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Stonegate Home Groups

WHAT IS SUCCESS FOR HOME GROUPS
A successful Home Group occurs when each of our core values is being expressed. 

First, are we growing in our love for truth?
Our Home Groups must be a place that fosters a growing love for the Scriptures, and in the end Jesus. So, we want to open up the Scriptures and read, think, and apply them to our lives. We want to challenge each other to know more, read more, and memorize more Scripture, knowing that a consistent pursuit of God is fueled by Scripture.

Second, are we growing in Christian Spirituality?
Christian spirituality describes our responses to the reality of God. It encompasses the 100’s of different responses people have. So, we ask this question in our Home Groups, “Are you developing the habits in your life that feed your desire for God?” That should include reading the Bible, but could also include a variety of things that would help you know God more from turning off the tv to spending time in nature (Ps 19).

Third, are we growing in service? 
Home Groups are encouraged toward radical acts of service. Once every 7-8 weeks, your Home Group will take a break from meeting in a home as you serve the community. We believe one of the best ways to know other people is to serve alongside them. We ask questions like: Is our Home Group finding ways to selflessly give life away to others? Are people in our Home Group being ministered to? Are we placing the needs of others above our own?

Fourth, are we growing in community?
Home Groups must always grow in Biblical community. We constantly ask questions like: Are we engaging each other with encouragement and accountability? Are we doing life together?

Fifth, are we living on mission with God?
Our Home Groups must have an outward focus. We want to constantly be including people who are far from God. We love to ask questions like: Are we consistently praying for people far from God? Are we intentionally building relationships with people far from God? Do we know our neighbors? Do we know each other’s neighbors?

WHAT TO EXPECT IN HOME GROUPS

  • A welcoming atmosphere for real people (celebrating grace and pushing for holiness)
  • A group trying to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we minister to the needs of the group
  • A family-friendly environment
  • You can expect to be pointed to Jesus
  • A typical Home Group lasts about 2 hours and has time for eating and fellowship, worship, prayer, Bible study, and gender-specific time.

WHAT NOT TO EXPECT

  • A lengthy teaching monologue or lecture by one person
  • An overly academic group of theological debaters, never addressing the real issues of the heart