|
What is a Community Group?
Community Groups are primary Christian communities, the first place Christians turn for applying the Bible to their lives. They are also the heart of Community Covenant church. All groups are led by leaders from the congregation who receive continued oversight and support.
Each group expects to experience Jesus Christ in its midst, in His presence and in His power, enabling lives to be transformed through mutual ministry. Our groups have a rich and broad agenda. They are more than just Bible Studies--they include prayer, worship, fellowship, sharing of what God is doing in our lives, spiritual nurturing, accountability and opportunities for service.
While some churches have small groups on the side, Community Covenant is centered around our Community Groups. They are at the center of the church. Therefore, belonging to a Community Group is a way to truly belong to Community Covenant Church.
What is the purpose of a Community Group?
Applying the Word of God to our lives
We need others to help us apply the truth of God’s Word to our daily lives. The implications of our lives with Christ are broad - so broad that we cannot hope to understand them by ourselves. As we remind one another of God's grace, we help each other to open our lives to His transforming power.
Caring for each other
We are told in Scripture to: "encourage, serve, rejoice, weep with, correct, instruct, sing to, build up, accept and love one another." These commands are best lived out in the personal relationship of a Community Group.
Exercising our gifts
Community Groups are a place where spiritual gifts, including a vision for ministry and service, are discovered and developed. Group participants are encouraged not to merely "consume," but rather to invest themselves in relationships with group members, supporting each other in Christ.
Community Group Commitment
Most groups meet weekly. Regular attendance helps, so try to attend the meetings as consistently as you can.
Community Groups require your effort to become a rich and meaningful experience. Therefore, make an investment in your group: offer constructive suggestions to your leader, invite some of your own friends to the group, or even consider starting or hosting a new group.
Visit a Community Group
We encourage you to visit a Community Group several times before making a decision. It is often difficult to get a feel for a group after only one visit. If you attend a group a few times and find that you just don't "click," we invite you to try another group.
Community Group Organization
Intergenerational Community Groups
Most Community Groups are co-ed and enjoy a healthy life and generational diversity, allowing members to benefit from the varied experiences of their fellow believers.
Life Stage/Special Focus
Some Community Groups focus on a particular stage or area of life such as post-college, young married, Marriage Builder, seniors, family.
Getting Involved In a Community Group
Invitation
Someone you meet in church or at a church-related activity may invite you to their group. Don't be afraid to ask people at Community Covenant about their Community Groups--where they meet, what their group's focus has been, etcetera. Many groups are open to receiving new participants, and this is a great way to find out if a group might be right for you.
Signup
Sign-ups for Community Groups usually occur on Sundays in September and January. But, that doesn’t mean you cannot jump into a group right now. Contact Christian Schalesky cschalesky@community-covenant.org for information.
|
