Community Groups
Community Groups are small groups (5-10 people) designed to foster Christian community. Through regular meetings, people grow spiritually together. It has never been God's intent for us to "Lone Ranger" through our lives ... we are meant for friendship with Him and each other. It is only as we foster these relationships with the gospel that we become mature and equipped disciples of Christ. Community Groups provide:
A place for fellowship & friendship. The Bible tells us to encourage, serve, rejoice and weep with, correct, instruct, sing to, build up, accept, and love one another. That's quite a list! There is no better way to put yourself in a position to fulfill these commands than by becoming part of a Community Group. Also, these groups are places where newcomers can be welcomed into the fellowship of the church.
A place to discover Christianity. Community Groups are also places where people can ask honest questions about the Christian faith. Those who are believers can remind one another of the importance of being "contagious Christians," sharing the gospel with others.
A place where gifts are exercised. The church is sometimes compared to a football stadium where you find 22 people who desperately need rest and thousands of people who desperately need exercise. Community Groups are places where spiritual gifts are discovered and exercised within the group, within the larger church, and in service to the world. For this reason, at RSL Community Groups are involved in service projects in the area.
Community Groups are the central nervous system of RSL. They are the primary place for pastoral care, assimilation of new members, training and discipleship, leadership development, and community service.
