“Engaging missionally” as a Community Group happens in a variety ways. One group may serve together on a regular basis, while another simply encourages each person in their God-given mission. But we do know two things:
- Community Groups should “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 13:24 NIV) on a regular basis.
- Community Groups that do serve together grow closer, learn about each other’s strengths, and make a big impact!
With that in mind, here are some of the best steps you can take and tools you can use to increase your Community Group’s missional engagement by serving together.
1. Talk about It (Here's a discussion guide)
When was the last time your CG spent time on the subject of engaging missionally? Download our discussion guide to think through ways your group – and each individual – can impact your neighbors, your workplace, our city, and our world.
2. Join the Straightforward Service Email
Each month, Watermark’s External Focus team sends a quick, easily shareable list of upcoming service opportunities. These spots are easy to jump into and will give your group great on-ramps for serving together. Sign up here.
3. Get Ideas from Your Fellow Watermarkers
Never get stuck for ideas again! We asked Watermark people how they serve with their Community Groups, and we compiled 79 of those great ways to serve together – take a look at the guide.
4. Get Equipped Together
When Helping Hurts: The Small Group Experience offers six fantastic lessons to equip your group. This study will help you better understand poverty, as well as the bigger issues involved in helping people in general. (Speaking from experience, it will even make you a better parent and friend!) Buy the small guide and you’ll get the online video resources for free.
5. Learn about Watermark’s External Focus Strategy
Our church has a whole team dedicated to helping you serve outside the walls of Watermark. So if you or your group want to explore that great adventure, take a moment to hear about our strategy or read our approach and our ministry partners.
6. Dive in through Unashamed
Our Unashamed Weekends and the One-Day Unashamed experiences truly are like “mission trips to your city.” Spend time praying for our city, serving with ministry partners, and meeting people in hopes of sharing your faith. For any Community Group, it’s an outstanding bonding experience and faith-stretcher! Learn more here.
7. Bring Your Kids Along
If group members have children (as young as 2!), there are great ways to serve together. Our Hands & Feet Projects Guide includes ready-made projects and excellent discussion notes for children through elementary age. For more ideas or to serve with older kids, check out 162 ideas directly from Watermark families.
8. Collaborate & Create!
If you’re just getting started (or really anytime), you can find ways to pool your resources and put together items to help others. For instance, consider creating Homeless Care Kits you can keep in your car (find instructions here). Fill backpacks for kids as they head back to school. At Christmas, build Give & Go Boxes for ministry partners, or participate in Operation Christmas Child together. Or you can contact a ministry partner any time of year and ask about items they might need.
9. Love Thy Neighbors
If nothing else, your Community Group should be pushing each other to meet, connect with, and share the love of Christ with your neighbors. At watermark.org/letsgo, you’ll find a great message from Todd, other equipping resources, and tools to help you connect with those who live closest to you. Another tool you might find handy is “98 Ideas for Serving in Your Neighborhood” (98 Ideas for Serving in Your Neighborhood), filled with specific ways Watermark people have actually reached out to their neighbors.