We’re launching community groups

Two years ago I arrived to a stable church. A caring and sharing community. A congregation that knew one another. And had been friends for decades. Something has changed.

Over the past two years 115 new members have been added. The growth is good. But it brings a complication. With so many new faces, our community bond is not as strong as it once was. Before Covid we had a number of small group Bible studies spread across the city. During Covid they stopped. And after Covid they never kicked off again. The loss of that relational infrastructure is being felt in the present.

We have a number of vibrant stage‑of‑life groups. Youth. Young adults. Ladies. Saints of sixty. Those groups are vibrant. We don’t want to change them. But this is what we are planning to do. We will launch community groups in the suburbs where our members live. Groups of around 16 people. The format will be simple. We will pray for one another. And we will grow together. Spiritually. Relationally.

We will use the weekly sermon as our content. The same Word you hear on Sunday will shape our conversation through the week. We will ask questions that drive the points home. Questions that press the application into your life. Not just What does the text say? but What must I do now?

We are already in the process of starting the first group in Atlasville. Gerhard has opened his home. The next group will follow in Farrarmere at the home of Adrian and Debbie.

Do you see the need for fellowship in your own life? For discipleship relationships? Speak to one of the leaders. Or come and speak to me. Maybe you’d like to host a group. Maybe you want to join a group.

This is not a programme. It is a return to the pattern that held us together. Not effort. Not performance. Not perfection. Grace. Grace that works through the ordinary means of prayer, the Word, and the people of God gathered in living rooms drinking coffee and talking about life.