1. You'll understand the Bible better.
If you have ever listened to a pastor and wanted to stop that person and say, "But what about...?" or "I don’t understand," then a group is for you! Preaching and teaching is one-way communication. You listen while the speaker speaks. It is fine for imparting knowledge but not as effective for personal application as a group. In a group setting, you can ask questions, test out ideas, and hear the perspectives others. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situations, and that happens best in groups.
2. You'll make the rubber meet the road.
Transformation is about living more than learning. The book of James repeatedly tells us that faith must be expressed by what we do. House Groups are a learning environment where application is a must. Every Scripture discussion you share together will end with two questions: “What is God telling you to work on?” and “How can we help?”
3. You'll have a natural way to share Christ with friends, relatives, and coworkers.
You probably have friends that would not be caught dead in a church. They may have a preconceived idea, a bad experience, or just downright think that church is weird. Many of those same friends however still have spiritual interests, possibly even interests in Jesus. An invitation to a casual Bible discussion makes a lot more sense for friends like this. In a House Group, people can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling "put on the spot."
4. You'll experience God’s family.
Over and over again in the New Testament the phrase "one another" is used to describe our relationship to other believers. We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another’s burdens, and build up one another. The most readily way you can obey these commands is in a House Group! We really do need each other. God never meant for you to be alone in the Christian life.
5. You'll find out where you’re needed.
God taught us through Paul that every believer is given certain talents or "gifts" to benefit others in the family of God. Unfortunately, most Christians remain as Sunday morning spectators all their lives because large group meetings are primarily "sit and listen" situations. House Groups create an environment where it is clearly seen that we need each other. As everyone puts their needs on the table, you will quickly see what you have to offer and how you can help.
6. Prayer will make more sense.
Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large church. In a House Group, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you’ll be able to pray and join in. There are many promises in the Bible related to group prayer. In praying together with a few others, we are drawn together and we find answers for the world’s problems.
7. You'll step past where you once fell short.
We all hit our road blocks along the way toward transformation in Jesus. Stuck in habits, cautious in doubts, casual in motivation – there are places where wear Jesus wants to grow us that we just haven’t won yet. House Groups will give you communal momentum. When you are in a room of people with the same values, same struggles, and same goals, you’ll find yourselves feeding off each other to go together where you couldn’t go alone.
8. You'll have support when times get tough.
House Groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You will have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and who are committed to standing with you. When someone loses a job, or a family member has an extended illness, or a mother needs a babysitter—these practical needs will naturally be taken care of through your group. Your House Group may coordinate the sharing of hot meals to be brought in when your family is in need. Many people in our church could testify that they would not have made it through a difficult time if it had not been for the support of their House Group.