HOMEGROUPS

There are about 30 homegroups meeting regularly through the week at St Barnabas. They all differ to some extent in style, but are united by the same vision. They meet mainly in the homes of church members around Cambridge – usually on a fortnightly basis, alternating with clusters.

But why? Why should Christians want or need to get together in this way?

Belonging – The Christian faith is not simply a Sunday activity. The Bible describes the church as ‘the body of Christ' (1 Corinthians 12v27)– we are part of one another. For this to be real, it has to mean more than coming to a large gathering on Sunday. So homegroups provide a smaller, more intimate context in which to build supportive and genuine friendships.

Growing – We are also called to grow in our faith: the Bible talks of maturity as our goal (Colossians 1v28) and emphasises that this can only happen in relationship with others (Ephesians 4v11-16). And so, through home groups we can worship together, learn from each other, pray for each other and support and encourage one another (Colossians 3v15-17).

Serving – Following Christ is about self-giving (Acts 20v35). But sometimes we find it hard to know what we have to offer. Meeting with others in small groups helps us to discover our gifts and abilities and gives us confidence to begin to use them in serving others (1 Corinthians 12v7, Romans 12v4-8).

Welcoming – Christian life is also meant to be outward-looking: there is a lot in the Bible about hospitality (Romans 12v13). In a church as large as St Barnabas, it is easy to feel a bit lost. The small groups exist to welcome people and help them to become a part of the church. For this reason, many of them grow fast and are regularly multiplying.

St Barnabas Church, Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 2BD · tel: 01223 519526 · fax: 01223 576256 · e-mail:
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