What is a home group? It a small group of people who meet together regularly in a home.
The aim of a home group is to provide a meeting place in which a small group can meet to learn more about their faith , to worship and to share their knowledge and experiences in an informal environment and local to where they live. They are open to those who do not regularly attend services as well as those who do.
What makes a home group special, are the relationships that develop within that group. When a group works well the members feel free to open up about their faith beliefs and to engage in discussions in comfortable and relaxed surroundings. Small groups provide an opportunity for a group of people to get to know each other really well. This makes it possible for them to share their concerns knowing that the confidentiality pact of the group means that whatever is said remains within the group. The support network of the group is of great benefit to all the members. Homegroups also keep abreast of what is happening in their locality. Friends and neighbours or people known to a group member who are not regular worshippers or may have nothing to do with the church, are visited when sick or when they are experiencing any type of problem, a member of the homegroup may offer practical help and advise or just a friendly face.
The leader or leaders,with input from the group, decide what they are going to study or focus on. There are numerous resources available specifically for home group study. These are available on loan from Rosemary Coleman. Leaders will also research their own materials. There is time of prayer often focusing on the needs of the group and some groups are lucky enough to have a musician amongst them enabling a time of praise too. There is a time for catching up on news and getting to know each other better.
Each Home Group is different and interpret their role differently. All groups are welcoming offering refreshments and pastoral care. Many groups engage in social activities and events, like visits to local places of interest, bring and share meals and BBQ’s. People outside of the group may be invited to one of these social events as a form of outreach.
If you are interested in visiting a home group and would like more details of one near you, please contact Rosemary Coleman at rosie_1972@hotmail.com .
