Pastor’s Corner September 2004

The following was published in our monthly newsletter, the Redeemer Report.

Why Home Fellowship Groups?

– The scene is a worship service at church. You are coming to worship, perhaps with your family, a friend, or by yourself. You join with 200 or more other people on Sunday at Redeemer to worship God.

– The faith God has given you, through Christ, is the common denominator you share with most of these people. The Bible describes this group of believers as a family -one body united by Christ. Does it not seem a little strange to you that you should know so few of your fellow family members?

– This is a recurring dilemma for a churches today. While it is unrealistic to think you will get to know over 200 people here, you do have the opportunity to get to know your leaders better and a good number of your brothers and sisters at Redeemer in a more intimate way. Home Fellowship Groups are our “small group ministry” and they are important for maintaining an authentic biblical community in a growing church.
Home Fellowship Groups are small enough to give you a chance to get to know the other participants. The purpose of being in a group like this is to gather for Bible study and prayer, and to care about each other in a more informal setting. Home Fellowship Groups are intended to connect you with others in the church. It is an intentional face to face gathering of individuals and families on a regular time schedule with the common purpose of discovering and growing in Christ.

1. Why is it important to participate in your Home Fellowship Group?
Home Fellowship Groups provide a touch point with your flock elder. This allows him to know how to minister to you more effectively. There is a time of bible study, prayer, and fellowship each meeting.
Home Fellowship Groups connect families and model “community living” for our children.
Home Fellowship Groups are a laboratory to learn to care for one another.
Home Fellowship Groups can begin to serve as an outreach to those you would like to share Christ with.

2. Does everybody have to attend Home Fellowship Group?
Everyone who is a regular attendee or member of Redeemer will be placed in a “flock” under an elder. These flocks constitute our Home Fellowship Groups.
Active participation in your Home Fellowship Group is voluntary. There are tremendous benefits to being in a HFG and it is hoped that many will want to be involved. You, however, make that choice.

3. How often do these groups meet?
That is determined by the leader, based on a survey of the members of his group. Each group meets at least twice a month.

If you are not currently in a Home Fellowship Group, please call myself or Pastor Nathan today! My family has benefited greatly from being active in our Home Fellowship Group, I am sure yours will be blessed also.

In the Lamb,
Pastor Tony Felich