What are Central Teachings (CTs) and why do we have them?

First, it’s important to note that home groups are the focus of Xenos Christian Fellowship’s structure. But we also believe that a large meeting can uniquely accomplish certain elements of the Christian life that we see pictured in the New Testament.

For instance, the early churches met in houses but also came together in large meetings to hear the teachings of the apostles. Strong, culturally relevant Bible teachings are the focal point of these larger meetings we call Central Teachings (CTs). CTs provide a setting in which a couple thousand adults hear God’s word taught through
highly gifted and trained teachers. Dozens of home groups come together, often bringing friends and family who want to have their questions answered about Christianity.

What do we do at Central Teachings?

Our facility helps to set an informal, non-traditional atmosphere in which Christians and non-Christians alike can relax. People are welcome to take coffee, pop and snacks into the auditorium, while they hear what God might want to say to them through his word.
CTs start with prayer and music, followed by an expository Bible teaching that lasts about 40 to 50 minutes. (Check out our teaching outlines.)

After the teaching, people can ask questions using microphones, or wait until the meeting concludes to privately talk with the teacher or one of the teaching team members. We close the meeting with prayer.
We also provide tapes and RealMedia presentations from these meetings at our Study Center, in our Bookstore and on the web.

Our meetings are not “worship services,” as you might typically think of. Xenos takes a somewhat unusual but biblical view of what worship is in the New Testament. Our Web site explains more about our view of biblical worship. Our music ranges from Christian music to secular rock, blues or jazz. Each meeting is sensational for helping non-Christians come to a relationship with Jesus Christ, grounding new believers and challenging more mature believers.

Three of our elders are the regular Central Teaching teachers. Lead Pastors Dennis McCallum and Gary DeLashmutt, and Adult Education Director Jim Leffel, rotate quarterly through different Bible teaching series. The rotation consists of Saturday night (6 p.m.), Sunday mornings (9:45 and 11:30 a.m.), and then Sunday night (5:30 p.m.).
In parallel with our Central Teaching meeting times for adults, we also offer excellent programs on-site for infants, toddlers, and school-aged
children called “Oasis.”

For junior-high students, we hold parallel meetings (called “Blow Out” on Saturday and Sunday nights, and “Jam on Sunday mornings) at our Building X or Calumet youth facilities. This frees up parents and children alike to enjoy a teaching and meeting designed just for them.

Which home groups attend which Central Teaching?

We strongly encourage home groups to join together to “host” a meeting by designating one of the CT times as their primary meeting. This is good for the home group, since they can meet each other’s guests and have additional time together. It’s also good for the meeting, since the different home groups provide the volunteers and the ideas needed to make all aspects of the meeting enjoyable,
including the time afterward.

To get connected: Join the e-mail group for your CT to share ideas and receive pertinent announcements. To subscribe, see the Weekly Update or John Rue. Visit the Home Group Connection counter in the lobby if you’re looking for a home group, or you can call Rick Armentrout at 823-6510 x 182 with questions.