Stonecroft Ministries - Stonecroft Outreach Groups - Connecting with God, with Others, and with Community.

A Stonecroft Christmas Gathering provides an opportunity to connect with your neighbors and present the Gospel. It also generates interest for neighborhood Bible studies and shared interest opportunities.

At a Christmas Gathering, guests have the opportunity to get to know one another as they enjoy Christmas treats and discuss their family’s holiday traditions. The event also includes a guest speaker who gives a brief talk about the real meaning of Christmas. This includes a clear presentation of the Gospel, an opportunity to receive Jesus Christ, and an opportunity to participate in a Bible study.

Why Christmas Gatherings?

Christmas Gatherings help you build friendships with the people closest to you—your neighbors.

People’s hearts are often more receptive to the Gospel during the holiday season.

It’s a fun, easy, and meaningful way to share your faith with others.

Who Conducts a Christmas Gathering?

Only two people are needed to initiate a Christmas Gathering—a host and a speaker. The host invites friends and neighbors. The speaker prepares a presentation according to the guidelines in the Christmas Gathering.

At the conclusion of the talk, guests are invited to silently pray with the speaker a prayer of invitation to receive Christ. They are vien a comment card and, after the event, the guests are invited to attend a Stonecroft Bible Study in January. Either Who is Jesus? or Why Believe? Investigate Evidence for Faith is recommended.

When Do Christmas Gatherings Start?

You select the time and date that works best for you. (Some really daring hosts have even had a “Christmas in July” Gathering.) It’s never too early in the year to begin praying, planning, and connecting with your neighbors informally.

Where Can I Learn More about Stonecroft Christmas Gatherings?

For more information, please contact the Stonecroft Bible Studies Program at (800) 525-8627 or e-mail biblestudies@stonecroft.org.

LEARN MORE about Stonecroft Bible Studies.

CHRISTMAS GATHERINGS IDEA BANK

Making a Difference in the Neighborhood through Stonecroft Christmas Gatherings

Ongoing Ministry
Neighbors come and go quickly in Barbara’s Illinois neighborhood. Many of the 23 women who attended her Stonecroft Christmas Gathering had moved to the area in the past year. “It was wonderful watching all of them as they enjoyed getting to know each other and, that day, ten women indicated they prayed to receive God’s gift of salvation,” she said. Ministry seemed to continue long after the event. A neighborhood Bible study was started, Barbara joined a woman in praying for a family member with cancer, and she was able to go to lunch and begin a friendship with another attendee.

For the Kids
Women in a Wyoming community decided to hold a modified version of a Stonecroft Christmas Gathering just for kids. Eighteen children and ten adults joined together for caroling, snacking on cookies, and sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace as an inspiring Christmas story was shared. Five children indicated they wanted to accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord!

Spreading the Net
“I believe Stonecroft Christmas Gatherings are one of the best tools we have to reach people for Jesus Christ,” commented Doris. “In today’s world, how do you reach your neighbors? I love these gatherings because you can invite those next door to you, as well as cast your net even farther. This format works well with any type of group that has something in common. Churches in our area have also latched onto these gatherings since they work so well. It’s awesome what’s happening here in Wisconsin!”

A Community Gathering
When Faye and Gary began planning their Christmas Gathering in Oregon, the list of people they wanted to invite kept growing. Finally, they decided to make it a potluck and secured a local community hall. Guests in the group of 80 that attended included family, old friends, new friends, and neighbors. Faye and Gary knew of several children and many adults who had never heard about Jesus Christ and why He came to earth. The Gospel was shared clearly that evening and several attendees took part in a follow-up Bible study in January.