Christ Central Church · Congregational Ministry Guide
Homecoming
Spiritual renewal, relational return, church restoration
September through December 2026
“Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations.”
1 Chronicles 16:35a
Our Homecoming Vision
Homecoming is a gospel movement of return and restoration under the lordship of Christ. Together, we will return to God through renewed worship and prayer, return to one another through listening and reconciliation, and return to our shared calling as Christ’s church.
This is not an attendance campaign or an attempt to recreate the past. We are asking God to renew our spiritual life, restore relationships, welcome former participants with humility, and help CCC become a church where Christ is truly central.
The Homecoming Preaching Journey
Four legs of one journey home: from worship, through prayer, into the church body, and on toward Advent.
Worship Series
September- Sept6
What Is Worship?
Romans 12:1–2
We offer our whole lives to God because he has first shown us mercy.
- Sept13
Why Do We Worship?
Revelation 4:8–11
God alone is worthy because he created and sustains all things.
- Sept20
How Do We Worship?
John 4:21–24
The Father seeks worshipers who worship through Christ, in Spirit and truth.
- Sept27
When the Lord Brings Us Home
Psalm 126
God’s restoring grace turns tears into songs and renews our hope.
Prayer Series
October 18 to November 1- Oct18
Come Home to the Father
Luke 11:1–13
Jesus teaches God’s children to pray with trust and persistence.
- Oct25
Bring the Whole Heart Home
Psalm 13
Biblical lament brings hidden pain honestly before God.
- Nov1
Thanksgiving Before the Answer
Philippians 4:4–7
Prayer places anxiety in God’s care and receives his peace.
Church Series
November 8 to 22- Nov8
God’s Household
Ephesians 2:11–22
Christ brings outsiders near and makes us one people.
- Nov15
Every Part Comes Home
Ephesians 4:1–16
The body grows as every member serves in love.
- Nov22
A Home for the Lost and Found
Luke 15:1–32
God seeks the lost and celebrates repentant return.
Advent Preparation
November 29 to December 13- Nov29
The Light in the Darkness
Isaiah 9:2–7
We prepare to share the hope of Christ.
- Dec6
Making Room for God’s Promise
Luke 1:26–38
We prepare our homes and hearts to welcome others.
- Dec13
Good News of Great Joy
Luke 2:8–20
We receive and share the good news for all people.
21 Days of Homecoming Prayer
During these twenty-one days, every participating person or household is invited to pray consistently for up to three people whom God has placed on their heart.
October 18 to November 7The Congregation Prayer Map
Each household may prayerfully identify one person from each of three circles.
Reconnect
Someone who previously participated in CCC but is no longer actively involved.
Family
A relative or family member who is not currently worshiping with a church.
Reach
A friend, neighbor, coworker, or acquaintance who does not have a church home.
Names remain with the individual or household and are shared with the Prayer Team or pastoral leaders only with permission.
A Simple Path of Faithful Care
Pray
Ask God to renew faith, heal wounds, restore hope, and open the right opportunity for connection.
Listen
Make a natural, low-pressure contact and give the person space to share their experience.
Care
Respond with compassion, practical help, continued prayer, or pastoral support when requested.
Invite
When appropriate, offer a personal invitation without guilt, pressure, or repeated pursuit.
Follow up
Continue the relationship according to the person’s expressed interest rather than treating attendance as the goal.
Homecoming Christmas Service
This intergenerational Christmas worship service will proclaim the hope of Christ and offer a gracious welcome to former CCC participants, family members who do not currently worship with us, friends and neighbors without a church home, and anyone carrying grief, loneliness, or spiritual questions at Christmas.
The service will include familiar Christmas music, Scripture readings involving different generations, a testimony of Christ’s restoring grace, a concise gospel message, prayer, and a family reception. Guests may request prayer, pastoral care, or information about future opportunities, but every response will remain voluntary.
How We Can Prepare Together
Pray by name
Begin with prayer rather than pressure.
Offer a personal invitation
A phone call, message, conversation, or shared meal is more meaningful than a general announcement.
Welcome with care
Offer transportation, sit with your guest, explain unfamiliar practices, and introduce people naturally.
Serve together
Volunteer in prayer, worship, hospitality, children’s ministry, transportation, reception, or follow-up.
Continue the relationship
After the service, express appreciation and listen to how the experience felt for your guest.