Acts 2:42-47 says “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Five areas mentioned here in this passage are the basis for the Home Group ministry at Cairns Baptist Church :
- bible study ( the apostles’ teaching v 42)
- fellowship (v 42)
- communion ( breaking bread v 42)
- prayer (v 42)
- evangelism (v 47)
The aim is to see all five of these aspects operating in Home Groups.
The Home Groups are designed to ensure everyone in the church is supported and challenged to grow in a way that is not possible in Sunday services. In these smaller groups, individuals are able to put Christianity into practice among other Christians who will love them, encourage them and walk alongside each other in the good times and the difficult ones. In that way, the body of Christ at Cairns Baptist Church will continue to grow spiritually and numerically as people are built up and encouraged to share Christ with others.
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
Each Home Group has its own style: some meet around a meal; others rotate their activities weekly; one group meets once every two weeks. There are groups made up of parents with young children, late teens and early 20’s, late 20’s to early 30’s and a mixture of them all (and more).
Groups also develop different emphases: there are those who are stronger in prayer and worship, while others have a large fellowship component. Still others have a heavier emphasis on studying the Bible. Each group is also encouraged to concentrate on any of the above five areas where they are not so strong.
Home Groups also reach out to serve the larger church. A group will take responsibility for running a Newcomers’ Lunch, another will run/host courses for the church as a whole, and almost every group contributes in a practical way to the maintenance of the church.
WHO CAN JOIN A HOMEGROUP?
Home Groups are primarily for those who attend Cairns Baptist Church, but they are open to all who wish to attend. In fact, due to Cairns ‘ large transient population, often Home Groups welcome people who can only stay for a few months, and even backpackers who can only stay a night.
WHEN DO THEY MEET?
Home Groups meet at different times during the week. Most meet on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday night at various places around Cairns.
HOW DO I JOIN A HOMEGROUP?
Contact our pastors using the form below. He will talk to the necessary people and find a group that suits you.