COMMUNITY GROUPS

We don’t get sidetracked by unhelpful issues in sports, politics, pop culture, and so on. In some cases, we can engage cultural issues from a Christ-centered perspective, but typically we delay these discussions until discussion time is over. We focus instead on Christ, the Word of God made flesh, because he alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We cannot change one another or even ourselves; only Christ can bring about grace, truth, and healing by his presence.

We are not perfect people, and we all need a safe place to gather and be who we are. Community groups are that safe place. What is said here stays here, and we do not gossip about information outside this group. **However, if someone shares something that endangers him/herself or others, or if there are legal implications, the leader will share information with a pastor.

We are here to serve and love one another, not simply to receive care ourselves. We all participate in the discussion either as active listeners or speakers. We remain actively engaged as others are speaking.

In Christ, we have the power to be present with the fullness of the Spirit’s presence within us. We acknowledge that we can’t fix or change one another, so we instead promise to provide encouragement and comfort. We don’t express judgment or disgust toward one another’s struggles. And we don’t give unwarranted advice! When we want to give additional counsel, we ask permission after the gathered time.

We are relational beings, created in the image of a Triune God. Because we are created for community, we need each other to grow in Christlikeness. We invite one another into our journey and walk through life together, following up with one another throughout the week. Because God never gives up on us or leaves us alone, we commit to journeying with one another through thick and thin.

Community Groups cannot function well if members are not committed to fellow members and to the concept of Community Groups. Community Groups must foster a culture where grace abounds. Mistakes will be made, hurtful statements will be said, and misunderstandings will happen - but grace and love must triumph.

Community Groups cannot happen unless people are willing to be welcoming to one another. It is more than offering up a home or a space to meet, it is a culture that the group creates when someone new enters, they are accepted and loved as Christ welcomes us into his Kingdom. Inviting strangers into one’s personal space is never an easy task, but we must strive to be generous with our resources God has given us.