HC Leader's Manual

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House Church Format

Our format is based on Ralph Neighbor, a Southern Baptist minister and a key figure in the Cell Church movement. We follow a simple structure called the Four W’s:

  1. Welcome
  2. Worship
  3. Word
  4. Work

Welcome

The Welcome includes a shared meal and an icebreaker. Some groups combine the two during the meal. Here’s what to know:

  • Meals should rotate so everyone has a chance to serve.
  • The host provides plates, utensils, and napkins.
  • A group member handles the meal and drinks.
  • Everyone helps with cleanup.

For the icebreaker:

  • Use the suggested question from the discussion sheet.
  • Make new members feel comfortable.
  • Don’t force anyone to answer, but give everyone a chance to share.

Worship

Worship aims to connect with God’s heart and lead into prayer and ministry:

  • Sing 2-3 songs.
  • Appoint a worship leader to choose the songs. If none is available, sing acapella or use Spotify/YouTube.
  • Be open to hearing from God during worship.
  • Allow time for prophetic words or guidance, either during worship or the Work time.
  • Be led by the Holy Spirit and create a welcoming atmosphere for His gifts.

Word

The discussion is based on the sermon. The goal is to dig deeper into the message and what God is saying through it.

Guidelines:

  • While listening to the message, think of questions and email them to the speaker before Monday noon.
  • Sermon notes will be sent to leaders before Sunday; a discussion sheet will be provided by Tuesday.
  • Transition smoothly from worship to discussion.
  • Facilitate the discussion, don’t teach. Let the group speak and participate.
  • A good leader speaks less than 25% of the time.
  • Ask a group member to summarize the sermon for those who missed it.

Benefits of discussion:

  • Encourages action and application of Scripture.
  • Develops boldness in sharing faith.
  • Promotes openness and spiritual growth.
  • Provides clarity, new insights, and builds self-esteem.

Keys to effective discussion:

  1. ACTS Principle:
    1. Acknowledge everyone who speaks.
    2. Clarify what is being said.
    3. Take it to the group—don’t answer everything yourself.
    4. Summarize the discussion.
  2. Use the provided questions to guide the discussion.
  3. Be a good listener.
  4. Aim for maximum participation.

If you choose to study other materials (books, Bible studies, etc.), they must be approved by your cluster leader. However, you must still spend 10-15 minutes on the sermon each week to maintain unity.

Work

This time focuses on ministry to group members and applying the message.

Leading prayer time:

  • Be a person of prayer and pray for your members regularly.
  • Spend at least 30 minutes praying with your co-leader before the meeting.
  • Model honest, authentic prayer.
  • Don’t pressure anyone to pray aloud unless they’re comfortable.
  • Keep confidentiality and respect privacy.
  • As trust grows, deeper prayers will follow.
  • Connect prayer to the message and lay hands on others as appropriate.

Leading the Work time:

  • Address any work assignments from the discussion sheet.
  • Consider other ways to put Scripture into action as a group.