Why Community Groups?

Posted on Aug 17, 2016 in General | 482

God has given us a vision for reaching the world for Christ one person at a time, with love, grace, and compassion. We accomplish this by “Changing Lives with the Truth” through biblical discipleship in a relational environment. Community Groups are the primary vehicle by which we carry out the vision of Victory.

When it comes to discipleship, relationships are the conduit that delivers the precious ingredients of discipleship. If we are to understand Jesus’ discipleship method, we must spend time talking about relationships. At Victory we believe that without true relationship, discipleship is not possible. Here are three reasons why:

1. More is Caught than Taught

In America we have developed a gathering mentality for growing christians spiritually. We gather in large assemblies using a lecture style format to teach people God’s Word. Don’t get me wrong, good things can happen in a large-group setting that cannot happen in a small group setting, but effective discipleship is not one of them.

At Victory, we believe that discipleship is most effective when done in a relational environment. We learn this from watching the greatest disciple-maker, Jesus. Jesus modeled for us the importance of relationships in the way He taught His disciples. He followed Deuteronomy 6:7: You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

Jesus spent time with His disciples daily teaching them as they did life together.

2. Two are Better than One

Ecclesiastes 4:9: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

Relationships not only help us grow and learn, but also give us strength for the journey. They help all of us complete the mission of going and making disciples.

3. Relationships Make the Message Real

True relationships with other believers can give us the love, support, and accountability that we all need to change and grow in our love for God and others. True relationships give nonbelievers a picture of what Jesus can do in and for them. When believers and nonbelievers can find in our churches what they know they need, their hearts soften and doors are opened.

I will be sharing in detail Victory’s vision for Community Groups in a 3 week series beginning Sunday August 28th at our 10 am Worship Service. I invite you to come and learn the importance of small group ministry.

We also invite you to come and join us for our 2016-2017 Community Group launch beginning the week of September 18th.