Thursday, February 23, 2012

Home Groups (Lighthouses)

Welcome to our Home Group (Lighthouse) page.

 

What is a Home Group (Lighthouse)?

Home Groups (Lighthouses) are groups of people meeting in homes weekly and bi-weekly throughout Hayward and the surrounding area for a combination of fellowship, prayer, Bible study, and discipleship.  Home Groups (Lighthouses) are a place to experience true community and share life together with other believers.  Home Groups (Lighthouses) are a way to get connected and begin to feel like a part of the Community Church of Hayward family.  We have Home Groups (Lighthouses) meeting throughout the Hayward area several night of the week.  One of them is waiting for you!
 


What does the Bible have to say about the concept of Home Groups (Lighthouses)?

"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals including the Lord's Supper, and to prayer.  A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.  And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.  They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.  They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people.  And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved" (Acts 2:42-47).

It's our human nature to have the desire for fellowship.  “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for man to be alone’” (Genesis 2:18).  Each of us has deep within our hearts the need to love and be loved.  We all long for a relationship in which we can share this need.  The truest expression of love is serving others, and Jesus showed us the perfect example of this type of love.  "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).
 


Why do I need a Home Group (Lighthouse)?

Home Groups (Lighthouses) are a place where the Love of Jesus is shared with others.  Relationships are built, trust is developed, and life is shared together.  We learn to serve one another, just as Jesus served us. Jesus wants us to experience His Love.  When we experience something, it becomes real to us.  We "own" it, so to speak.  For example, if we’ve never eaten chocolate, someone else can describe it to us.  They can tell us all about the taste and texture, but until we take a bite of it, it won't really mean anything.

Just like everything else in life, trying something new can be somewhat scary and intimidating.  If you have never participated in a Home Group (Lighthouse), we invite you to submit the attached Home Group (Lighthouse) referral form.  One of our Home Group (Lighthouse) coordinators will contact you and help you find the group that will fit you best.  Come and experience the Love of Jesus by sharing life together in a Home Group (Lighthouse)!

 

What if I want to lead a Home Group (Lighthouse)?

One of the best ways to grow in your walk with Jesus is to begin leading a Home Group (Lighthouse).  You don't have to be a Bible scholar and you don't have to have all the answers.  All that is required is that you are a member of Community Church of Hayward, that you agree to support our mission and vision for the community, and that you have a heart to open your home to others.  Beyond that, we will give you all the tools and support you will need to have an incredible experience of sharing Jesus' Love with others.  If you'd like more information on becoming a Home Group (Lighthouse) Leader, simply submit the attached Leader form, and we will contact you for more information.  Thank you for considering becoming a leader in our Home Group (Lighthouse) Ministry!

The best way to connect into community at Community Church of Hayward is through a Home Group (Lighthouse).  Let us know how we can best serve you.

* Required Fields