Accountability becomes a norm allowing persons to deal with sins that have been hidden in years past. Freedom is an outcome of dealing with sinful activities. Members connecting together brings a sense of belonging that fosters growth and meaningful community. Weaknesses are few but can occur if persons are unwilling to stay consistent in balanced group life. Sometimes groups get overly involved with relationship and miss meaningful prayer and biblical study.
Groups can turn inward and miss the opportunity for evangelism which is so powerful in group life.
This allows persons to see and smell and touch a person's abode. This means they see what books they read, what music they listen to. Also, Acts 2 is very vivid in expressing that the early church met in homes. This keeps ministry from feeling institutionalized and fosters a deeper level of community. Richard, the distinction lies in the function of each.