GRACE GROUPS
Staying connected between Sundays
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”. Heb 10:24-25
Important note - Grace Groups are forming as people express interest to both lead and participate. Information about current groups is listed below.
In the mean time, you can fill out a request to be notified when additional groups are posted and we'll let you know!
PURPOSE
The Bible persistently points to the priority of relationships. We’re encouraged to grow in our relationship with God, with one another, with our community and with the lost. Grace Groups (what we call our small groups) provides a context beyond the Sunday morning meeting to live out this biblical fellowship so that we can experience the grace of God at work through fellowship with one another.
Grace Groups: a group of people that meet together regularly for the purpose of building relationships that will spur each other on toward love and good deeds.
J.I.Packer says this helpfully "We should not think of our fellowship as a spiritual luxury, an optional addition to the exercises of private devotions. Fellowship is one of the great words of the New Testament: it denotes something that is vital to a Christian’s spiritual health, and central to the Church’s true life…The Church will flourish and Christians will be strong only when there is fellowship."(J.I. Packer, God’s Words)
We hope participation in Grace Groups grows as a priority for every member. We want every member to flourish! Growth in the Christian life and our ongoing progressive sanctification can be experienced in the context of a loving, caring fellowship. Whereas isolation can hinder spiritual growth, Grace Groups provide the encouragement, care, and meaningful accountability that helps us grow and keeps us from drifting (Heb 3:12-13). In all of this we want to continue applying the gospel because active involvement will enable you to see the power of the Gospel transform your life as you share your life with others.
PRACTICE
Grace Groups will usually consist of 6-12 adults who meet regularly in someone’s home. The focus and schedule is based on a number of factors so you're invited to check out the various groups to see what will work for you. The details of how each Grace Group walks out fellowship are unique, but the principles of each group are the same.
Here’s are some of the things you can expect in a particular Grace Group:
1) Can be geographically located
2) Can be topically organized – bible study, book study, DVD series etc
3) Discuss Sunday’s sermon and encourage application
4) Can be short or long term
5) Typically meet regularly throughout the month
6) Fellowship together (hangout, meal together, fun night etc )
7) Celebrate life’s events – birthdays, anniversary’s, life accomplishments etc
8) Disciple one another side by side
9) Study the Bible together
10) Pray together
11) Pursue meaningful accountability
12) Bear one another’s burdens
13) Provide support and help
14) Serve together and use your gifts
15) Do outreach, evangelism and mission work together.
Here are some things a Grace Group is not:
1) It is NOT a sermon
2) It is NOT merely a Bible Study
3) It is NOT merely a prayer meeting
4) It is NOT merely a social gathering
5) It is NOT just about the individual
6) It is NOT going to meet all your needs
Once again- Grace Groups are a group of people that meet together regularly for the purpose of building relationships that will spur each other on toward love and good deeds. We want to embrace this wholeheartedly!
(Re: child care -each group determines if and how they will provide child care. Be sure to talk with the group leaders).
For more information, fill out the form and we’ll have be back in touch with you!
GRACE GROUP LEADER'S TRAINING
If you're interested in leading a Grace Group, please send an email to info@rgcmd.org and we will be in touch with you soon.