Created for Community
Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT) ³⁷ Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) ¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

A Life-Group is a small group of people (3-12) that meet weekly or fortnightly in someone’s home or café to do life and discover faith together – and give opportunity for others in the journey of faith.
T.S. Eliot said, “There is no life that is not in community. And no community not lived in praise of God.”
When I mention the word community, different people are hearing different things.
Some are thinking back to the good ol days when we used to use the word ‘koinonia’ (κοινωνίᾳ) – it was a buzz word in churches. (mid week bible study [meeting]; Navigaters; BSF; KYB;
Millennials are dedicated to two communities: local and digital (born between 1980-2000). Millennials grew up recycling in kindergarten, will never wear a safari suit and are the first generation that does not know life before climate change.…
There isn’t an app for growing in community.
You were made to live in community. Community is theme that runs throughout Scripture. God has always been calling out a people for Himself, from creation (Adam and Eve) through to Israel, continuing with the church.
When Jesus came He came into community. He called a small group of disciples to live and walk with him (Mark 3:7-10,13-14). He modelled community. [Matthew 22 and Matthew 28 cultivate discipleship and friendship in small groups]
And so it was natural when the church was birthed in Acts 2 you see new communities… Paul, Peter, John and others developing groups of people into community (particularly in houses). [house church – Korea, Mallison, Roxburgh; Kraminski]

Acts 2:42-47 (NLT) ⁴² All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. ⁴³ A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. ⁴⁴ And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. ⁴⁵ They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. ⁴⁶ They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— ⁴⁷ all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Barriers to living in community (Carl George)

• Well-connected church members often don’t feel need for small groups because they are already connected. They may also resist because in a small-group-oriented church, power may be realigned.
• some tend to prefer less personal and traditional fellowship to the more personal nature and expectation of accountability within small groups.
• some expect pastoral care from ordained clergy only.
• some have had a negative small group experience (e.g., the leaders were not growing)
• some may have been taught models of small groups which are not open and expandable.
• those who have developed close friendships may fear the loss of what they have

Benefits of living in community (small groups) [Mark Howell]

• Grapes vs marbles – Small groups make churches personal.
• “Come over to my house” is a much easier invitation than “come with me to church.”Life groups in homes or cafes are increasingly more important as the transition to a post-Christian culture accelerates.
• Life groups provide the best opportunity for one-anothering 
• Life groups creates the space for intergenerational connection 
• Life groups are the vehicle for intentional pastoral care 
• Life groups can provide a sense of family for many whose biological family live far away. A small group—the right kind of small group experience—can play a role in providing a sense of family.

Over the coming weeks and leading into second term, there will be an emphasis on setting up the foundation and framework for a network of small groups – LIFE GROUPS – where leaders and hosts will be trained, people can find a place and a time and a group that suits, and those not yet involved in a small group will be encouraged to join in the adventure.

Current groups will continue, new ones will start, and we’ll journey together.