Home Groups at St Stephen's

As part of our purpose and vision, St Stephen's PCC is committed to providing a variety of opportunities for people to engage in meaningful fellowship and to grow in whole-life discipleship. The home groups are one such opportunity.

Here is some information about our home groups, to explain how the groups work, what they aim to achieve and what commitment is expected from everybody involved.

Each home group will aim to:

1 Enrich the person's spirituality and relationship with the Lord through active engagement in worship, prayer and Bible study
(Colossians 3 v12-17; Philippians 4 v6-7; 2 Timothy v14-17; Ephesians 3 v14-21)

2 Produce a small community of trust and safety in which each person is able to communicate openly and honestly, and where appropriate, with vulnerability
(Luke 24 v13-32)

3 Provide a learning context, characterised by questioning and searching, in which each person will grow into discipleship - in their ability to apply their Christian faith to every aspect of their daily life
(Mark 4 v10-11; Luke 11 v1; John 14 v5-7; Romans 12 v1)

4 Grow in confidence in the truth and relevance of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to enthuse each person to actively seek opportunities to share their faith and engage with the mission of God's kingdom
(Mark 4 v10-11; Luke 11 v1; John 14 v5-7; Romans 12 v1)

5 Engage with mission as a group seeking ways to open doors to those who are not Christians
(Acts 2 v43-47; 1 Corinthians 9 v22-23)

The PCC's Commitment
The PCC commits itself to provide leadership, management, training, resources and support for each home group

Host's Commitment
The hosts commit to open their home at the specified time, to make everyone welcome and, along with others, provide some simple refreshment.

Co-ordinator's Commitment
The Co-ordinator will commit to communicate with each group member, informing them of the programme, activities and any changes

Your Commitment
We encourage you to commit yourself in the following ways:
• make your home group a priority in your diary, attend as frequently as possible and arrive punctually;
• inform the group co-ordinator if you cannot attend
• support, encourage and value the hosts, co-ordinator, session leaders and each member of the group;
• show compassion, care and generosity to each other;
• seek to trust the group and share openly, honestly and when appropriate, with vulnerability;
• be open to God, study his word, talk to him in prayer, and be transformed by the Holy Spirit;
• work together to share the good news of Jesus with other people