Why Home Groups?

To be a Christian is to be a part of the Body of Christ, with each part growing in love for one another and reaching out to the world together. In order to do this, we have to build relationships with each other, which means something more than the Sunday morning service. Since the birth of the Church, one of the ways Christians have done this is by meeting together in smaller groups in homes (see Acts 2:46).

What is the purpose of a Home Group?

The purpose of a home groups is two-fold: to reach in toward one another in worship, Bible study, and prayer, forming a community with Christ at the center; and to reach out together to serve others in Christ and to make Him known. So the home group is both a fellowship group and a ministry team.

How is a Home Group different than a Bible Study Group?

While Bible study is an important part of a home group meeting, a home group is more than a Bible study; in fact, it is more than a meeting: it is the "basic unit" of the church. One way to think of this is that in the same way that "the Church" in Jacksonville is made up of many individual churches, one of which is Calvary, Calvary in turn is made up of many home groups.

What does this mean, practically?

It means that when a home group comes together it comes together "as the church," only in smaller numbers-a smaller unit of the church. So there are men and women, young and old, couples and singles in the home group, just like the church. It also means that the home group does the work of the church together-serving the larger Body, reaching out to our immediate community, and supporting the work of missions around the world.

Who should join a Home Group? Every member of Calvary is encouraged to join a home group. Of course, some will not be able to or may not feel that God is calling them to at a given time. But the vision for our home groups is that they become as much a "normal" part of our life together as Sunday mornings. The church, as it were, has two legs: all together on Sunday mornings for worship and teaching, and in smaller groups in homes during the week, doing the nitty-gritty of the Christian life together.

Do I have to be a member of Calvary to join a Home Group?

Of course, if you have another church home, we would encourage you to participate in the activities of your church. But if you are in the process of deciding on a church, or if you attend Calvary occasionally and do not have another church, we would love to have you participate in a home group, as it's one of the best ways for you to get to know Calvary better.

What does a Home Group meeting look like?

Meetings vary from group to group and from week to week, but there is a basic format which reflects the two purposes of the group: reaching in and reaching out. The fellowship (reaching in) part of a meeting typically includes a time for mingling and refreshments, worship, a Bible study focused on applying the Bible to our lives (based on the Scriptures from the previous Sunday), and prayer for one another. The outreach part of the meeting will usually include both praying and planning for needs outside the group. Once a month, each home group has an "Outreach Night" instead of a regular home group meeting, which is a more casual gathering aimed at drawing in friends and acquaintances.

Are children a part of Home Groups?

Are children part of the church? Then they're part of home groups, too! Our goal is that children feel as much members of the home group as their parents do. Each group is free to incorporate children in the way that works best for them, but the basic pattern is that children are with the adults for part of the time (during the mingling and the singing, for example), and then go to a separate room for their own time together. Members of the group take turns leading the children using a curriculum specially designed for home groups.

What about teens?

Teenagers are full-fledged members of the home groups! Younger teens are of course a part of the same home group as their parents; in some cases older teens may want to join a different home group than their parents-this will be up to them and their parents to decide.

What if I'm uncomfortable in small groups?

Many of us are--our goal is to have those of us who are to be well represented in home groups so as to make it less difficult for us! The purpose of home groups is not to force everyone to share intimately on command, but to have a natural context to grow and minister together. We certainly hope that real closeness will be one of the outgrowths of these groups, but we never want it to be forced or contrived-everyone should have the freedom to be themselves.

How do I join a Home Group?

We have a sign-up when we launch the groups in September; however you can join a group at any time, just by calling the group leader and showing up. You do not have to make a commitment to be there every week.