Why Groups?
We believe that, often, the most lasting impact happens in smaller group settings. Community Groups (12-18 people approximately) provide in-home space for people to grow in their walk with Jesus, their relationships with others, and their desire to serve. Eventually, a community group should launch out new leaders so we are always creating space for others to grow.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
-Acts 2:42 (ESV)
what to expect
S . C . O . P . E
Scriptural Focus
On most weeks, every community group should have a focus on Scripture, how it applies to our life, and how the gospel (Jesus) makes it real in our lives.
Community-Oriented
Rather than having simply a lecture on the Bible, or a video the entire time, it’s best to provide some teaching and questions for how the Bible applies to everyone’s everyday life. Also, Community Groups provide a great way to share in the joys and sorrows of each other’s lives.
Outreach
Part of the goal for each group is to serve together and look towards others in the community. We do this in two ways: 1.) Find a way to plug into serving locally. This could be joining a non-profit for a serve night, or feeding a TWU ball team or showing up at their game to cheer, or it could be hosting international students for an evening with your group. 2.) Each group sponsors a missionary and keeps them in prayer and should send a couple care packages per year to that missionary. We want to be an encouragement to those God has sent out from among us, and be reminded of the Great Commission: to go and make disciples of ALL nations.
Prayer
Your group should include collecting prayer requests and praying for the needs of those there but also praying that God will deepen our ability to reach our neighbors and the nations with the gospel.
Equipping New Leaders
The eventual goal of every healthy group is to launch out a few people to begin new groups. We always want to have a place for new folks to get involved, which can't happen if we don't replicate. We hope that being in a group will allow you to become a more fully alive follower of Jesus. As you grow, we believe that you will be a better leader in your home, in the workplace, or wherever you find yourself.
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Each of our Community Groups are paired with at least one missionary (both international and domestic). Groups pray for, check in with, and send care packages to their assigned missionary. We want to be an encouragement to those God has sent out from among us, and be reminded of the Great Commission: to go and make disciples of ALL nations.
