saviour's and our neighbors. We believe achieving this vision is best accomplished through intimate and personal experiences of prayer, Bible study, fellowship and outreach in a small group setting. Our congregation already employs the use of small groups in our most successful ministries, including the Women of the ELCA and our Confirmation Program. These groups understand that real spiritual growth and fulfillment can only be accomplished when we seek the power of the Holy Spirit on a personal level and share it with others. When we study the bible together, pray together, laugh and cry together, and reach out to the world together, a new sense of community is established. We are hopeful that a new ministry can be established for those who are looking to grow spiritually and want to help strengthen our community of faith. The formation of a Home Group ministry is a logical step in accomplishing our mission of "Making Christ Known", both at Our Saviour's and in the world. We are confident that if groups of people spend time together studying the Bible, praying, and building relationships, we will truly learn how to Welcome, Grow, and Equip. 1 Corinthians 12:12 "The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ." History of Home Groups Since the days of the early church, home groups have played a key role in the growth of Christianity. After the Day of Pentecost, the Apostles served as the first Home Group leaders. These early Home Groups discussed the teachings of Jesus, made time for fellowship, shared a meal, and were devoted to prayer. Today, Home Groups are as important to the Church as ever. Missionaries often use Home Groups as the foundation of their efforts to spread Christianity throughout the world. Many modern churches have also found that Home Groups are an effective vehicle to build a real sense of community within a congregation. Home Groups continue to grow in popularity as Christians seek new ways to grow spiritually in today's fast-paced society. Our Saviour's Home Groups Our Saviour's Home Groups are typically comprised of 8-10 people who meet regularly (weekly, monthly, etc.) at the homes of the participants. Most Home Groups are formed by those who invite their immediate circle of friends. Other groups are formed by individuals who contact a Home Group Coordinator or a Pastor who will help place them in an appropriate group. New groups are encouraged to invite and welcome those individuals who may not be familiar to us or prospective new members for Our Saviour's. A Home Group can often serve as a catalyst for new life-long friendships. Once groups are formed, it is up to the members of the group to decide how the group will function. Groups who spend time early on discussing the format for meetings and some basic ground rules find the Home Group experience to be rewarding for each member of the group. Even though Home Groups can be formed with little outside assistance, Our Saviour's has many qualified individuals available to help new and existing Home Groups in any way necessary. Ongoing guidance, support, and encouragement will be available from the Pastoral staff and designated Home Group Coordinators. Another way to learn more about Home Groups at Our Saviour's is to visit one of the active groups in your area of interest. Home Groups will be forming in areas such as couples, singles, young adults, and retirees, just to name a few. "Community" at Our Saviour's includes providing a place for all people in this new ministry. Please consider forming or joining a Home Group today! Benefits of Joining a Home Group
More Information About Home Group Ministry
Contacts For Additional Assistance
|