There is a nationwide initiative across Church denominations to see local churches engaging with their communities in a year of mission under the banner of ‘Hope 08’ (www.hope08.com). Borne out of a vision given to The Message, Soul Survivor, and Youth For Christ, the aim is bring the hope of Jesus into our villages, towns and cities through many and various ways.
I believe the house groups are the way the church at Waltham Chase is to be mobilised for mission as the Lord leads us out into the village with His Good News in 2008. House groups are the living cells for church health and growth : Modelling ‘little churches’ as with the example of the early church in Act 2:42-47 with teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, prayer and praise being essential features. Seeing signs and wonders, meeting people’s needs, people around were saved. I would like each house group to operate in their own way matching their particular composition and location. Each individual can be part of ‘the Lord’s Neighbourhood Watch’ in looking out for their neighbour and looking after them. Of course this is all theory and depends on time available balanced against family, work and church commitments, but we are embarking on a journey of creative mission for 2008 led by the Spirit.
Each house group leader has a resources book to prepare and plan for local initiatives led by the Spirit as the group pray to play their part. The study ‘The Heart of Connecting’ which house groups have just commenced is a means to an end : outworking the love of God in practical and demonstrable ways.
