Why do we have Housegroups?

One of our Church’s core values is to be a “Believers Church”. To us, believing and belonging are important. Christians who are involved and active in Housegroups are the key to realising our “Towards 2020 Vision”, and our Overall Mission to bring "Life to the Heart of 1066 Country and beyond".

In a church the size of Battle Baptist, it can be difficult to get to know people. Since New Testament times, groups meeting in homes have helped provide an atmosphere in which people can make friends and feel included.

What are Housegroups for?

Housegroups:  

• are based on the model provided by the early Church in Acts 2 verses 42 to 47

• are not autonomous and self serving; they are fellowship, prayer, teaching and worship groups within the larger body of the Church. Each group comes under the oversight of an Elder

• are encouraged to take Communion and eat together

• are encouraged to develop spiritual gifts and use them in an orderly manner

• encourage their members to love and do good works, and to keep the unity of the Holy Spirit in the bond of peace

• through their leaders, provide first line pastoral and practical care (though this can be discharged with help from the Elders, Deacons and Pastoral Care Team)

• enable relationships to be developed, between Christians and their families, and hold occasional outreach events.

Who are Housegroups for?

Church Members and other Christians who regularly attend Sunday worship meetings with Battle Baptist Church, are strongly encouraged to be a part of a local Housegroup. Those opting out of small groups are disadvantaged. They will never be able to play the full role God intended for them within the larger body of the Church.

Housegroups in 2010

There are groups with people of all ages meeting mid week at various homes in Battle, St Leonards and even in one or two local villages! They meet during the day and in the evenings on four different nights of the week. Contact the Church Office if you would like further information.