What are Community Groups?
A Community Group is a smaller group of people within our church who meet regularly to establish a sense of authentic community to live out the reality of the Christian life on a day-to-day basis. We desire to create and grow Christ-centered communities through loving accountable and caring relationships. Lives are changed, healing occurs, walls come down and the love of Christ is experienced as we encounter one another in small groups of 10-15.
What is so beneficial about small groups?
The benefits of participating in our Community Groups are far reaching. In the context of this smaller “spiritual family” you will be able to establish deeper relationships in a warm and safe environment. You will be accepted for who you are while at the same time encouraged to continue to strive toward perfection in Christ. This small group will be a care-giving community as well as a place to grow in areas of serving others. The Body will learn how to grow up into the fullness of Christ as we see the Lord at work in and through each other. Given the exciting growth of Living Hope Bryan, Community Groups are the primary place to connect with others in meaningful and special ways that are simply impossible to do at a weekend service. Any other ministries or studies are all meant to be a compliment to Community Groups and not a substitute.
How are Community Groups structured?
The exact structure and nature of what takes place within the groups will vary depending upon the personality, availability and gifts of the leaders. We need to respect and make room for the various ways in which the Holy Spirit will work in each group. Although the purpose of the Community Group is to provide a context for developing relationships, encouraging people in their faith, and assisting in the meeting of needs, we are careful not to allow them to become exclusivist in nature. Ultimately, we want to see more people reached and new Groups started all the time.
Who should participate?
We expect every member at Living Hope Bryan to get involved in a Community Group so they can be served and serve in accountable, loving relationships. We also strongly encourage people who regularly attend Living Hope Bryan to join a Group. Families are encouraged to bring their children. Our guests and curiosity-seekers are always welcome. Even if you have to leave early at times, or have to miss meetings on occassion, having people who know you and miss you is a beautiful way of protecting your self from isolation. It is our desire that if you were to fall off the map, someone in our body would notice! We want you to experience what Christ desires for us to have in a tight knit community that starts in the homes of people in our church.
Do you have age-specific Community Groups?
No! Our Community Groups are inter-generational because we need to be connected with people of all seasons of life since we are a family in Christ. Rather than being isolated with people our own age and station of life (we still connect with those people anyway), we have learned to respect and cherish real relationships with people of all ages. It has honestly become one of the most exciting aspects of our Community Groups as we help one another navigate the stages and struggles of life. By learning and being reminded about the stages of life, we help and inspire one another to live by faith and for something beyond ourselves. Informal and formal mentoring and teaching has become a part of this ministry as a normal overflow of doing life together. We are learning how to more effectively pursue one another for the glory of God. We need each other!
How do I get involved?
Click here to see when and where Community Groups are meeting. Feel free to call if you want or just show up at the assigned time and place and join in our community!
Contact Brian Miller for more information.