Hakata Letter 6. The Significance of the Order of House Churuch Group Meetings

Hakata Letter 6: The Significance of the Order of House Church Group Meetings

House Church group meetings have begun in each home. There is the following order in cell group meetings. If everyone understands the meaning of this order and participates well, the benefits that can be enjoyed in the House Church group will be even greater

1. Meal Fellowship:
Jesus gave us a table with His body and blood, saying, "Take and eat together." Similarly, the Lord's church is a community around the Lord's Supper. Meal fellowship is not just about filling our hungry stomachs. It is a time to confess that we are a family (family members) who eat from the same pot in Jesus Christ. Therefore, the meal in the House Church group meeting cannot be replaced by snacks. Guests are offered refreshments, but family members eat meals together. House Church group members should appreciate the effort of the cell group leader or hostess (or the member who prepares the meal). The best reward for this effort is for everyone to gather and eat together deliciously during the House Church group meal time. Sharing a meal with fellow believers creates deep relationships.

2. Praise:
Where Christians gather to praise God together, evil spirits will depart. Praise shows that the House Church group is not just a fellowship gathering but a church. Those with musical talent or a love for praise can lead this time. Some people mention receiving a lot of grace through praise.

3. Olive Blessing (Blessing Time for Children):
After listening to the children's thanksgiving and prayer requests, the House Church group leader blesses the children. After the blessing prayer, the House Church group rules are read together, and a separate children’s House Church group time is held. When a children's House Church group leader is established, the order is also established within the children's House Church group. Snacks should be given, if possible, after the children's House Church group meeting.

4. Thanksgiving Prayer
House Church group members take turns praying a sentence or two of thanksgiving. The House Church group leader should do the final closing prayer to ensure the meeting begins and ends with gratitude.

5. Announcements and Hakata Letter (Pastor’s Column) Reading:
The House Church group is a part of Fukuoka Vision Church. By sharing church news and the pastor's Hakata letter, we feel and confess that we are united within the Fukuoka Vision Church community.

6. Sharing Prayer Answers and VIP Updates:
Share news about the VIPs (non-believers) the House Church group has been praying for, confirming that the entire church is moving together towards soul salvation.


7. Sermon Summary:
A designated Bible teacher summarizes the Sunday sermon. This allows everyone to revisit the message given to our church, check if we have lived by that message, and reflect on ourselves.

8. Life Sharing:
This is considered the highlight of the House Church group meeting. By sharing our lives in detail, we receive comfort, encouragement, and healing. Start by sharing positive Thanksgiving content. Especially when sharing how we have applied the Word, listening well and actively empathizing. This time is for sharing our lives, not for interfering or giving advice. Because personal weaknesses and faults may be exposed, Satan may attack these areas. Therefore, House Church group members should listen with a sense of communal responsibility. Also, personal information shared must be kept confidential. When the community is trustworthy, the wounds of the heart are revealed, and through mutual intercessory prayer, exposed wounds will be healed.

9. Intercessory Prayer
The House Church group leader (or hostess) compiles the prayer requests revealed during the week and during the sharing time, informs everyone, and then concludes the meeting with a group intercessory prayer. Jesus is present during House Church group meetings, and the Holy Spirit silently observes and listens to all our actions and conversations. Believing in the Holy Spirit's presence, when everyone prays earnestly together, the Holy Spirit works among us, and our prayers are answered.

10. Mission Challenge:
Share news from the missionaries, support churches, or support organizations connected with the House Church group, showing that the House Church group participates in the mission to the ends of the earth. After sharing mission news, have time for offering for the mission. Recently, there are more House Church groups directly contacting and fellowshipping with their connected missionaries.

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:13)

Pastor Kim Ju-young, desires to serve together.