This fall you’re going to be hearing a lot about our small group and home group ministry. Why? Because we see our home group ministry as foundational to our church’s mission—to be and make disciples of Christ, foster life-changing community, and extend Christ’s love and compassion by participating in what God is now doing in our community and world.
Being part of a small group is so important for our progressive growth toward Christ-likeness. We are not to live the Christian life on our own. Being connected in a small group of people committed to this pursuit is of incredible value to our own spiritual growth and transformation.
After all, God is in the business of transformation. We are not to stay the same; rather, each of is called to be transformed by the power of God into the image of his Son. Our small group ministry is one of our primary efforts to create an avenue for this life change to occur.
The vision for our small group ministry is to provide multiple avenues for building relationships that encourage progressive growth toward Christ-likeness. We realize that “one size doesn’t fit all.” But we also see home groups as the foundation of our small group ministry and a core element in our vision to help people grow.
Our home groups seek to be more than Bible studies; they aim to be welcoming, authentic, extended families that seek to encourage spiritual transformation while at the same time being outposts of God’s love through our commitment to G.R.O.W. (which stands for God’s Word—shaping our actions and lives, Relationships—nurturing our growth in the context of spiritual friendships, Obedient Living—using our gifts in witness and service, and Worship—interacting with and experiencing God through participating in what he is now doing).
Home groups are one aspect of our effort to live life together with God and each other—not just on Sundays but throughout the week. Through our home group ministry we hope to encourage everyone to be a living sacrifice in their everyday eating and sleeping, walking and working life. This is what true worship is all about.
Growing as disciples of Christ doesn’t happen without effort or community. So get connected in a home group by signing up on Sunday or talking to one of the home group leaders right away.
Pastor Matt
