The goal of the meeting is to last approximately 90 minutes. A sample of the schedule of the meeting is as follows: 

Following the typical 90 minutes people are free to leave. At times some may stay back to visit, however it is important to be sensitive to the host home schedule. This is especially true if the host home has children or an early morning work schedule.

All Can Participate

One of the most exciting benefits to meeting in this manner is that all can participate. Typically when we come on a Sunday morning to a gathering we receive more than we give out. This generation of baby boomers and generation “X” more than ever want to “do the stuff”.

In 1 Corinthians 14:26 we read: “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” For this to take place in a large setting of several hundred people is impossible. What Paul was referring to here was the home group setting where all could participate.

The small group is the ultimate place for every member of the body of Christ to learn ministry skills, discover spiritual gifts, and learn how to apply those gifts and skills in real-life ministry situations.

The greatest joy in the life of a believer is to see a relative or friend come to understand who Jesus Christ really is and accept Him into their lives. The groups provide a great opportunity to invite others out to taste and examine the Christian life. Many today in our generation are hesitating to attend a church gathering on Sunday morning for a variety of reasons. However, everyone is familiar with going to another’s house and enjoying a cup of coffee. This setting does no intimidate us like a larger setting might.

A True Sense of Community

Much of the New Testament deals with the attitudes and actions God would have characterise the members of His household, the community of believers. Community is essentially how we treat one another. The list of verses below list some of the “one another” standards that are in a true community:

• “Be kindly affectionate to one another with broth erly kindness ... giving preference.” Romans 12:10
• “Accept one another.” Romans 15:7
• “Care for one another.” 1 Corinthians 12:25
• “Forgive one another.” Ephesians 4:32
• “Encourage …and build up one another.” 1 Thess. 5:11
• “Stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
• “Confess your sins to …and pray for one another.” James 5:11
• “Love one another.” 1 John 4:11