8 Practices by Connect Groups in the Early Church

Jonathancavalieri   -   May 10, 2023

Our MStar Connect Groups do the same things that Connect Groups did in the Early Church. We didn’t invent these practices. We took them from the Bible.

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) gives us a clear model of what Connect Groups did:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.   Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.   They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.   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.”

In this Scripture, we observe 8 Practices by Connect Groups in the Early Church:

  1. They Studied the Bible Together

People met in homes and discussed what the apostles were teaching in the Temple Courts. Today, we call the apostles teaching, the New Testament. When our Connect Groups study the Bible, we’re doing the same thing that the Early Church did.

We offer many free Video Bible Studies you may want to try with your group.

  1. They Fellowshipped Together

They developed and deepened relationships with each other. Fellowship is the primary purpose of our Connect Groups.

  1. They Celebrated Communion Together

Every time the Lord’s Supper was observed in the Bible, it was taken in a Connect Group. We authorize our Connect Groups to take Communion anytime they want. The only stipulation is that the Lord’s Supper is to be taken by Christians who are right with God and others.

  1. They Prayed Together

Prayer is powerful and an important part of any Connect Group.

  1. They Helped Each Other Together

Recognizing the other believers as brothers and sisters in the family of God, they shared all they had so that all could benefit from God’s gifts. As part of God’s spiritual family, our Connect Groups see their responsibility to help each other in practical ways.

  1. They Ate Together

Good food just makes everything better! Some of our Connect Groups serve snacks and some of them serve meals where everybody brings something.

  1. They Praised God Together

The Early Church celebrated God and sang songs of worship to Him in their homes. Our Connect Groups do the same thing. Some turn on a worship playlist or music video, while others will play an instrument and sing.

  1. They Brought Unbelievers to Jesus Together

A healthy Christian community attracts people to Christ. Our Connect Groups pray for and love on those who do not know Jesus.

It’s important to note that not all these actions took place at every Connect Group meeting, but rather they did these things over an extended period of time.

Notice that the 5 purposes are represented in each of these 8 Connect Group practices: Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, Evangelism, and Worship.

Now, Consider your Connect Group:

  1. Which one of these practices is your group most passionate about?
  2. Which one do you need to improve on or start doing?