CONNECT | FELLOWSHIP + VISION + WORSHIP
We begin House Church by taking communion and sharing a meal together. This is to be a time of intentionality where we hear about how each other is doing and check in on how it’s going obeying Jesus! For a list of Scriptures to use for Communion, click here.
After dinner, circle up as one group and turn to Acts 2:42-47. Have someone read the blurb below.
We meet as a House Church because this is a main way a Kingdom community becomes more like Jesus and brings Heaven to earth. We read Acts 2:42-47 to remind ourselves what is possible as we do this week-after-week. (Read the passage and then pray for God to do this in our midst!)
*HC Pastors: Share any announcements or HC updates.
Worship and minister to each other.
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CONTENT | SCRIPTURE + DISCUSSION
Have someone read the intro below:
This week, we are focusing on 2 O’Clock and 3 O’Clock as we move through the Dream Clock towards greater understanding of one another. 2 O’Clock is about Seeing Others and will allow you to measure your level of daily interaction with individuals from different communities and groups. This will help you become more aware of the importance of connecting with people you don’t usually engage with.
3 O’Clock is about Showing Up. It will encourage you to visit spaces that will allow you to engage with another culture that offers a different experience than what you are accustomed to in your own ethnic or socio-economic background.
Have one person read the Scripture to prepare our hearts:
Scripture: Matthew 5:46-48
Get in groups of 3-4 to read the paragraphs below and discuss the questions that follow:
2 O’Clock: Seeing Others
Jesus rejected cultural expectations, not people. He intentionally engaged with people outside of his ethnic group, regardless of what was socially acceptable. As he observed the behavior of his Jewish community and others, he knew what could immediately make a difference between these divided ethnic groups. Jesus actually paid attention to how people greeted one another. He noticed how his fellow Jews tended to ignore or give little attention to those who weren’t part of their ethnic group. How often do you engage with those who are not from your “us” world? Have you considered how you can be intentional about building relationships with those around you who are not like you?
- How does lack of interaction between communities make it harder to move towards John 17 unity?
- Where do you currently have opportunities to interact with people who are from a different race or class? How deep are your relationships there?
3 O’Clock: Showing Up
To further prepare the disciples to carry his message to the world, Jesus led his disciples into spaces with those outside their palace community. Though the cultural expectation was for Jews to avoid Samaritan towns and villages, Jesus purposefully led them through Samaritan spaces. This helped his disciples relate to others and helped expose some of the disciples’ wrong attitudes. Showing up is about intentionally putting yourself in unfamiliar spaces.
Be prepared for questions about your intentions in new places. Understand that past experiences may affect others’ trust. Don’t take skepticism personally, but stay committed to learning, loving others and building trust.
- What is your palace route? The places you go on a daily and weekly basis where there is mainly your “us” group present.
- How often do you frequent spaces that allow you to expereince other ehtnic groups and cultures?
- How can you adjust where you go to give more opportunities to build meaningful relationships with “them”?
Share an I Will statement with your group.
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COMMIT | DELEGATE + PRAY
Delegate for the next House Church.
Who will cook dinner? Facilitate communion? Facilitate worship? Take the group through the guide?
Have someone pray to send us out in the power of the Holy Spirit.