What makes Christian Community 'Successful'?

Is it good if we can just get everyone together on the same day at the same time? Is that enough??

Are there some things that say that this homegroup was a success? When we finish a series together how will we decide if this was valuable and useful? Do we just hope that everyone 'feels good?'

The ICC staff and council met on retreat in January 2009. We decided that our two top ministry priorities would be worship and homegroups. The group felt that this was the best way to invest our resources - financial, human and otherwise. If we faithfully build worship and homegroups then ICC will flourish, grow, mature and be honouring to God.

We knew we needed some criteria to mark this. So we came up with the following definitions of 'success' for our homegroup ministry:

1. We are developing deeper relationships with a smaller group of people.
(This isn't about just getting together for a chat or to feel good. The emphasis must be on
deeper relationships; knowing one another on more significant terms.)
2. There is a further understanding of the content and application of the Scriptures used in worship.
(The Bible must be the centre of our homegroups. We believe that it is a 'win' if those who
attend know and can better apply the Scriptures.)
3. We are supporting one another through prayer.
(It is vital that each person is cared for, prayed for, encouraged and supported. Life is
tough. Homegroups ought to be a place where people's needs are brought before the
Lord.)

One of the things that excites me the most is that we do these groups for children, youth and adults. Everyone is studying the same Scripture and discussing personal application. When you are in the car driving home there are not random Bible stories or events in response to the question, 'What did you learn today?' All ages - from the very youngest to the very oldest - have spent time in significant relationships studying God's word and praying for one another to live God's word.

I think that this is worth striving toward. I believe that, while not perfect, this is a great model of 'successful' Christian community.

(NOTE: If you want to know about our definitions of success for worship as well, please send me an email!)