Running a Home Group in Lockdown

It’s been amazing to see the flurry of online activity as churches have moved their Sunday services online. Home groups have not been left far behind with many continuing to meet virtually all across the UK. This is wonderful news. Home groups are so well placed to provide community in a time of isolation, support in a time of unforeseen difficulty and discipleship through a time of challenge. These words in the letter to the Hebrews feel particularly appropriate: ‘…let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…’ (Heb 10:24-25).  

A moment for reflection

Whilst it’s wonderful that many home groups have provided a place of continuity and consistency in a moment of change, it would be remiss not to take a moment to reflect on the way that lockdown might affect how we should run our home groups.  

For many people, lockdown has made life fuller than ever before. These are the remote-working, homeschoolers and the frontline workers. It may be that what is needed is not content but a space just to breathe, share and pray. Check out this simple resource from Cell UK, outlining the basic structure for a short, reflective meeting. 

For many others, lockdown has made life slower than ever before. These are those without children to look after, with a reduced social life, those on furlough, and many who are older. Far from needing a time to stop and reflect, this might be the moment to go deeper and further than ever before. There are loads of great resources on this website designed to help your group do just that.  

A key question

Whether your home group is currently meeting or not, whether you are part of a home group or not, reflect on the needs of your Christian community. How you can be encouraging one another and spurring one another on to love and good deeds?