FAQs about Living Room Gatherings
What are Living Room Gatherings?
Living Room Gatherings are opportunities for people to relationally connect with others while digging deeper into the Scriptures to learn how to better follow Jesus. Living Room Gatherings are small groups of people who gather to grow in faith. It is sometimes difficult to connect with people relationally when the entire church gathers for worship and celebration. Living Room Gatherings provides a place for people to connect with one another, support and encourage each other, and participate in a small community. We believe that as churches grow, the need to go small is critical. In many ways, church is very much about relationship – relationship with God and with others in God’s family. At King Street Church, we believe that Living Room Gatherings are not a church growth trend, but a New Testament principle as the early church went ‘house to house’ as part of their experience of church-life (Acts 2).
When do they meet?
Living Room Gatherings will meet Sunday evenings in 8 week semesters. Over time, groups may find that another night of the week works better for them to meet. We want these groups to develop a life of their own that serves the needs of the small group. Our first 8 week semester will encourage groups to meet on Sunday nights and as groups grow, they will be empowered to be flexible with their meeting date and time.
Will I have to stay with the same group forever?
We have set up Living Room Gatherings to meet for 8 week semesters. If you find that you didn’t connect with the first group or just felt like trying another; people will be encouraged to find a group that provides greater affinity. We felt it was important to provide easy entrance and exit points throughout the year, so that people could find a meaningful experience of community-life. Each group will develop a culture of their own and feeling at home is the goal of each Living Room Gathering participant. Our hope is that friendships will be forged and a natural sense of belonging will develop. Doing life together is the goal of our Living Room Gatherings.
If I don't like it, how do I get out?
If your group doesn’t seem to be a good fit for you than feel free to try a new group at the end of an 8 week semester. These groups will have a built-in expectation that people will be coming and going until a natural ‘fit’ is experienced by those who choose to stay.
When do they start?
The first Living Room Gathering will happen Sunday September 27th and go through to Sunday November 29th
What material do they study?
The material for Living Room Gatherings will be a follow-up from the Sunday Morning Worship Gathering. The Living Room Gathering will give opportunity for groups to dig deeper and to ‘work-through’ the mornings’ teaching by discussing, reflecting, and applying the Biblical truths that were addressing. Often times you may have questions or life experience that could add to the Sunday Morning teaching. Participating in a Living Room Gathering is a great way to share your insights or questions and help others take next steps in their spiritual journey. We believe that a spiritual community is indwelled by the Holy Spirit and that many people have abilities to share truth that helps people. A mature community is a community of learners and teachers. God has given gifts to his Body and experiences that add value to people’s lives. This interactive dialogue will help us move to both give and receive. How do I become a leader? If you are interested in leadership opportunities you can contact Pastor Dave (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) or Pastor Josh (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).
What about my kids?
We encourage groups to share the responsibility of taking care of children on a Living Room Gathering night. The responsibilities could be shared by having each parent take a turn looking after children or having one of the more mature children watching over the others while parents have their small group. There are also approved ‘care-givers’ that can be hired for the evening to help serve in the Living Room Gathering host home. The church will help with the cost of this service and group members can engage in the Gathering more freely.
How do I sign up?
There is information available at the Living Room Gathering’s Kiosk in the Lobby at King Street Church where you are able to sign up to be a part of a Living Room Gathering. There will be more information available in September 2009. You may also be personally invited by one of our 20 small group leaders.
Why should I become part of a group?
A huge part of following Jesus is having people in your life to journey with you. It’s difficult to mature in your relationship with God without having people around you to encourage and support you. Living Room Gatherings allows you to experience the relational component at King Street Church and will help develop important relationships that will see you excel and grow in your spiritual journey.
How big are the groups?
A group varies in size but will be approximately 8-12 people.
How are the groups formed?
There are multiple ways for groups to be formed.
- Over the next couple months, you may be approached by a small group leader who may invite you to their group. If you are approached by a small group leader to be a part of their small group, please consider joining them.
- If you visit the Living Room Gathering Kiosk, you will be able to sign-up to be a part of one of the several small groups that we will launch with in late September.
- On September 20th, you are invited to join us at Table Talk for an informative night that will help you become more aware of the vision of Living Room Gatherings, connect with others who a planning on participating in Living Room Gatherings, and sign up for groups
How long does a typical Living Room Gathering last?
A typical Living Room Gathering will last approximately 1.5 - 2 hours.
What if I'm quiet and don't like to talk in groups?
Living Room Gatherings are for everyone. Whether you are quiet or talkative, shy or outgoing, a Living Room Gathering provides a place for you to relationally connect, be encouraged, and be challenged to continuing journeying towards becoming more like Jesus. Hope to see you at a Living Room Gathering very soon …
