Going Deeper with Fewer

I heard this phrase a few years ago applied to a church having Community Groups. It meant that outside of the corporate gathering, smaller groups of 6-20 people would meet throughout the city on a weekly basis. They would primarily meet in homes but sometimes it could be in a coffee shop, bar, park, or business office. Most of the time they would have a meal together, pray together, and discuss the Word of God together. The common denominator is that they were…together. Yet, because it was a smaller group, they could go deeper in their relationship and faith in a non-threating environment.

Each person had a chance to share burdens or victories with the group and receive genuine prayer. Each person could ask any question they desired about the Bible, God, Jesus, sin, and their beliefs. No question is off limits. There is no lecture. No one is made to feel bad for not knowing the “correct” answers. The environment is relaxed because it is in a low key, natural setting.

Have you ever been in a situation that feels manufactured like a pre-fab situation catered just for you? Only, you weren’t anticipating it, you didn’t ask for it, and it was not helpful. Corporate church gatherings can easily be this way, but Community Groups are not meant to be. Where is the safe place with people that don’t have an agenda other than shooting the bull, sharing a meal, being authentically concerned for all in attendance, and being able to open up about anything without feeling the pressure to do?

We are forming Community Groups that are intended to have these ingredients. We would love for them to permeate the city and surrounding region so that anyone could be within walking distance of them. Those that don’t even believe in Jesus Christ are welcome. Those that do believe in Jesus Christ but have baggage about corporate worship are welcome. Those that have two Ph.D.’s in theology but aren’t looking for a classroom setting, and don’t want to be known as the “know it all” are welcome.

Are you looking for this type of group? We would love for you to join us even if you decide after the initial visit that it is not for you. Let us know if you are interested.