In my home church, am actively involved in ushering ministry and from this department, we have small home fellowships. We meet regularly to study God’s word and flow with the vision of our church.We have such a huge congregation in my home church and one can easily get lost in the crowd, if he/she is not actively involved in a department.God never intended Christianity to be a ‘me’ ‘my Bible’ and ‘my God’ lifestyle. The Bible teaches that we also need each other for many reasons.1 Corinthians 12:12-17.For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?
Small home fellowships help us, to make great connections we need with fellow believers and have a tremendous impact on those who participate. We fan our God given gifts in one another into flames, so others might receive their light and warmth. Just like hot coals in a chimney keep the house warm, the same applies when we gather together fueled by God’s agenda.
When we embark on having such fellowships,our focus should be majored on knowing God and having fellowship with other believers.On this post i will major on the benefits and don’ts in Home fellowships.It’s my desire you will learn something helpful.
Benefits of Home Fellowships:-
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People are more likely to participate in discussions than in a large class. This provides an opportunity to talk and no room to hide.
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Most people think there is something uniquely wrong with them but when they hear, that other people have similar struggles they feel relieved and encouraged.
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God does not expect Pastors and teachers to do all the ministering .He has given each of us gifts and talents to encourage, teach and challenge one another. This is always a perfect setting for Christians to minister to one another. Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
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We strengthen each other’s faith .Romans 1:12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
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Regardless of a group format, after a while, people are likely to share personal insights and testimonies. When people share, other group members see new ways they can draw closer to God and new steps they can take with others. Changing is hard but there is nothing like a word of encouragement when someone feels hopeless or discouraged.2 Corinthians 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
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They hold each other accountable.
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Members pray for one another:-God honors and answers prayer. When people become connected they are more open to praying for one another. Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
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People are more likely to apply what they learn.
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They help each other in hard times. People often feel isolated alone or abandoned when facing financial, emotional or health problems.
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When people get together close relationships form .
Don’ts in Home fellowships
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Don’t deviate your focus from God let Him be your priority.
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Don’t allow gossips while you meet in the name of praying for those who are going through hard times.
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Don’t discourage discussions.
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Don’t stay with information & content alone, share it out
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Don’t allow criticism among yourselves.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron,So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron,So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
