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3C. Worship Services
Since the prime function of a Household of Faith is to educate others in the meaning of evangelism, the Household will probably contain a number of people who are unfamiliar with a traditional church service. They may feel embarrassed by unrehearsed prayer or even singing.
Consequently, it may be necessary to introduce them gradually to some aspects of worship which the church as the body of Christ take for granted. The Leader of a Household of Faith needs to be sensitive to this situation.
Running Households of Faith
The initial gathering should be simple and relatively free of traditional forms of worship. A possible format is suggested below. This can be modified as the group grows spiritually and discovers the amazing grace of a personal Jesus.
Prayer Time
Initially, prayer I could be a simple personal prayer or a set prayer (See Evangelism Resources Step Five) given by the Leader. Over time, as the group becomes more comfortable with the whole idea of praying aloud, different people could be invited to say the opening prayer. The invitation to do so could be extended at a previous gathering and a volunteer recruited then.
In this way, no one would feel threatened. It is also important that no one should feel they have to do it, even if everyone else has had a turn. The Holy Spirit will give them the nudge and the courage to pray aloud and this will be done according to God's schedule, not ours.
Sharing Time
From the very beginning, some time should be devoted to learning about the church as the body of Christ. At each meeting, the Household Leader will break up those present into three small groups of three or four persons for the sharing time and move whatever chairs are necessary to sit close enough to hear one another's contribution. It is better if husbands and wives go into different groups.
In early meetings, the sharing will probably be the basics - where do you live and what do you do for a living, and what happened on the job this past week. Go around the group, each person may or may not contribute as they wish. Hopefully, as the group matures over the months, the sharing will become deeper and more intimate.
Guiding Questions
may include.....
1. "In the past week, what have been some of the good things and what have been some of the challenges in your life? Have you encountered people who are sick, lonely or distressed?" (Make them part of your prayer time later.)
2. "Were you in a position to reach out and help someone else this week? Were you on the receiving end of support from others?" (consider home, church, work and neighbourhood)
3. "How have you seen God at work in and through you and others this week?"
4. "Have you been puzzled by anything or wanted to question anything in your life this week"
5."Have you found any books, videos, music, television programs, web sites or other activities that helped you grow in your faith this week?"
At the end of the Sharing Time, the small groups may pray for particular needs for those who are sick and make simple thanksgivings as appropriate. The Lord's Prayer and Grace would then be said together.
"You are fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household."
