In lieu of Sunday evening services, Parkway Place members are encouraged to actively participate in community groups*. Community groups are “life groups” made up of individuals, couples, and/or families who want to grow together spiritually, “do life together”, and reach people through serving together and sharing the Good News both locally and globally.
Just like believers in the early church met in groups within their homes–fellowshipping around meals, giving sacrificially to one another, and teaching the Gospel to those who did not know Jesus–so too do we want to foster environments that describe those early followers of Christ. Many community groups have been formed around neighborhood proximity, others on common interests. Like life, our community groups are varied, flexible, and open to you to join. Many groups have snacks or share a meal. Discussion follows, that allows for deeper connections in a safe environment. Some groups use the sermon discussion guide available each week, while others dive off into other studies. As relationships build and personal connections are made, a natural outflow is to also start serving together. Community groups are a tremendous resource ready to be mobilized for both local and global disciple-making opportunities.
Here’s how some participants describe their community groups:
Our format allows for a closer relationship than we can achieve in a church setting….Recently a group was asked why they come to community group. Some responses were: “we need family support and the community group is that family.”
“I need a closer connection with others than is possible during a 50-minute Bible Study time.” — Howard Davis
“Our community group has a service format. We have some kind of project a couple of Saturdays each month. We’ve done projects as varied as moving a huge pile of dirt, cleaning gutters, small maintenance jobs, and painting. We didn’t want to just eat and meet — we wanted to get out and do things for others.” — John & Terri Shipe
“I was hesitant to join a community group at first because I wasn’t so sure that I wanted to open up to a bunch of folks that I didn’t know so well. However, my attitude quickly changed. It became apparent why Jesus’ early followers met in homes and were not in a hurry to rush out and build church buildings. The ability to seek the support of fellow Christians adds a dimension to church that will not be found in any other format. Now it is hard for me to see myselfl belonging to a church that doesn’t have community groups.” — Steve Teague
“We have several age ranges represented. We have couples, never-marrieds, widows and divorced people and the blend is rewarding to all of us. Everyone shares their heart, we enjoy a meal together, we laugh a lot…..we have all become close and genuinely enjoy one another’s company.” – Shirley Ezelle
If you would like to get connected to a community group, contact Beverly Bale at our church offices.
Members: Check out available community groups.
* While many of our community groups meet on Sunday evenings, several meet at other times of the week. We recognize that people and occupations have many different schedules. Don’t let your calendar be an excuse – join a group today!
