Community Groups (Small Groups)

Right now at Church of the Suncoast we are looking at our Community Groups (small groups) and seeing if they are really hitting the mark. I have been frustrated with the groups process this past year. We have not seen huge numbers of "new" people get plugged into a group. We get a few groups going for a semester (we do semester groups) and then they dwindle down and it usually becomes the same people over and over again. Not saying that good things have not happened with them. Some real friendships have been made and some life change has taken place. But it is a huge effort (mainly on my part) and it seems like we are fighting the wind instead of throwing up a sail and harnessing it.

As I was praying through this yesterday here were some of my thoughts:

People's Need's (as they see them)
> Someone to hear them
> Someone to encourage them
> A break from "life"
> Some direction
> To laugh
> A place to belong
> A "3rd place"

Spiritual Needs Met in Community
> Learning how to pray
> Learning how to read the Bible
> Praying for each other
> Sharing burdens
> Care

Obstacles Between These

1. People are BUSY
2. People are skeptical of opening up and going to a "strangers" home
3. Child care (we are portable and do vouchers for people to get their own care but still an obstacle)
4. People already have friends and don't see the need for community

I also want to get our groups or whatever we do more focused on the community and the mission of the church overall. We need to be serving the community more I think.

So there is where I am at as I plan for 2010. I know people need community. I know we need to connect more "new" people into community if we are going to close the backdoor we have. Praying for guidance.

Would love to hear from you too! Leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail at brian@canthisbechurch.com