Vision for the Home Fellowship

3. "How Do I Start?"

The most important aspect of starting and leading a home group is your trust in the Lord. It is to the degree that you personally can trust the Holy Spirit to lead you that you will see success. You have to know that God is able and willing to guide you. He promised that the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth (Jn. 16:13).

If you are starting your group within a church, work with your church leadership. People will come to your home (or someone else's home where you meet). Plan evangelistic outreaches, bring the unchurched people into your meetings and demonstrate the love of Christ to them. They will be won over not by your words only, but by your care and love. Expect God to perform signs and miracles in your group (Mark 16:17-18) as a witness to the unsaved.

If you are starting a group on your own, we can give you some practical suggestions.

Pray daily that God will draw the people He wants. Pray for the "unity of the spirit through the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3). Commit your ways to the Lord - it is His work.
Develop personal contacts with your neighbors, co-workers, students from your college etc. Meet and accept them where they are at in their spiritual life and make friends with them. Share the Gospel of peace with those who are hurting.
Personally invite people to your group and show concern for them as individuals. Group life is built on relationships. Be an evangelist - invite your neighbors!
One of the ways to start a home group is to tell some people about your interest in starting a Bible discussion group. Invite them to your home or a home where you'll be meeting.
You can start meetings when you have 1-14 people who are interested in learning the Bible.
Be relaxed and sociable, enjoy the people. Show your attention to everyone equally, without spending too much time talking to one person. Watch what their spiritual needs might be.
Try to provide a comfortable room and a friendly atmosphere, free from distractions (pets, radio, TV, ringing phones etc.). Provide good lighting, ventilation and temperature.
If children will be present, make sure their needs are met.
Remind everyone personally of the first meeting of the group a few days in advance and ask them to bring a Bible, pencil and paper.
In the beginning, we suggest not to make the Bible discussion too deep. You can use Friendship Questions or Ice-Breakers (at the end of this booklet) to make the atmosphere more relaxed. They will also help people to get to know each other better.
Keep the meeting orderly and short. On weekdays, meetings should be dismissed by 9 PM. This is a way to show your care for those who have to get up early the next morning.

Commit your ways to the Lord!

1. How to make sure your plans will succeed? (Prov. 16:3)

2. How to be sure that the Lord will be with you at your meetings? (Matt.18:20)

3. Does God love us only if we do everything right? (Rom. 5:6-8)

4. What is the way of witnessing you see in Jn. 13:34-35?

Chapters:
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