Why are House Groups important?

Jesus chose a small group at the beginning of his ministry and devoted himself to these few people teaching them to love one another and, through that love, to introduce others to the Kingdom of God. Jesus invested in this small group, building a strong foundation which continues to change the world.

House Groups at St Paul’s Crofton

At St Paul's we have several different house groups of around 12 members. Some groups meet weekly, others fortnightly, some meet in the evening and others during the day. Each group is unique. Like Jesus and his first house group we share life together, love one another and introduce others to the Kingdom of God. Each group is free to follow their own agenda although at certain times in the year we come together and share the same teaching - for example during Lent. House group leaders meet together regularly to share resources and to support one another. At present we are encouraging our house groups to follow the material from the evening services on Identity, Intimacy and Impact.

Our VISION for house groups at St Paul’s

House groups are safe places of community where life can be shared, intimacy with Jesus be prioritised and where the Holy Spirit can move, empowering us to fulfil the great commission together with Him.

There are three strands to how we see house groups function as we move forward in the next phase of our journey together. Ecclesiastes 4:12. Though one person may be overpowered by another, two people can resist one opponent. A triple-stranded rope is not easily broken.

Strand 1 - Community

Latin – to give among each other.  A group of people who welcome and honour my gifts and from whom I can reasonably expect to receive gifts in return. The nature of the GODHEAD. The example of the Patriarchs. The reality for the disciples & women. The example of the New Testament church. The longing of our hearts which we believe to have been placed there by GOD. “No man is an Island” And “It takes a village to raise a child”. Where there is unity the blessings of GOD flow (Psalm 133, Col 3:14, John 17:23, Eph 1:10, 1 Peter 3:8)

Strand 2 – Growth

Quantitative and Qualitative. In depth of relationships. In discipleship, Milk to Meat – Maturity 5 fold ministry in operation. Influence “enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back” Isaiah 54:2

Strand 3 – Mobilisation

Get out of the building - Ezekiel 47:10. The Great Commission - Matthew 28:18-20 “He has shown you oh mortal man, what is good.  And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your GOD. Micah 6:8

Our aim is that those who see themselves as part of the family at St Paul’s will gather regularly in small groups where they will grow to know each other and Jesus better, and so be equipped and mobilised to serve the community and bring HIS kingdom. If you consider yourself part of our family at St Paul's and you are not involved in a small group yet, why not contact us to discuss how we can best help you to get involved.

If you would be interested in joining one of our house groups, please contact me at the email address below and we can discuss the best group for you. We look forward to welcoming you to a small group soon.

Anthea Abayomi-Cole
House Group Co-ordinator
housegroups@stpaulscrofton.org.uk