2. The early church had large meetings as well
as smaller gathering in homes
Most of their church meetings were believers
meetings
1Co 14:24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or
outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to
account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and
so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that
God is really among you.
3. While non-believers were sometimes present,
they were not the main focus of the church
meetings.
Church meetings were solely for mutual
edification
Heb.10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one
1Co 14:26 What then, brothers? When you come
another toeach and good works, not neglecting to meet a
together, love one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation,
together,or an interpretation. Let all things be doneone
tongue, as is the habit of some, but encouraging for
another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
building up
4. Every member employed his giftings & chose to
be a blessing to all.
It was not a free-for-all meeting. It was guided
by seasoned mature believers.
1Co 14:27-28 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only
two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone
interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them
keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
Our desire for congregational participation must
not override the apostolic patterns &
procedures within the House
5. NT church meetings were divided into 2
categories.
These names are chosen to identify the purposes they
are designed to fulfil.
6.
7. Celebration Sunday is an important time for
God encounter
We desire to be changed by His presence
We desire to be changed into His likeness
8. Celebration Sundays are for family
interactions.
Each family member gets to participate &
relate to the larger family
It allows us to know the different types of
members in our family
We benefit from every joint which supplies
9. Celebration Sunday is an important gathering to
hear the prophetic Word of the Lord
Rev. 2 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to
the churches…
The prophetic word is the word that is proceeding
from the mouth of God for this hour. We need to
know what God is saying
11. Celebration Sundays are important times to
activate the grace of God that is upon the lives of
believers
What God has begun in them must be stirred up
until He brings it to completion
The times during Sunday Celebration must be
accompanied by the gifts of the Spirit to enhance
God-life within the believers
12. These corporate gatherings must be times of
Holy Spirit intensity.
People who come into our meetings must meet
the supernatural power of God so that their
faith will rest on God & not man
Acts 2:43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many
wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles
13.
14. At Home Support Group we have proximity with
members to give them personal attention
Close proximity allows meaningful relationships to
be built. People stay in church because of close
friendships
People should feel a sense of belonging and being
special
This is the best place to disciple and provide
pastoral care
15. The home group becomes the ideal place to
bring new people to.
Here relationship barriers are broken down as
we play host to our guests
It is a non-threatening environment
It the best place for the good news to be
shared
16. Sometimes people feel left out in the larger
Sunday Celebration. Home groups can bridge
this gap
Little foxes do not have to spoil the vine.
Misunderstandings, confusions, and concerns
can be easily resolved in home groups.
Unity & togetherness is established &
maintained to pursue corporate purpose
17. Home groups give us very close contact with
our neighbours
People believe the truth about the church
when they see the life of the people
When home groups see themselves as the
hands & feet of the church, whole communities
can be affected
Home groups must begin to reach out and
care for every home in the neighbourhood
