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Recently Lee has encouraged us all to be part of a homegroup. Here he presents nine principle aims for homegroups at All Saints' Church. This material was recently shared with housegroup leaders.

Homegroups or fellowship groups are weekly or fortnightly groups that meet in people's houses. They are a friendly place for us to gather together with other Christians.

If you would like to join a homegroup then please speak with the clergy or Pat Reid - alternatively ring the office on 01943 430108 or email office@ilkleyallsaints.org.uk

Look at how God intended fellowship to be. Acts 2: 42-47 "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.....many wonders and miraculous signs were done.....all the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.....every day they continued to meet together.......they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people." Disciples of Jesus were never encouraged to be in isolation, or to worship periodically, disciples are encouraged, in fact commanded to meet in fellowship on a regular basis - Hebrews 10: 25 Let us not give up on meeting together as some are in the habit of doing...."

1. To share Christian FellowshipHomegroups are the easiest and quickest way for new people (and existing members) to feel as though they actually belong to the church. As we share fellowship, we build relationships which enable the development and strengthening of the whole church. Sharing Christian fellowship enables mutual encouragement and accountability:

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" Ecclesiastes 4: 12

"We who believe are carefully joined together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord" Ephesians 2: 21

"Where two or three are gathered together in my name there I am in the midst of them" Matthew 18: 20

2. To study God's wordStudying the Bible together helps us to understand its meaning and apply it to our lives. God will use different members of a homegroup to bring a variety of insights as you study scripture together:

 "Study this book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed" Joshua 1: 8

 "They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship" Acts 2: 42

 3. To apply God's wordUnderstanding God's word is important but applying it to our lives is essential. Homegroups help us achieve both objectives. As we gather around the Bible we can mutually encourage each other to put God's word to use - following the study of scripture good homegroups will always ask the question....‘How can each of us put this in to practise this week?'. It is useful for each member to respond how they might apply the word and to catch up the next week to see how they got on.

 "Remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey you are only fooling yourself" James 1: 22

 4. To worship GodWorship is loving God in the presence of one another and loving one another in the presence of God. When we gather together in homegroups for worship something powerful happens. God finds it pleasurable to have people worshipping Him together:

"...they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs" Psalm 66: 4

5. To pray togetherPrayer brings us closer to God, praying together brings us closer to one another. Sharing prayer concerns allows burdens to be shared:

"They raised their voices together in prayer to God" Acts 4: 24

6. To practise spiritual giftsSpiritual gifts are from God. Homegroups are good ways for people to identify what gifting each of us have - meeting for an hour on a Sunday morning can never really enable people to see what gifting other may have but persistent time spent together in homegroups will. Spiritual gifts can be used in homegroups to bless and encourage each other:

"God has given gifts to each of you from His variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well...." 1 Peter 4: 10

7. To care for one anotherHomegroups enable a much greater sense of care for the individuaql. In homegroups we can get to know each others' hurts and pains more deeply and thus offer greater support:

"If one falls down his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no-one to help him up!" Ecclesiastes 4: 10-11

 8. To nurture friendshipsReal friendships can blossom in the intimacy of homegroups - much more so than relying on making friends just through the hour at church on a Sunday morning:

 "Real friends stick closer than a brother" Proverbs 18: 24

 9. To be a witness to othersHomegroups are a great way to reach out to others. Often homegroups are easier for people to come along to than church. Homegroups can do collective acts of witness more easily when they do it together:

 "Go and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28: 19

 Lee Townend