Gospel Communities

Hello Church family! I wanted to take a moment to update you on all God has been doing in our Gospel Communities.

Last year when I was hired as the Discipleship and Spiritual Formations Pastor my primary goal was to settle in, get to know people and help develop a more robust small groups structure. I knew coming into the position that the Church already had existing small groups that were doing well and I was looking forward to building on a foundation that had already been established by the faithful work of others.
 
I didn’t want to come in and reinvent the wheel or pretend as if I had some groundbreaking method of discipleship that was going to “change everything!”. Rather, I wanted to enter into this work with humility knowing that Jesus had already set the precedent and clearly showed us what disciple making was all about. Disciple making generally isn’t flashy and doesn’t revolve around well developed programs or exciting events. It’s a steady investment of time and energy in the lives of others through the love of Christ in us. It isn’t about knowing all the right answers to every question or being the person who steps in to fix every problem. It’s about pointing others to Christ over and over again and allowing others to do the same for us. It’s about opening our hearts and homes in order to invite people into our life to be our family in Christ.

We ended up deciding to call our small groups “Gospel Communities” because we wanted to emphasize the fact that our groups are centered around the Gospel of Jesus. We summarize Gospel Community as, “A group of Christ-followers living on mission together.” Typically, these groups have up to around 15 people in them who gather regularly to encourage one another in the Gospel, care for each other, and make disciples together in the everyday rhythms of life.

We desire to see each brother and sister in the body of Christ find a place that they call home. We want everyone to feel connected and cared for. This is a vital part of making disciples; living life together in the Lord and devoting ourselves to growing up in Christ. Gospel Community isn’t a program to join or a Bible study to attend; it’s obedience to the call of loving one another as the scripture teaches. It’s a place of joy and laughter, but also a place where tears can fall freely and support is found in hard seasons.

In September of 2025, we launched 10 new Gospel Communities, bringing our total to 18, with three more currently in development. Our waiting list, which once reached around 80 people, is now down to about 40. If you’re still on the waiting list, please know this isn’t about being overlooked or left behind. You haven’t been forgotten. We’re trusting God’s timing and the leading of the Holy Spirit as these groups form organically.

Right now, we ask that you continue to join us in praying that God would build these Gospel Communities and bless them abundantly. Specifically we are asking God to provide more leaders so we can start more Gospel Communities.

If you’re interested in becoming a leader, please click the button below for more information.

I want to end with praising God for his goodness and faithfulness! I’ve heard many encouraging stories of how God is at work within our Gospel Communities; deepening relationships, strengthening faith, and allowing people to truly share life together. Let’s celebrate all that God is doing in this church body!

With Love,
Josh