Home gatherings are the best place to get to know others from the Gathering.  Spiritual growth takes place in the context of relationships.  We need each other.  Every individual and every family needs relationships with other individuals and other families, relationships that will challenge and encourage.  Proverbs 27:10 says that a neighbor nearby is better than a relative far away.  The church is a gathering of people who become brothers and sisters in the family of God.  The neighbor nearby actually becomes “family.”  Our Home Gatherings share a meal together, discuss Scripture together, pray together, and enjoy each other's company.  They also help to meet needs within their group when they arise and minister to people outside of their group as well.