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Vision for the Home Fellowship

4. The Host and/or Hostess Role

Though your goal is to become a spiritual father and/or mother to people in the group, you would have to start with being just a host and/or hostess. Meet people where they are. They don't know each other and are not ready for deep commitment yet. Give people time to develop trust in you as a friendly, caring leader. It might take three or more months of weekly meetings and other activities before the group can start trusting you and each other to be their spiritual family.

The host and/or hostess welcomes people who are looking for meaningful relationships. They help people to establish their relationships with the Lord and with each other. You should be a sociable, friendly person who enjoys spending time with others. As the members of the group start trusting you more and more they will start being open to you about their problems. Pray for them and help them. Always look for a way to meet their needs.

The host and/or hostess are facilitators of a Bible discussion group. They love Jesus and love people. In the future their group can become a spiritual family of brothers and sisters united by the blood of Jesus. They lead people gently toward the higher levels of: 1. Relationships; 2. Application of the Word of God in their lives; 3. Awareness of their place in the family of God; 4. Deeper commitments to Jesus and to one another.

The host and/or hostess are sociable people who invite others to their home.

Host or Hostess		Spiritual father or mother

Bible discussion group	Developing relationships takes you from here to there	Spiritual family - brothers and sisters

Opening your home to others is very biblical. The Bible is full of examples of people offering hospitality as a way of being a blessing to others. Many opened their home to Jesus and His disciples as they traveled. Showing hospitality to others brings blessings and refreshing from God to those who open their home (2 Tim. 1:16-18). When you are getting ready for the meeting, focus on the Lord - don't be consumed with preparing the house for the meeting or serving a variety of snacks and beverages, etc. Keep it simple.

1. In what way can inviting guests be a blessing to you? (Prov.11: 25)

2. What is true hospitality? (Rom. 12:13)

3. What was Martha's mistake? (Luke 10:38-92)

4. Is developing a spiritual family a quick process? How long might it take?

Chapters:
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