Dear Christ Church,
I love how Christ Church lives out this core value of community:
By God’s grace we are becoming a community of real people in real relationships, learning to love one another, celebrate together and bless our world through hospitality, witness and service. We value the diversity of backgrounds, gifts, cultures, and generations in the family of God.
Living out this value takes work! It takes sacrificial, brick-by-brick, consistent effort to build a life in community. And as we step deeper into this new year, I was reflecting on the reasons I believe in our Small Group ministry.
-
Belonging – Whether you’re new or have been in this congregation for a long time, being held in a small group community brings a deep sense of home, where people look for your presence and miss you in your absence.
-
Care – As Christ Church continues to grow, small groups are the front line of care becoming communities of healing to one another.
-
Staff Support – Did you know our Small Groups Pastor, Kester Smith, helps train, coach, and support our small group leaders? Our small group leaders are men and women of great integrity who receive support and care to lead.
-
Friendships — We live in the ‘age of loneliness.’ Small groups push back against our relationally-fragmented lives.
-
Intergenerational — The church is not one demographic but forged by people from all backgrounds. This richness is reflected in small groups.
-
Prayer — The height of the spiritual life is prayer, attending to the Lord. To do this in company with others is our highest privilege.
I believe in the transforming power of small group ministry. After taking a break over Christmastime, our Small Groups are starting up again this week. You can meet Small Group leaders this Sunday after both services (look for the leaders wearing blue shirts in the courtyard) to ask questions and join a small group in an area near your home. If you want more information or to talk about the small group ministry, reach out to Kester Smith.
Peace,
Matt+
*PS, this Sunday is the 3M Half Marathon. Here’s a map to plan your Sunday drive.