Why do we have Homegroups?

As we read the New Testament, we quickly find that the first followers of Jesus not only met for public worship but also in small groups in their homes. This recognised the need we all have for: meeting together, reading the Bible, prayer, and ministering to one another as we seek to grow as followers of Jesus in our everyday lives.

What do the Homegroups do?

Homegroups lie at the heart of our life together at St Mary’s, and provide the opportunity to get to know a small group of people well beyond a superficial level that would be the case if we only met on Sundays. Belonging to a Homegroup means that, in a church like ours, there is a place where we can be known, where we can share with others and where we can encourage each other to grow in our faith. They meet regularly during the week in various homes around Andover and its surrounding villages. Through our Homegroups we aim to:

• Build community - get to know each other, have fun together and share our lives

• Study God's word - study the Bible and apply this to our everyday lives

• Pray together

• Reach out to the world around us

There is flexibility in our Homegroups, and each Homegroup tends to develop its own character. However, there are times in the year when Homegroups will follow particular courses that we feel God is directing us to study here at St. Mary’s.