3A. Study and Fellowship

What does it mean to be part of this Household? Go around the group and ask each person to introduce themselves. The Household can do this on several weeks asking a different question each time. For example, "Tell us about your family" or "Tell us about your faith journey." This includes questions for including new members when the Household multiplies after two years. Regular attendance is expected and vital to developing a sense of community. Commitment means more than just a covenant but about building in ownership of the Household itself.

Study in the Household

The Household will need to commit to the type of resources, meeting format including prayer, study, community building. This will include an estimate of the amount of time needed for each element. You need to agree about the preparation the Leader and the Household members will do outside of the meeting time.

Will you read one study book and make that the focus of the teaching during Lent, for example?
How much time will you spend in worship? Which worship option will you use and when?
It is important to decide about specific time frames for the different elements for social, study, and prayer time.

Fellowship in the Household

Include social times in your planning. Some Households can share a meal together from time to time or once a month. Refreshments should be included in every Household meeting. Child care is important. Will the Household pay for a sitter or will individuals take turns? These arrangements need to be made in advance. We want to be child friendly but we also want to stay focused on what we are about. Will the children be present for part or whole of the Household meeting? Confidentiality is also vital if honesty and frankness is to be encouraged. If a problem arises, the Leader can consult with the clergy.

The covenant should be in writing, with each person agreeing to it and having a copy to take home. It is the group's decision whether or not to sign it. Covenants should be renewed every two years when the agreed upon division and multiplication takes place. The Household should look back on its experiences to review its progress and look forward to anticipate new growth. All decisions should be made by consensus.

"You are fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household." Ephesians 2.19

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