To achieve our mission of Pursuing Jesus and Life-Giving Relationships, we desire to provide opportunities for people to connect with Christ and each other. There are four main types of groups that we use to facilitate this. Each group has different characteristics and involvement.
Spontaneous – These groups are less structured and happen naturally with those you know in the church and community. They may connect through meals, game nights, kid’s sports, afternoon coffee, etc.
Discipleship Groups – The focus of these groups is life on life relationships, disciple-making, and investing in each other’s lives. They include prayer and the Word, with a focus on discipleship
Body Life Groups – We need groups that help us grow in our study of God’s Word, digging into and applying it. We connect in this context to encourage others in the Word.
Ministry/Leadership Groups – We can connect also with those at Grace by serving in ministry together. We hone our leadership skills and use our time and our gifts, and we encourage others in theirs.
Grace Groups are magnetic. They draw new and even seasoned members into deeper and richer experiences of God’s grace in the gospel.
Why is this? Because Grace Groups are families of believers focused on the grace of God in Christ. And God’s grace is a force of gravity – moving mightily in people’s lives with Christ’s transforming power (Rom 6:14). Together we help each other move one step closer to Jesus as learners of Him.
Here’s the dynamic: Christ welcomes us into his family, so we eagerly welcome others to join us (Rom 15:7). Seeing our unconditional acceptance in the gospel, we freely share the depth of our weaknesses with one another (2 Cor 11:30). By the Holy Spirit’s power, our lives are changed, and instead of serving ourselves, we are compelled to serve one another (2 Cor 5:14). Being filled with all that Christ is for us in the gospel, we are propelled out into the world to love and serve our neighbors.