Thank you for the work you put into leading your group! You invite others to your home, build lasting friendships, and point your people to Jesus and help them grow in their relationship with him and each other. This is so important for the growth and health of our church.
As we get back into the fall season, please keep an eye out for newcomers to Forward church and consider inviting them to your group. If you meet someone who may be interested in joining a group but, for whatever reason, they aren’t a good fit for yours, please let me know and I will help match them up with another group!
When you meet with your group, I recommend having a topic and some questions prepared to guide your conversation and keep people focused on something that the Lord has been speaking to you about personally and that they can apply to their lives practically. I always find that putting this demand on myself to be prepared for group conversations is at least as rewarding for me as it is for everyone else who attends.
- Joshua
Home Group Schedule
Thank you for leading or hosting a home group. We facilitate home groups for community and discipleship. People want to belong and grow. People want to know they’re wanted, and they want to be equipped to live the Christian life. Our home groups should highly value both relationship and the application of the Word of God.
Home group leadership comes with a few responsibilities. You should seek to make your groups welcoming, encouraging, and supportive. You are free to facilitate your groups how you like, but we do suggest a specific structure. Feel free to adapt this to your groups' desires and needs; it's a good template to follow.
Define the start time for your group; let’s say 6:30 pm for this example.
During the first 30 minutes, put out snacks and leave room for casual conversation
At 6:55, move everyone to the seating area for your discussion.
Begin your discussion at 7, and plan for about an hour of discussion. Some groups may choose to start with worship and prayer; some start with a sermon recap; some start by asking for testimonies… You are free to begin however you choose.
End your group discussion at 8 or 8:30 with prayer needs and ministry to one another.