The Purpose of the Church

Our primary purpose as God's people and as a church is to worship and honor God in all that we are and In everything we do.  (Mark 12:30)

Our secondary purpose as God's people and as a church is to love others and to help each other develop an intimate and personal relationship with God.    (Mark 12:31)


The Backbone of the Church

Our Culture tends to value and encourage self-reliance and independence.  Going it alone is often considered a sign of personal strength.   In contrast however, according to the Bible, God designed us to live in a different manner.   We were created to be in relationship with each other to such an extent that we are called family!

Over 50 times in the New Testament, the words "one another" are used to in reference to Christians and the way we are to interact.   We are to love one another, encourage one another, serve one another, rebuke one another, restore one another, prefer one another, be devoted to one another, etc.   That kind of one anothering just cannot be done in isolation.    It must be done in community.    And that is one of the primary purposes of our Home Groups.

Acts 2:46 provides a model of church life that we in the Raleigh Vineyard want to follow.   It describes how the first Christians spent much time together worshipping in the temple, learning important truths from the Apostle's teaching, sharing resources with all who were in need, and enjoying one another's company during meals in each other's houses.

The early followers of Jesus understood the need to gather as a church in small groups for support, encouragement, and training for ministry.   These small groups, meeting in homes, offered a place to form genuine relationships and they provided easy entry places for new believers.    They also provided a non-threatening, comfortable place for those who were seeking to know more about Jesus and His church.

What Are Home Groups?

A Home Group is a small group of  8-12  people that meets on a weekly in a Church member's  home.   Our Home Groups are modeled after the Biblical pattern of small groups found in
Acts 2:42-47.

There are five primary things that take place in our Home Groups:
*    Worship    *    Biblical Discussion and Study    *    Prayer
*    Relationship Building    *    Service

     Home Groups are led by a Home group leader who functions in a  pastoral  role.   Since no pastor can care for the needs of every person in the church, these leaders work with the Pastor of the Raleigh Vineyard to make sure people's needs are addressed.   Ideally, each Home Group has an apprentice leader who is in the process of being trained to lead a future Home Group.   We believe healthy Home Groups will reproduce themselves every eight to twelve months.

     People come to church for many reasons, but many people stay because of their need for relationships.   Home Groups are the main vehicle to build relationships at our church.   In our day of broken homes and broken families, Home Groups provide a stable family environment that all of us so desperately need.   The need for love, intimacy and accountability can be met in this weekly, Small Group environment.

The Purpose of Small Groups

1. To Grow in Relationship With God:   Small Groups provide an effective place to learn about Who God is and how to grow in our relationship with Him.   Seeking Jesus in a Small Group also gives us the opportunity to learn from others and how they have learned to relate to Him. 
   
   
2. To Grow in Our Relationship With Others:.   It is often very difficult in our society to develop trust with other people.   Vulnerability is often met with hurt and betrayal. Small Groups offer a safe opportunity to form loving, strong, lasting friendships.   These groups help us open our hearts to one another, begin to share honestly with one another, love one another, encourage one another, and learn to trust once more.
   
   
3. To Equip and Train For Ministry:   We believe that every Christian is called as a minister of Jesus Christ and is given the privilege and responsibility to minister in the gifts of the Holy Spirit (lst Corinthians 12).   We have found that good teaching and modeling on the development and use spiritual gifts in a small group provides an atmosphere where people can take risks and even fail without feeling embarrassed or terribly discouraged.   One of the sayings we use a lot here in the Vineyard is:   No Guilt No Glory!   What we mean by that phrase is there is no guilt associated with stepping out in obedience to God - even if we stumble.   We're just trying to be faithful and obedient.     And there is no glory if we step out and God does great things through us!    All the glory and credit belong to Him!
   
   
4. To Provide Adequate Pastoral Care:     Whether a church is 50 people or 5,000 people, Small Groups are the ideal environment for personal pastoral care. Small Groups are a place where we can know others and be known.    I Peter 5 encourages leaders "to care for the flock of God that is in their charge".    The Small Group is where that is best done through prayer, Biblical teaching, fellowship, and counsel.