Community Groups by Eric Chin

“We are a church of Community Groups, not a church with Community Groups”

You’ve heard us say the above statement before, but what exactly does it mean? It means that Metro Life Church views Community Groups as an essential aspect of who we are and how we function as a church; it is not just another ministry we take part of. There is no better place for us to grow in our walk with God than in Community Groups. As we gather together in small groups we study Scripture, encourage one another, and pray for each other. 

We also have the opportunity to apply the Scriptures to our lives as we grow in sanctification. In James 1:22-25 ESV, we read, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” These verses have a warning for all of us. As we look into a mirror and make adjustments and changes as needed, we are called to not only study scripture, but apply it and allow it to make changes to our lives. It would be foolish for me to look into a mirror and say, “Looks good!” and make no changes! When I look at my life and compare it to the perfect Word of God, it is only natural for me to want to grow and change to look more like Christ. How many of us need to take this call from the book of James seriously? When we hear a Sunday Sermon, are we taking the time to apply it to our lives? Community Groups give us the opportunity and ability to do that with our brothers and sisters who love us.

Lastly, consider these words from Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” This is a clear reminder that we all can fall into a “habit” of not meeting together. I don’t know about you, but life seems to just get busier and busier. The older I get I have realized that life does not slow down. That means I need to prioritize the things that truly matter for eternity. Meeting with and being encouraged by fellow believers as I grow to look more like Jesus should certainly be at the top of those priorities. Please consider joining a Community Group this upcoming Term. Don’t just sign up. Attend. Stir up one another and encourage one another as we await His return.