What is A Connection Group?
A group of 4-12 people seeking to become more like Jesus by sharing life together, engaging with God in prayer and Scripture and putting it into action by making more disciples. This boils down to 3 basic ingredients:
- LIFE: Connecting with one another, building authentic relationships, knowing and being known, sharing life.
- FAITH: Engaging God’s word together, seeking God’s presence in prayer, learning and growing as disciples.
- ACTION: Putting what we learn into action, taking risks together, ministering to and with one another, becoming disciples who make disciples.
What is the purpose of Connection Groups?
Connection Groups exist to help us fulfill the mission that Jesus gave the church in Matthew 28:18-20:
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
One word: Discipleship. We’re here to help people grow as disciples (transformation) and make new disciples (multiplication).
What does it mean to be in a Connection Group?
Connection Groups need a clear sense of identity and purpose in order to thrive. Many groups find it helpful to create their own “Group Covenant” or “Commitments.” These are the 5 Core Commitments we ask our Connection Groups to focus on, but you are welcome to build on them and add other aspects specific to your group:
- Showing Hospitality and Love: Welcoming everyone as Christ welcomed us and loving as Christ loves us
- Sharing Life: Getting beyond surface-level interactions to build true relationships of encouragement through the highs and lows, victories and failures of life
- Getting Honest: Pursuing authenticity so we can grow in holiness and freedom in Christ
- Keeping Trust: Honoring everyone the way we would want to be, keeping what’s shared in groups confidential
- Seeking Transformation & Multiplication: Seeking the truth of God’s word to transform our lives and encouraging one another to connect others with Jesus and the new life he offers.
What does it NOT mean?
Being in a Connection Group is not an opportunity to gossip, bring negativity, or get self-help. Neither is it meant to be a substitute for in-person Sunday worship. Connection Groups are not simply Bible Studies or Fellowship Groups. As you consider joining a Connection group, we ask that you pray, prepare, and ready yourself to be open and vulnerable to God and others. Expect that this experience will grow and shape you in new ways!
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.
Matthew 18:20
At Connection Community Church, we want everyone to become a disciple of Jesus. To do this, we offer intentional paths to spiritual growth, especially Small Groups, or “Connection Groups.”
- There are a wide variety of options— couples, women, men, young adults, special interests, etc.
- Groups are not defined by duration, purpose, or meeting times.
- Groups meet in people’s homes, via Zoom, or other locations as agreed upon by the small group members.
Questions?
The Connection Groups ministry is led by Nancy Johnston. Please feel free to contact Nancy if you have any questions about Connection Groups. You can also contact the church office.
Nancy Johnston, Connection Groups leader: groups@connectioncc.org
Church Office: connect@connectioncc.org