Thank you for your interest in H.O.S.Ting a watch party. These are unprecedented times that offer plenty of challenges but also unique opportunities for the church to continue in worship and ministry together as the people of God. To that end, we are excited about your interest in gathering with a small group of people for Sunday worship.
Being a H.O.S.T. is simple, as easy as pressing play. The following document will provide some helpful resources as you plan a watch party.
HOSPITABLE: Creating a safe and welcoming environment is central to hosting a successful watch group. Make it fun, make it welcoming, and make it safe!
ORGANIZED: Make sure to communicate well with your group keeping them updated on the watch group plans for each weekend, including any changes in the schedule or delegation of roles.
SERVANT-HEARTED: This will require a heart to serve other people and a desire to provide a genuine space for believers to worship and serve together. Don’t feel like you have to do everything yourself but include the other members of the group in set up, kids programming, corporate prayer and worship, and clean up.
THOUGHTFUL: Keep in mind that not everyone you invite to your watch group will feel comfortable participating and some that attend may choose not to attend future gatherings based on their comfort level. Be patient, stay consistent, and allow people to participate at whatever frequency and level they are comfortable with.
TIPS:
This doesn’t have to be complicated, but we do want to offer a few helpful tips as you consider what your time together may look like.
Time and Place: We recommend you gather during the Live Stream Worship Service Sundays at 10am. However, you can also plan your watch party at a more convenient time for your group later in the day or week. Find a place that is open and spacious enough for people to sit six feet apart. We recommend an outdoor driveway, deck, or yard. Everyone can stream the service from their own device or set up a T.V. where it can be viewed by everyone.
Victory Kids: If you have children present encourage them to remain with their parents and the larger group through Worship, Kids Teaching, and Community Prayer. This is an excellent opportunity to disciple children through example and participation in prayer and worship. During the sermon we recommend dismissing the kids to another space where one of the parents can lead them through the kids lesson. You can find the kids lessons on the App or on the website here.
Pray: Spend some time before your Watch Group praying for those who will attend, that God may use this opportunity and your hospitality to help them take new steps of faith. During your gathering we encourage you to pray together during and after the service and continue to pray for one another during the week until you gather again.
GATHERING LINKS:
Find the gathering streaming live Sundays at 10A on grace.community/gathering.
NEXT STEPS & HELPFUL LINKS
If someone wants to take the step of Baptism, click here.
If someone wants to join a Small Group, click here.
To submit a Prayer Request, click here.
