We worship God freely in simple faith communities. Most meet in peoples’ homes, but not all do. We usually begin with a fun and relaxing meal; it's where we normally make friends.
Following the meal, everyone gathers to talk about what God is teaching them (our singers are welcome to sing what God is teaching them--this is Austin, after all). We encourage discussion and brief teaching on spiritual matters. Group discussion is always encouraged--we believe that the Holy Spirit speaks through all believers.
After the discussion, we pray for each other’s needs. Anyone in the group (including children) can pray aloud or silently as they feel led. Some gatherings consist entirely of prayer.
Meetings last 2-2½ hours including the meal and cleanup.
Services
Gatherings
Community
Each faith community volunteers for a service project every four to six weeks. Projects are chosen by group members. About once each quarter, all the groups work on something together.
Leadership
Dr. Allen is an established leader in developing people in their faith, and to lead faith communities small and large. He is available to meet with and coach men and women interested in increasing their spiritual awareness, faith, and skills to facilitate small groups. For more information, visit www.jacksbuzz.com or email Jack.
Attitudes
Attitudes give our lives direction and govern our actions. We work together to maintain positive attitudes that are consistent with measurable, god-honoring, principle-based standards of conduct.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
1. Consider the needs of others.
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
Let no unclean word proceed from your mouth but only that which is helpful for others, building them up according to their needs. Ephesians 4:29
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a corrupt and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life. Philippians 2:14-16
Let no unclean word proceed from your mouth but only that which is helpful for others, building them up according to their needs. Ephesians 4:29
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a corrupt and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life. Philippians 2:14-16
2. Live an honest, open lifestyle.
Putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. Ephesians 4:25
3. Be humble toward correction, whether giving or receiving it.
He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame but whoever heeds correction, is honored. Proverbs 13:18
4. Be the first to clean up a broken relationship.
If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24
5. Participate in growing your church.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10
6. Support your church family financially within ability and need.
He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6
7. Make it a joy for the leaders to lead you.
Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them? Hebrews 13:17 (Message)
Goals
Austin Hope exists to increase God’s love in our city.
- We hope to exemplify a Christlike openness to others. We open our homes, inviting friends and neighbors to share God’s love, a meal, spiritual discussions, and prayer. We will start similar groups in the homes of as many peaceful persons as God reveals (1Tim 3:2, Lk 10:2-7).
- We gather each week to celebrate the goodness of God and to worship him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
- We pray that God makes his presence known in our city in a more powerful way, that he makes us good imitators of Jesus, leaders in his kingdom, and that our friends and family members join us (Jer 29:7, Mt 28:19-20).
- We will make Austin a better place to live by engaging in service projects in the city (Mt 20:28, 1Pe 4:10).
- We will share our faith in a loving way with as many people as possible. As people respond, we will invite them to join a faith community. When they are unsure or reject the Gospel, we will treat them as friends and pray for their needs. As it depends on us, we will live peaceably with everyone (Ac 1:8, Eph 4:29, Ro 12:18).
