FIND A COMMUNITY
Community Groups exist to glorify God by providing a context where we can study and apply God’s Word to our lives, make disciples, provide personal care, promote biblical fellowship and build relationally with each other.
We see small groups as a priority. Why? Because Scripture constantly underscores the centrality of relationships. J.I. Packer agrees, “We should not think of our fellowship with other Christians as a spiritual luxury, an optional addition to the exercises of private devotions. Fellowship is one of the great words of the New Testament: it denotes something that is vital to a Christian’s spiritual health, and central to the Church’s true life…The church will flourish and Christians will be strong only when there is fellowship.”
Genuine fellowship isn’t practical in a crowd of 100 or 1000. That’s why we are convinced that involvement in small groups offers a context where Christians can develop intimate relationships, where they can “know and be known”.
At Abundant Grace, we call our small groups “community groups.” It’s not a unique title, but it expresses another purpose of small groups. Just as the first is to create a context where every member can grow in God, the second is to create a context where every member can give and receive care. This principle comes straight out of Scripture (1 Corinthians 12:24-26).
Christians have always been characterized by their sacrificial love for each other. We are commanded to care for each other unselfishly, without favoritism.
It is important to point out that mutual care and close relationships are not dependent on the size of a church. Many assume it’s impossible to form close relationships in a large church. They assume that in a small church, close relationship will automatically develop. Both assumptions are false. Relationships can flourish in a large church…and be absent in a small one!
By his grace, together we are being changed into the image of Jesus Christ. Together we are experiencing mutual care, genuine fellowship, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Join us in a community group! And get to know others who are seeking to know Jesus more!