Why Community Groups?

What makes community groups unique at Three Rivers?

  • Groups are led by pastors, elders, and experienced ministry leaders
  • Emphasis on studying the Bible, fellowship, and prayer
  • Community over a shared meal.

How do community groups fit into the overall life of Three Rivers?

Community groups are an essential component of discipleship at Three Rivers. One of the most effective means of discipleship is living life together through all its ups and down. Community groups are a place where you can let your guard down, be open and vulnerable about your struggles, and receive pastoral care, love, and support from fellow Christians. Paul instructed the church in Rome to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15). Because our world is broken, and we to tend live isolated lives, community does not happen automatically. That is why we are intentional about developing Christ-centered, life-on-life relationships, with the context of community at Three Rivers. It is our prayer that most members would be an active participant in a community group.

What is the purpose of community groups?

1. Discipleship

The goal of the Christian church is to make disciples. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20). Jesus commands us not just to win people to him, but to make disciples. Discipleship involves becoming more and more like Jesus Christ in thought, word, and deed. But the New Testament is clear that our discipleship is bound up with each other (Eph. 4:11-14; 1 Thess. 5:12-22; 1 Peter. 2:4-10). Discipleship is designed to happen in the context of a loving and caring fellowship. Community groups are the place where we can develop healthy relationships, find accountability, and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Fellowship and Hospitality

One of the best places to enjoy fellowship is in a small group setting, especially over a meal. It is amazing the number of times you read about Jesus sharing a meal with his disciples, and even with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:15)! Community groups are designed to be a time where relationships deepen, burdens are shared, and where mutual care and support are achieved (1 Cor. 12:24-26). It is nearly impossible to cultivate deep relationships on Sunday morning during worship. This is where community groups come in. These groups are a place where people are connected to the overall life of the church and where they can receive personal care, prayer, and support for specific needs. As friendships develop and relationships are fostered, the church grows horizontally in our unity with each other.

3. Cultivating Spiritual Gifts

God has equipped each believer with spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:4-6). Community groups are a place where believers can exercise their spiritual gifts to the benefit of the whole body of Christ. Whether your gift is teaching, hospitality, administration, mercy, encouragement, faith, or something else, community groups are designed to be a place where your gifts are discovered, nurtured, and used for the work of ministry, and the spread of the gospel.

4. Evangelism

Community groups are a safe place where you can invite your non-Christian friends, family, and neighbors. While entering a church building can be intimidating, entering the home of a neighbor is less threatening. Community groups are a place where those who are curious about Christianity, who are seeking truth, and who desire to know more, can find answers, fellowship and encouragement.