Community Matters

Just as God is a community of persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), being made in His image means we were made to flourish in community together. In community you can know and be known, love and be loved, and serve and be served. It is an opportunity to enjoy and embody the gospel together. Enjoying community together in smaller groups was a vital strategy for Christ in His own ministry and was a very effective means of strengthening each other and advancing the kingdom in the early church (Acts 2:46-47). This year each group will study the Word of God in the book of Romans together.

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FAQ's

What is a community group?

Community Groups are intentional communities designed around three things:

1) Growing in our knowledge and understanding of God’s word, 2) Deepening our relationships with Jesus Christ and each other, and 3) Serving each other and our communities. They meet weekly in homes for a time of fellowship, Bible study, and prayer (Roughly 1.5-2hrs).

Why should I join a Community Group?

Community is not an optional piece of the Christian life, but it is what we were created for and is modeled after the triune nature of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One of God’s promises throughout the Bible is that He will call a people for himself that they would be “his inheritance” (Ephesians 1:18) If you are united to Jesus Christ by faith, you belong to him and are now made part of the glorious kingdom of which “there will be no end” (Luke 1:33).  As part of this kingdom, you are united to other believers, through Christ. Without Christ, there is no Christian community!

When believers gather together, God promises to do extraordinary things through ordinary means – gathering, reading his Word, praying. Community Groups are an invitation to the very thing that we were created for, “Glorifying God and enjoying Him forever” (WSC #1). We need one another to live in light of this reality. Life in Christ is life together.

When do Community Groups start meeting?

The week of September 10, 2023.

How many people will be in each group?

We aim to keep group sizes around 15 people but some groups may be more or less

What is Church Center?

Church Center is Good Shepherd’s information and communication hub for our community groups (along with many other facets of church life). Please go ahead and download the app to connect with your group. Your Leader/Host will help you navigate this tool if you have questions.

Where and when do the Community Groups meet?

Groups meet at church members’ homes throughout the area on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights.

What do I do with my kids?

Several of our community groups offer childcare at the church. Whether a group is offering childcare or not is listed on the group’s page. Each group will have at least 2 babysitters already screened (background checks) by the church. Many of our sitters are already apart of our church community. Plan to feed your kids before dropping off each week.

Help! I really want to be in a specific group but it is full.

If a group is full, reach out to the Leader or Host. We will work to get you plugged into that specific group or another one that meets your needs.

Will there be food?
We believe that sharing meals together as believers is important! Most groups will offer meals or some sort of snack option.
What If I have more questions?

If you have any additional questions please email our Community Group coordinators Mallory Vangsnes or Ryan Vangsnes.

Mallory & Ryan Vangsnes

Community Group Coordinators