| | | Care Groups
Although we enter into a relationship with God as individuals, we nevertheless enter into something greater than our own individuality: the church - the community of God's people. God never intended for us to live the Christian life alone. The Christian life is meant to be a shared life. We are called to encourage one another to love and good deeds, to carry one another's burdens, and to exercise our spiritual gifts for the building up of the body of Christ, the church.
At Sovereign Grace Community Church, care groups provide the best context for this shared life to be experienced. These groups meet 2 to 3 times a month.
The focus of the care group meeting is three-fold:
First there is the application of God's word to our lives. Merely hearing the word is not enough; we must apply it to our lives for there to be fruit. Care groups enable us to do this together. We do this primarily by reviewing the Sunday messages, and by discussing relevant articles and books.
Second is the pursuit of biblical fellowship. Care groups provide a place where we can build rich, honest, transparent relationships. It is a place to care for one another and help each other grow in our relationship with God.
The third focus of care group is to provide the opportunity for ministry to one another. God has made us dependent on each other and care groups provide a context where we can minister to each with the gifts God has given us. Meetings often include times of prayer for one another, opportunities for individuals to exercise spiritual gifts, and to hold each other accountable by giving and receiving counsel.
"By His grace, together we are being changed into the image of Jesus Christ through sanctification. Together we are experiencing mutual care, genuine fellowship, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We no longer see - we observe. We no longer simply attend - we participate. We no longer selfishly consume, instead we are carrying out God's purpose for our lives as we contribute to the building of the local church.“ C.J. Mahaney
For information about joining a group, you may call the church office at 651-430-2119. | |
