The "home church" model of ministry is one that some visionaries of church growth believe to be an important model for the body of Christ in the next century. It may not be the model for everyone, but it is a concept that is scriptural and Biblically-inspired.

At Trinity Christian Fellowship, we have embraced the concept of our congregation being a network of home church fellowships, which we interchangeably refer to as L.I.F.E. Groups. The word 'church' gets throw around a lot, and means different things to different people. Therefore we are fond of the title 'L.I.F.E. Groups', but our groups are much more than just a prayer meeting or bible study. To us, the essence of church life is the body of Christ glorifying God and edifying each other. That is our desire, to have a meeting where the body can minister to each other and continue to study the Word of God and experience the transforming love and grace of our Lord and Savior. L.I.F.E. is an acronym for Loving Individuals through Fellowship and Evangelism.

The home-based approach is a shift in the purpose and function of a congregation. The home church is based on members meeting weekly in small groups. It is the 'church' acting as the 'church' and not as a group of spectators in a large meeting who come to watch a small group of leaders and/or the pastor conduct a service.

The small group or home group component enables the presence of Christ to be manifested in relationships of caring Christians. In this environment people are edified and equipped to minister. Believers are released to exercise their giftings, unbelievers are saved and discipled. Leadership is raised up and mentored. The weekly worship becomes a time of praise, prayer, and celebration centered on the glory of God. With less structure than a traditional service, it allows for spontaneity with the Holy Spirit while still employing a desire for order and decency.

The home groups nurture a sense of belonging that is difficult to experience in the large weekly worship assembly. In the home groups, love, community, relationships, discipling and reaching out to unbelievers spring up naturally and powerfully.

The spiritual gifts of members are confirmed and used, worship is expanded, prayer is prominent, and ministry is extended by home church strategy. It is in the home church or L.I.F.E. Group that caring for one another occurs.

We do not believe, however, that small group meetings are the fulfillment of every worship experience designed and ordained by God. While members of the body of believers in Jerusalem gathered to pray, break bread, study God's Word and apostolic teaching, they also continued to participate in meetings at the temple. In the manner that is explained in the book The Second Reformation by William Beckham, Trinity is a two-winged church that place equal emphasis on the L.I.F.E. Group and weekly corporate celebration service.

It is an endeavor we believe is God's specific plan for Trinity Christian Fellowship. We hope you will prayerfully consider joining us in this exciting journey.

-Pastor Randall