42 "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2.42-27)
At Church of the Redeemer, we worship a God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) who has created us in His image to be personal and relational people. We are designed for fellowship, community, and love towards Him and towards others. Therefore, we want our church to reflect this truth by placing a great deal of emphasis on how we gather outside our corporate church services.
A community group is a visible reminder of the power of Koinonia (greek word for "taking part in something with somebody) at work in our lives. These groups share a common purpose and unity in the midst of all our diversity.
They meet for:
Biblical Truth and Teaching
Prayer
Sharing a meal
and Fellowship
Here are some of our driving purposes and activities:
1. Qualified leadership who sense their calling is to shepherd the group. The leadership will serve in a leadership capacity for the entire church.
2. Gatherings that reflect "seasons" of life. There are times in the year that Community Groups gather in homes (rotating) and times where all Community Groups gather together for a time of food, worship and teaching, and Community Group discussion and prayer.
3. Intergenerational in nature: Children, singles, students, and married families all joining together.
5. A balance of teaching, fellowship, prayer, and breaking of bread.
6. A commitment to pursue a common "mission" involving some form of service, ministry, compassion, or justice into our community.
7. Each community group forms a team that helps service on a regular basis at our worship services.
