Community Groups Ministry Philosophy

Purpose

Community Groups at Redeeming Grace Church exist to cultivate gospel-centered relationships that encourage growth in Christlikeness, foster unity in the body, and equip disciples to live faithfully on mission. These groups are an essential environment for applying God’s Word in everyday life, bearing one another’s burdens, and expressing the love and fellowship of the church.

Biblical Foundations

  • Discipleship – We gather in homes and smaller settings to help one another grow in maturity in Christ (Colossians 1:28; Hebrews 10:24–25).

  • Fellowship – We share our lives and joys and sufferings in authentic community (Acts 2:42–47; Romans 12:10–16).

  • Prayer – We depend together on the Lord in prayer for spiritual strength and gospel advancement (Acts 1:14; James 5:16).

  • Mission – We live as witnesses to the gospel, inviting others into our homes and lives (Matthew 28:18–20; 1 Peter 2:9–10).

Alignment with Our Mission and Vision

The mission of Redeeming Grace Church is to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ who partner together in the Church’s mission to make disciples and witness to the world for the glory of God. Community Groups are one of the primary ways we carry out this mission together.

Our vision to present each member mature in Christ is expressed as Community Groups foster:

  • Spiritual maturity through personal application of Scripture

  • Unity and love within the body of Christ

  • Ongoing discipleship and mutual care

  • Missional engagement with unbelievers

Core Commitments

Each Community Group aims to embody the following values in practice:

  1. Word-Centered – Groups are shaped by the Bible, with discussion focused on the application of Scripture and sermons.

  2. Relationally-Driven – Authentic relationships are cultivated through hospitality, vulnerability, and time together.

  3. Prayer-Saturated – Groups regularly intercede for one another, our church, and our community.

  4. Mission-Focused – Each group looks outward, seeking to include unbelievers and disciple newer believers.

  5. Mutual Ministry – All members are encouraged to use their spiritual gifts to serve one another and bear burdens (Galatians 6:2; 1 Peter 4:10).

Structure and Oversight

  • Community Groups meet weekly or biweekly in homes throughout the region.

  • Each group is led by trained leaders approved and shepherded by the Elders.

  • Leaders facilitate discussion, care for members, and model spiritual maturity and hospitality.

  • Curriculum and study material are typically aligned with the Sunday sermon series or other elder-approved resources.

  • The Discipleship Pastor provides ongoing training, encouragement, and oversight for group leaders.

Desired Outcomes

  • Every member of Redeeming Grace Church actively participates in a Community Group.

  • Believers grow in spiritual maturity and Christlike love.

  • Group members are equipped and encouraged to disciple others.

  • Gospel outreach flows naturally through shared lives and open homes.

  • The church grows stronger in unity, mission, and love.

Conclusion

Community Groups are not an optional supplement to church life—they are an essential expression of our identity as God’s redeemed family on mission together. Through these groups, Redeeming Grace Church lives out its values of love, truth, family, and mission in tangible and transformative ways.

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:35