Go Find Your Homies

I love Home Groups. They are called by different names, but essentially, they are groups of people from a church that meet regularly in someones home during the week. If a church has a Home Group program, there will be several groups in the church based on location, age, ministry, etc. Ideally, there should be a group to fit everyone.

I love the concept because it takes the pressure of what church is supposed to be off the pastor and on to the people. The Home Group can be focused on prayer, Bible study, or ministry. It gets individuals who would never otherwise talk to each other into conversation. That's where you find out who needs help moving or paying the rent or a ride to the doctor. It's where you find hidden talent and amazing gifts of God.

Jesus wants to know how we treat each other. It's all well and good to go to church, sit and listen to a sermon and go home, but if we never interact with anyone or "do" anything, what's the point? A Home Group takes some effort. It takes commitment to be part of other peoples' lives, to show up.

It's a great place for very shy people to ask questions. It provides for a different learning experience. It allows for group contribution. In fact, it requires it. If a Home Group is a smaller version of church where everyone sits and listens to one person, then there's very little value in going.

I have been part of my home group almost from the first day I arrived at my church. It's allowed me to make friends, real friends. Friends who support and love me. And it's given me the opportunity to help. If I hadn't been part of the group, I never would have known where my help was needed when it was needed the most.

I highly encourage everyone to be part of a small group, not to replace regular church, but to strengthen the experience. Find one or start one. Let it grow into what it's supposed to be - a vehicle for touching lives.