Fruits of the vine
We are a group of six parishes (two groups of three until fairly recently) in rural Warwickshire.
The villages vary in size and character from the largest with a population of around 1,400, a shop, Post Office, pub, school and a regular bus service to the smallest being an estate village with a population of about 100. There are six church buildings with small but faithful congregations, six PCCs and one priest-in-charge with a part- time associate minister who lives outside the area. In this context, our home groups have become an essential and integral part of our church life for supporting each other, mission and growing as Christians.
The original home group evolved from an Alpha course of 12 who wanted to continue to meet together. There are now eight home groups across the parishes each with six to ten members. Each group has its own distinct character: one group for young mums meets in the morning; one for senior citizens in the afternoon; one for married couples and one definitely ladies only. One group uses meditation regularly, another does a lot of craft and artwork, and another enjoys contemporary worship songs. But they all follow the same pattern of bible study, prayer, fellowship and cake!
We have found the groups to be invaluable in building
relationships. They have become an essential support network for individuals, which has spilled over into the wider church fellowship. It’s about friends meeting in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, talking with
each other and with God. It enables us to be honest and open, having an opportunity to express sorrow and
disappointments as well as being a place where we can get excited about our faith, sharing our joys and celebrations. People are able to acknowledge negative feelings in the context of God’s faithfulness and love, and to trust one another. It is also about accountability: encouraging and challenging others in a confidential safe place. We have seen members grow in faith and commitment, forming a closer relationship with God. Prayer is a very important element for each group. There is always a time of prayer for individual needs, for the local community and for the wider world. Again, people who were not used to praying together have gained confidence to share and have learnt to be surprised by God!
It is important that the groups do not become inward looking but recognise what they have to contribute to wider society. The groups have become a platform
for mission and outreach. One group has run an Alpha course. Others have organised local social activities, pastoral visiting and community projects, such as planning a garden for a derelict piece of land.
The importance of good leadership is recognised including pastoral sensitivity. The leaders of all the different groups meet together every couple of months to share any issues, to be encouraged and to receive some training.
Home groups are one of the most important ways that individuals grow as Christians. They are a place to build close fellowship, to study the bible and to meet with God. As we learn more about God and deepen our relationship with Him, we share our Christian love with one another in practical ways, in serving others and in bringing the Good News to our community. What we take from the group helps us develop our understanding of God’s call on our life.
Gillian Roberts, Warwickshire ministry workshop Multi-church Forward dates for 2011
15-16 June and 4-5 October Offa House, Warwickshire
Email
katrinas@rase.org.uk or call 024 7685 3075
for more information and to book
www.countyway.org.uk
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rural spirituality
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