As the ONEchapel family grows we’re turning our attention to making certain that we all have opportunity to connect and grow in relationship with one another and as disciples of Jesus. Of course, there are numerous ways that we all do that, but here are some of the ideas we feel like Jesus is leading us to pursue.
Like many other churches, we will have larger weekend services and smaller groups. Both are valuable and part of connecting, growing and encouraging people. However, sometimes the big group can feel anonymous and lonely as people slip in the back, sit alone and leave early. Small groups should help but can also be intimidating to break into. Inviting a new person to a small intimate group can feel too vulnerable and threatening to some. We want to add one more medium-sized group where people can connect to ONEchapel. These groups will challenge us to take the message outside of the church walls, encourage shared experiences and welcome others who want to know more about this “Jesus” thing. Here are three ways we can make strong connections at ONEchapel!
COMMUNITY Weekend Services (UP)
Life in Christ is not to be practiced as an individual spirituality. We belong to a family that looks to our heavenly Father for everything and we are defined as a community by this posture. We are bound together by our belief in Jesus as we look to him, the author and finisher of our faith. This is our community of faith where each of us have chosen to belong to each other and have joined together for the cause of Christ in our city. The ONEchapel community is best represented by our weekend service where we join our voices together to worship God, share the Scriptures, to pray for and encourage one another. We belong to a community by gathering together, sharing values, beliefs and purpose.
CONNECTION Connect Groups (IN)
Jesus taught an inside-out approach to becoming godly. Christianity is not about rules and regulations, it’s about relationships and re-birth. The only way for any of us to experience long-term growth in Christ is to “do life” together with a core group of friends who share their struggles, dreams and victories with each other. Connect Groups take the form of small fellowship groups, bible studies, interest-based groups and individual discipling relationships. We belong to a connect group by meeting at least twice a month, regularly opening up our lives and challenging each other to follow Jesus. This is how we let Jesus and others in.
COMPASSION Compassion Groups (OUT)
Compassion is the emotion attributed to Jesus whenever he came into contact with people in need. A Compassion Group is a group formed by two or three small groups that join together for a focused mission in our city. Compassion groups organize themselves around an external outreach, serving or ministry opportunity. Each group is self-directed and designed to be a consistent event (i.e. at least every few weeks) that may include un-churched people who are invited to participate along side us to serve people in need. This is a non-threatening event and totally open to all, providing a place for people to find purpose and connection while embracing the compassionate heart of Jesus. Caring for the poor, feeding the hungry and tangibly loving those in need keep us focused on our mission while building relationships.
UP // We belong to a community that looks to our Heavenly Father for everything!
IN // We protect one another and grow together when we’re connected!
OUT // We have a mandate to GO and share the GOOD NEWS with compassion!
We have great days ahead together.
Ross
