Vision & Values for Community: Acceptance, Encouragement, Accountability & Care- Living in community isn’t a new idea. It’s God’s idea.
And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other and even more so because you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25
They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
The world says to keep others at a distance and work through problems in isolation with self-help books and TV shows. But in Genesis 2:18, God said it isn’t good for man to be alone. When you examine the Scriptures it’s easy to see why. The benefits of living in community are many, and so are the dangers of living in isolation.
The Bible provides excellent examples of what living in community could and should look like. God lives in eternal community, Jesus lived in community with his 12 disciples, and the early church lived in community. Now it’s your turn.
- True community doesn’t develop over night, but if you’re dedicated, your Community Group will soon begin to accept one another, encourage each other to grow spiritually, begin to be accountable to and for each other and feel cared for in a way that should push us to love others and tell them about Christ’s love. - Vision & Values for Biblical Community (pdf)
- Best Practices for community group growth- How to Grow (pdf)
- Spiritual Assessment Survey (pdf)
How to Get Started
- Starting a group- Leader Training Manual (pdf)
- Discuss expectations for the group and get aligned- Group Alignment (pdf)
- Discuss goals for your group – Vision & Values for Biblical Community (pdf)
- Solidify what the group discussed- Group Covenant (pdf)
Get to Know Each Other
- The art of facilitation- Leader Training Manual (pdf)
- Get to know your group and each other’s story- Community 101 (workbook-ask your director) or Life Maps (pdf)
- Experience real community- Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them(book)
- Build your spiritual foundation as you get to know your group- Experiencing God’s Story of Life and Hope (book)
- Jump start your group- Marriage Retreat (pdf)
- Curriculum Ideas- Community Group Curriculum Options (excel)
Equip Yourself as the New Leader
- Learning Biblical leadership – Leader Training Manual (pdf) & Spirit-Led vs Self-Led Leader (pdf)
- Giving wise counsel- Counseling Through Your Bible Handbook (book) & Shepherding Using the Biblical Counseling Keys (pdf)
- Tips for facilitating a group discussion- Leader Training Manual (pdf)
- Dealing with conflict- Conflict Resolution Guide (pdf)
- You are not alone in this- Contact the community team
