Since
the early church, Christians have gathered in small groups in
people's homes or in other locations. They met regularly for
worship, prayer, fellowship, instruction in the Scriptures and
caring for the needs of those in and outside the group. Jesus
himself lived in the context of a "small group" throughout most
of his earthly ministry.
At Maple
Ridge our house groups provide the basis for community and pastoral
care within the church. We consider them essential in the process
of maturing believers into the likeness of Jesus Christ. They
are also a primary way for us to enfold new people into the
life of the church and for seekers to learn about and experience
the reality of Christ in the life of the believer.
The
main objective for house groups is simple: to build a closer,
more intimate relationship with God and with each other and
to exhibit the fruit of these relationships in life and ministry.
This is accomplished through worship, prayer, application of
Scripture to daily living, fellowship, and accountability with
other believers and through service and outreach to non-believers.