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Community Groups

Goal of Community Groups

“The primary goal for the Community Group is to develop a Christian community where Jesus Christ is experienced in His presence and power, and where lives are transformed by the Gospel through mutual ministry.”
Tim Keller

Definition of a Community Group:

Community Groups are small gatherings of people that meet regularly for the purpose of shared lives, friendship, prayer and study, and to engage in the mission of Jesus in dependence upon God and each other.

Four practices:

  1. Share life and truth – We will share life with others throughout the week with honesty, transparency and sacrifice. We will depend upon God’s truth to guide, encourage, admonish and empower us.
  2. Pray – for one another and our community. Community Groups pray regularly for one another, their neighbors, and their city because they know that it is ultimately God who renews the city.
  3. Engage people and our community – The Community Group engages individuals and groups in our city with genuine interest, love, and the hope of redemption. We are called to live with an outward focus.
  4. Love one another – The Community Group is bound together by mutual love and encouragement. We’re a family learning to live out of the Gospel.


Four principles:

  1. We are all broken: We are all more broken than we want to admit, and God is more holy than we comprehend. We are an imperfect community united by the transforming truth of the gospel of grace.
  2. We all need Jesus: In Jesus we are more forgiven and accepted than we can imagine, and God is more delighted in us than we understand. We will point each other to Jesus for hope and change.
  3. We all need one another: We need each other to share our struggles and joys in following Jesus.
  4. The world needs the gospel: The gospel of Christ changes and renews the peoples and cultures of the world.

Community Group FAQ

Answers

Why should I join a Community Group?
We will experience Christ deeper in the context of relationships. God has created us and called us to live in community. Life is difficult and we need to be known and to know others. Community Groups are the main place where our church functions, exists, and acts like a family.

What happens during a typical Community Group?
People will experience friendship and love as they learn together, pray for one another, share joys and struggle, and discuss how they will serve their community together. They typically involve a meal, a biblical discussion, and an informal time of prayer.

When and where do Community Groups meet?
Groups either meet on a Sunday evening or on a weeknight. Groups typically meet for an hour and a half. Check out our list of Community Group meeting locations and meeting times.

How big is each Community Group?
The ideal size is between 8-15 people. If a group grows larger than 15, then it is difficult to maintain intimacy and to provide adequate time for sharing and learning.

How do I join a Community Group?
If you are interested in joining a Community Group, contact Phil Chambers, phil@cccbham.org. If you'd like to see group locations and meeting times click here. If you would like to start or host a new CG, please contact the church office.

What do groups study?
Each group picks their own curriculum that has been approved by the CCC leadership. There are a variety of options: DVD series, Bible reading, book reviews and topical studies.

What about my children?
Each group will decide individually how to handle the oversight of children in the group.

I’m not/don’t know if I’m a Christian. Can I attend a Community Group?
Absolutely! Joining a community group is one of the best ways for you to find out more about Jesus and to see what Christians are like. If you have questions then there are people there to gently help you process through them.