Fresh Ideas for Discipleship & Nurture

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

Any church that's ever tried to start home fellowship groups has found that while some members are eager, others conveniently ignore the groups. Sharing with a few fellow Christians can be more threatening than it sounds.

When The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California, launched groups back in 1977, they made them supremely obvious: they canceled two Sunday morning services in deference to the home meetings. Once in August and again in September, there was no worship in the sanctuary—"your only option was to go to your home group," says Dennis Corrigan, director of discipleship and small-group ministry.

"Then at the beginning of 1978, we asked one-fourth of our groups to meet on each Sunday morning of the month. The congregation was growing dramatically at that point, and this had the pleasant byproduct of relieving our space squeeze by one-fourth. But that was not the main point: what we wanted was to impress people with the importance of house-to-house fellowship."

Now that a larger building has been completed, yet another schedule has been instituted. The first Sunday night of each month is "Rainbow Night"—the normal evening service is canceled, and groups meet in homes. Groups also meet later in the month for a social occasion on whatever date they choose.

"We do, however, hold a small first-Sunday-night service at the church for dropins," Corrigan adds. "In fact, that has turned out to be a fairly effective evangelistic opportunity. Those who show up not knowing it's our small-group night are often the ones seeking spiritual help."

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.