HOME FELLOWSHIP COMMUNITIES (HFC)

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer·Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42, 46-47

The Longing for Community

Within the human heart, there is a longing for relationship. Paradoxically, however, we both desire and fear being known. At East Cobb Presbyterian Church, we believe that genuine Christian community offers a context for people to find both the safety and the support of sharing in the lives of others.

What is Christian Community?

•	A community that applies the Gospel to our lives We need others to help us apply the truth about the Gospel to our daily lives. The implications of our life with Christ are broad, so broad that we rarely understand them by ourselves. As we remind one another about grace, we help each other open our lives to transformation according to God's purposes.
•	A community that cares for each other We are told in Scripture to: encourage, serve, rejoice, weep with, correct, instruct, sing to, build up, accept and love one another. These commands are best followed in personal relationships.
•	A community where gifts are exercised Christian community offers a place where spiritual gifts, including a vision for ministry and service, are discovered and developed. Christians are encouraged not to merely consume, but rather to invest themselves in relationships with others, supporting each other in Christ.
•	A community that witnesses to the Gospel Christian community is a place where non-believers can discover who Jesus is in an environment of nurture and love. Christianity is seen as not merely doctrine, but a life-changing encounter with our risen Lord.

What are Home Fellowship Communities?

Home Fellowship Communities provide a context where the above dynamics of Christian community can take place. They are small groups of six to twenty people meeting in homes and apartments once a week throughout the city. They are a place where individual members can minister to one another, use their spiritual gifts, and be discipled in the teachings of Christ.

What happens in a group meeting?

Home Fellowship Community groups have a rich and broad agenda that includes:

•	Worship As the group gathers, we warm our hearts toward God and each other by reestablishing our relationships. Worship connects our hearts to God and to one another.
•	Bible Study The group listens to God's word and applies the Gospel to everyday life. The goal is not mere knowledge of Scripture, but a yielding to its transforming power.
•	Sharing/Fellowship To fellowship with one another means we share what we are learning about God and how He is working in our lives. It also means genuine concern for each other's well being. This involves bearing one another's emotional and physical burdens along with holding each other accountable for spiritual growth.
•	Kingdom-Centered Prayer Prayer is the means that God uses to change us, and the world. It is not mystical escape, but active engagement. Groups pray for one another and for God's kingdom advancement.
•	Mission An outward mission to reach others is an overflow of the Gospel. Groups serve the world by sharing the Good News of Christ in word and deed.

How Can I Get Involved?

Please contact the church if you are interested in joining a Home Fellowship Community. One of our staff members can put you in contact with a group that best fits your particular season of life and/or geographical location.

The latest information regarding current HFC meetings may be available on the What's New webpage, or by calling the church office: 770/973-4114.