Over the years I've had many conversations with people who says they don't feel very well connected at church.
They don't think they've made any meaningful relationships or friends, they don't feel like they're engaged with the life of the church, and they don't see that they're growing as a follower of Jesus.
As we poke around the issues more often than not these conversations have had one thing in common... Community Group. Either they aren't part of one or if they are in one they just aren't getting along each week.
When we started City on a Hill the very first thing we started (even before we had music happening at church - sorry Claire!) was a Community Group. It was just like the groups are today, a small group meeting in someone's home to read the Bible together, to pray and to care for one another. It was a group where we allowed God to connect us and transform us by his Word in a way that was different to Sunday services and sermons.
I cannot overstate the impact that Community Groups have had in my own life and in the life of our church. And this really shouldn't be of any surprise!
The picture we get at the end of Acts 2 shows us that this is what the followers of Jesus have been doing since the very beginning.
'They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.'
It seems that God is especially pleased to work through small groups of believers regularly gathering around the word, fellowship and prayer. Who wouldn't want to be a part of a group like that?
Admittedly not every week is profound and real relationships take time and life gets busy and we get tired. But if we're not even going along what hope do we have of experiencing the rich fellowship and growth we desire?
Now is the time to sign up for a Community Group for 2024. You can do that via this form or send Paul an email if you have any questions.
Grace & peace,
Andrew