SUNDAY MORNING ADULT EDUCATION
January 2010
e will be discussing Law and Gospel, one of the foundations of Lutheran doctrine. The Law is not unique to the Old Testament, or the Gospel to the New Testament, but Law and Gospel are to be found in both. Our adult Bible class will be learning about Law and Gospel and distinguishing between them.
HOUSEGROUP MINISTRY
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."(Acts 2:42-47)
"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives a well, because you had become so dear to us."(1 Thessalonians 2:8)
What is a Housegroup?
Housegroup is a weekly gathering of 3-12 people who meet together for study of God's word, fellowship,
prayer and witness.
What can Housegroups do?
ousegroups provide an opportunity for personal exploration of the Christian faith. These groups serve as
a supportive environment for struggle, change and growth. Housegroups are an environment in which to discover
and develop one's spiritual gifts, as well as to develop leadership within the congregation. Above all,
Housegroups are a place for prayer and study, service and outreach.
Where do Housegroups fit into the ministry of Faith Lutheran Church?
t is our deep desire that all members of Faith would be actively involved in a Housegroup-for fellowship
and mutual care, as well as ongoing spiritual growth as followers of Jesus. We firmly believe that Housegroups
will help us develop a congregation where people really love and care for one another, and where we can learn
and grow together in faith as we follow Jesus.
"Saint Paul Preaching In Athens" by Raphael 1515
What does a Housegroup meeting look like?
typical meeting would last about an hour and a half, with the time divided between fellowship & checking in
among the members, Bible study, and prayer. Housegroups might also choose to work on a missions project together
outside of their regular meeting, or have semi-regular fellowship events with other Housegroups (such as
a "family reunion" potluck for current Housegroups which share the same "parent" groups.)
The Multiplication of Housegroups:
hen Housegroups are formed, multiplication is built into the mission of the group. Each meeting should be seen
as an opportunity to invite someone new to fill the empty chair in your circle of friends. When your group grows
to about 12 members, it should multiply (that is, the one Housegroup become two Housegroups) as soon as an
apprentice leader is ready to take responsibility for one of the groups. Spiritually healthy groups will
consistently focus on welcoming more and more people.
What is a Housegroup Leader?
ach Housegroup is led by a team, which includes an experienced, established Leader and an apprentice Leader.
The Housegroup Leaders and their apprentices will meet regularly with the Pastor and Associate Pastor for prayer,
reflection on the group process, encouragement, and leadership training. Housegroup leaders are individuals who
have a mature faith in Jesus Christ, are committed to the mission and ministry of Faith Lutheran Church, and have
a desire to be a servant leader among God's people within this community. Click here to see a Ministry Description
for a Housegroup Leader.
o learn more about Housegroups at Faith, contact the church office to be connected to a Housegroup Leader in
your area.
Information in this document has been compiled and adapted from various sources, including the "Lay Minister Training Manual" by Golden Hills Community Church (1999), "Small Group Leader's Manual" by H.N. Miller (1998,) and "Becoming Small Group Leaders" by Serendipity House Publishing (2003).
