Caring for One Another
As leaders of community groups at ROC, we’re here to grow in unity and to align ourselves to the gospel and the vision of the church. This does not mean our groups need to be uniform, but that our guiding principles are “on the same page.”
What follows is a recap of our August 18, 2019 CG leader meeting for the kickoff of the new year
Last year, we saw some exciting developments:
- Two new groups formed
- ~92 people at ROC involved in a group
- Development of new areas of ministry: missionary connections, training of new leaders, and serving others within and outside the CG
What we’re really doing is not developing clubs, but humbly being used by the Lord to serve his church. But sometimes that can be hard to quantify.
A Vision for Caring
If you had to define what makes a community group, what would come to mind? Or, put differently, how would you fill in this blank: if a community group does not do __________, it is not really a healthy group?
- Vulnerability: going deeper with each other
- Community: building relationships with one another as part of the broader covenant family of the church
- Gospel: a burning desire to see the gospel of Christ transforming our lives
- Caring for one another: beyond taking prayer requests on a bi-weekly basis!
The Community Group ministry seeks to be a vibrant expression of the Kingdom of God through renewed relationships by caring, encouraging, edifying, and teaching one another.
Why is caring a vital part of a community group?
- Psalm 8:4 – It is a part of God’s gracious nature to care. Caring for one another communicates the gospel to one another.
- Psalm 142:4 – We are creatures who need care, because we face distress and trials which affect our hearts, minds, and souls.
- Ezekiel 34:2-6 – We are creatures who need care, because we are often taken advantage of and devoured by others.
- Luke 10:37 – Jesus commands us to care for our neighbors.
- I Cor 12:21-26 – Caring for one another promotes unity among one another.
Skill Development as a Leader
How can we grow in leading our groups in caring for one another well? What are some things we can do to care for others in the group, and therefore lead others to follow our example?
- Pray (no, really, actually pray during your meetings! And between them!)
- Communicate well
- Listen/Remember
- Write/touch base
- Help where and when needed (keep in mind our diaconal meals ministry and broader deacon work)
- Plan (think proactively about how members of the group can care for one another)
