“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4: v11-13 (NIV)
When groups get too large it is difficult to provide the same level of prayer, care, love and support for all the individual members of the group.
This is why, when a group has reached 12 members, we feel they should begin to think and pray about giving birth to a new group which will, in turn, give birth to another group.
Ideally a new leader will emerge from within a group, having been discerned by the leader, or group as a whole, as potentially gifted in leadership, who will be willing to lead a new group into growth.
If growth and multiplication of groups is part of the DNA of home groups, then leaders won’t stagnate. It also gives the opportunity for others to growth in their leadership skills and gifts.
However, there are situations where new leaders need to found and approached to see whether they are willing to lead or facilitate a new group. In this case, the Clergy and the appropriate home group leader will discuss who might be invited to consider taking this leadership role.
Appropriate home group training will be offered to those taking on a new home group when they multiply, or when new groups emerge from Alpha. It is also hoped that learning and equipping will start ‘at home’ in the home group, as it did for the disciples as they hung out with Jesus, watching Him, learning from Him, and being sent out by Him.