Community is one of Redeemer’s core values. Hence, we know it is essential to embody and commend the gospel through connecting with others, build relationships, and share life together. This is how community is formed. Large gatherings like worship can never foster the community that is formed when a small group of people gather to spend time in God’s Word, prayer, discussion, and sharing about life. We also believe gospel communities are the best place to cultivate missional living. We don’t want our communities to be an end in themselves. We want each community to purposefully advance the gospel through everyday life.
If you want more information about Gospel Communities email us at info@redeemer.cc.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gospel Communities
What does a Gospel Community look like?
We believe sustained life change happens best in gospel community (gc). A GC is made up of couples and/or individuals that meet together throughout the week in homes in our city.
In GCs you share life together, discuss and study God’s Word with others, pray together, and tackle some of life’s tough questions and challenges. We hope that you will find GC’s to to be a comfortable place where you can connect with and share life with others.
How much of my time is this going to take?
Gospel Community meetings last approximately 2 hours — 60 minutes for snacking, eating, and hanging out; 60 minutes for discussion and study. As Gospel Community members begin to build deeper relationships, they most likely will want to spend even more time together.
What are we going to do with our children during Gospel Community?
During the first hour of the meeting they hang out with the entire group. During discussion time communities have various childcare solutions—some people choose to hire a sitter to keep their children each week or even hire a sitter for the group, allow older children and youth to sit in with you for the discussion, and or have a couple of adults (rotating each week) that keep the kids in another area of the house. Even though it may not always seem convenient, we believe that older children will learn a great deal by spending time with their parents during discussion and prayer.
Will there be homework?
Homework is never mandatory in Gospel Communities but it will greatly enhance your understanding of the study and ability to contribute to the discussion. Most studies that encourage homework are not labor intensive and can easily be finished each week.
Am I going to have to talk or can I just sit and listen during meetings?
Gospel Communities are like family – sometimes you talk, sometimes you listen. No one is forced to talk or to lead the group. As the community develops, people become much more comfortable. We have discovered that people who seldom speak up in large groups will talk in GC’s.
Will I have to pray out loud?
No. Again, you are allowed to move, grow, at your own pace. When you want to share a prayer concern or pray out loud, you will be encouraged to do so.
Who else is going to be in the group?
Gospel Communities are formed by the leader inviting friends, neighbors or acquaintances.
How much do I have to know about the Bible?
None. Gospel Communities are all about learning the Bible not debating it or being tested on it.
If I don’t like it, can I leave without people being mad at me?
Yes, but most people build such community and relationships that they do not want to stop being part of the Gospel Communities.