For any questions not answered below, please click here to e-mail us, or call us at 214.393.3045.
Community Groups are typically comprised of three or more people who have made a commitment to pursue Christ together and meet regularly.
Each person is committed to being open and honest with the group. Group members care for each other, grow spiritually, and strive to make a significant, positive impact on those around them.
Why should I join a Community Group? What’s in it for me?
You have everything to gain by joining a Community Group. This isn’t just another meeting. This is how you’ll finally start living the life you’ve always wanted—the life God is calling you to experience and enjoy.
Living in community isn’t a new idea. It’s God’s idea. In Genesis 2:18, God said it isn’t good for man to be alone. When you examine the Scriptures it’s easy to see why. The benefits of living in community are many (Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 6:2; Proverbs 27:17), and so are the dangers of living in isolation (Proverbs 18:1).
True community doesn’t develop overnight, but if you’re dedicated, your Community Group will soon begin to care for each other, grow spiritually, and make a significant, positive impact on those around you.
We have four suggestions for initiating community:
- Ask people you know if they’d like to start a Community Group.
- Ask an existing Community Group if they’re open to adding new members.
- Start a Community Group with people from your area of service, life-stage group, recovery group, or Bible study discussion group. If you’re not currently participating in one of these areas, click here for a complete list of opportunities.
- Or attend GroupLink, a periodic gathering where you can meet people who are interested in starting a new Community Group.
We realize there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula for finding or starting the group that best fits everyone’s needs, so if the ideas above don’t work for you, feel free to think outside of the box. And remember that the Community Team is standing by to support your efforts. See the contact information at the top of this page.
How many people comprise a Community Group?
Community Groups are typically comprised of three or more people. Married Community Groups are usually comprised of three or more couples.
How often do most Community Groups meet? And how long do the meetings usually last?
Meeting schedules are unique to each Community Group. We suggest groups meet weekly or at least biweekly for 90 minutes to two hours, depending on group size and need.
Remember, this isn’t just another event. Over time, your Community Group will become less about meetings, and more about living life together. This is how you’ll finally start living the life you’ve always wanted—the life God is calling you to experience and enjoy.
Is childcare provided for Community Group meetings?
Yes. See the contact information at the top of this page.
What’s on the agenda at a Community Group meeting? Is there a suggested format?
The Bible provides excellent examples of what living in community could and should look like. God lives in eternal community (Genesis 1:26), Jesus lived in community with his 12 disciples, and the early church lived in community (Acts 2:42-47). Now it’s your turn.
There isn’t a set agenda or format for meetings. Whenever the group is together, there should be a good mix of fun, fellowship, vulnerability, and accountability. During meetings, it’s important for members to inquire about each other’s weeks and actively pray for each other’s needs. Daily struggles should be openly shared and encouragement offered. Scripture should be shared and used to provide insight and wisdom as members learn to apply God’s word to every-day situations and challenges.
What happens between Community Group meetings is equally important. Group members need to make time for each other outside of their “group time” so that deeper friendships can develop. True community doesn’t develop over night, but if you’re dedicated, your Community Group will soon begin to care for each other, grow spiritually, and make a significant, positive impact on those around you.
How do I officially join a Community Group?
Once you’ve decided who you want to pursue Christ with, and you’ve made a commitment to meet regularly, the next step is to contact the Community Team. See the contact information at the top of this page. We’ll provide the resources and support your group will need to thrive.
Could I lead a Community Group? What’s involved/required?
Yes! In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul exhorts Timothy to “set the example for other believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
If you’re interested in leading a Community Group, please contact the Community Team. See the contact information at the top of this page.
I found a Community Group, now how do we get started?
Once you’ve decided who you want to pursue Christ with, and you’ve made a commitment to meet regularly, the next step is to contact the Community Team. See the contact information at the top of this page, and let us walk you through the next steps.
