Small Group Ministries aka, HOME Groups
(Hospitality, Ownership, Maturity, Encouragement/Evangelism)
“During the time of my father’s death, two small groups became Jesus to me.”
What is a HOME Group?
HOME Groups are Christian communities (6 to 12 people) meeting in homes and restaurants throughout the Broadneck peninsula during the week.
How do HOME Groups fit into BEP as a whole?
HOME Groups are the primary place for pastoral care at BEP. We want HOME Groups to be the central ministry of our congregation. We don’t just want “to have” small groups, we want our church to “be” small groups. They are also on the front lines of enfolding new people and mercy ministry. Our HOME Groups are missional communities that don’t only exist for themselves but also for others. They are the “central nervous system” of our church and the main place to experience authentic face-to-face community at BEP.
What is the purpose of HOME Groups?
A place to meet with and experience Jesus Christ
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A place for fellowship and friendship
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A place where gifts and talents are exercised
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A place to explore Christianity
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A place for outreach and mercy
What are the distinctives of BEP HOME Groups?
They are balanced between the elements of fellowship, worship, Bible study, sharing, prayer, and outreach.
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They are as diverse as they are similar. Some are intergenerational; some are homogenous (e.g., couples with children, men, women, college-age, or youth, etc.); and some are concentrated on particular needs (e.g., addiction support group, single’s group).
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They are led by skilled and caring leaders who are in return supported by our elders.
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They meet at least two times a month for the ministry year (September-June).
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They maintain an outward face through appointed times of mercy and outreach.
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They are committed to expanding the kingdom of God by developing new leaders through apprenticeship and through planting new groups.
What level of commitment do HOME Groups require?
A commitment to regular face-to-face relationships. To have the quality of community life which God expects from the church requires face to face relationships—people who know each other lives, who regularly spend time together, and who are committed to providing ongoing care for each other.
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A commitment to pray for one another, the church, and the community at large.
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A commitment to encourage one another. The Bible expects believers to do the work of the ministry by exercising their spiritual gifts. The first question that should be asked is not what is the group giving to me but “what am I giving to this group”?
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A commitment to outreach and mercy. We want to be a church for the Broadneck peninsula. This requires a commitment on the part of the HOME group members to do the works of mercy and outreach in their neighborhoods and among their friends.
How do I join a HOME Group?
By invitation: most groups are open groups and you will be invited by someone who attends the group.
By visitation: visit different groups and see which one best fits your needs.
By inquiry: contact the office by either calling at 410-626-8122 asking for Connie or email Connie @
connie@broadneckep.org.
“It wasn’t until I was invited to attend a small group that I really started to form bonds that will last the rest of my life.”
