One of the ways churches help their members grow and remain faithful in their commitment to Christ is by utilizing accountability groups. You can use this same concept in connecting with people who are homebound.
Small Groups
When creating partnerships or a buddy program with onsite members who commit to staying in touch with those who cannot regularly attend church, consider starting an accountability small group. Alternatively, if that sounds too intimidating, call it a fellowship group. Bring a few of the teams together regularly to talk about the partnership/homebound connection program or whatever you are calling it. Perhaps consider making it a Bible study or support group for those who “fill-in-the-blank.”
Sharing Together
The point is to have them come together and share who they are as they become more comfortable with one another. If you can add an element of “how difficult it is to walk the Christian life in today’s world” into the conversation, it would help them all. It’s not easy being a Christian today, and few want to admit how much they struggle and how often they fail. Small accountability groups are safe places to confess personal struggles in a private and confidential setting. In doing so, individuals frequently discover they are not alone facing similar problems and gain great encouragement, as well as ways to cope, from others who have faced the same challenges and found ways to overcome them.
Privacy
I suggest separating genders when creating accountability groups. Conversations about accountability topics need to be open and honest. Some issues may become uncomfortable or even confrontational in mixed groups.
