Living in commUNITY with others matters.
Group Model
We believe our church must grow larger and smaller at the same time. We grow larger to reach as many people as possible with the life-giving message of Jesus. We gather Groups to build commUNITY, care for people, and grow genuine relationships. Meaningful relationships can be hard to find, Groups exist to make life-changing relationships revenant and accessible to you.
We offer people...
A place to CONNECT
We were not made to do life alone. God created us for commUNITY, and Groups provide a place to connect with others, share life, and grow in faith together.
And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
EPHESIANS 2:22
A place to PROTECT
It is through life together that our problems become smaller, and God uses others to bring support and encouragement to our lives. Groups become a place where others don’t just know your name, but care about what is happening in your life and want to support you in your spiritual journey.
For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
JOHN 3:16
A place to GROW
We believe every person is created with God-given potential to make a difference in the world. Groups are a place you can grow with others to become more like Jesus and reach the potential God has put inside you.
As iron sharpens iron, So one person sharpens another.
PROVERBS 27:17
Semester Structure
We meet throughout the year weekly in three semesters:
Groups meet in a variety of places like homes, parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and office buildings. New groups start every semester making it easy to build community and enjoy different types of groups.
Each meeting is made up of 4 components:
Activity or Study
This will vary based on what kind of group you're leading. If you are a tennis group, make sure you play tennis!
Prayer
Pray changes things. Pray with your group. Take prayer requests, however, it can fit.
Spiritual Component
Set your group apart from the neighborhood book club or service organization. Bring a spiritual element to your group by adding scripture, prayer, and devotion. It's not so much about what you are doing but what God is doing.
What's Your Role as a Leader:
Help group members engage in their walk with God
We are all taking our next steps to engage our relationship with God our Father. Groups are the pillar of how we find freedom at Declaration. We journey towards it together! This is the Lord’s job, not yours, but we can help others identify a step, pray for them for that step and walk with them to take that step. People in your group will be at different places in their spiritual lives and each person will have different next steps to take.
Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds.
PROVERBS 27:23
Here is a guide of some next steps you can help people take:
Pray daily for your group memebers
Prayer is a foundation of our church, and it is important for your Group. 2 CHR 7:14
When you serve God and people by leading a Group, He will equip you and give you the strength and wisdom to lead well. God’s best is often found outside your comfort zone. PHIL 4:13, 2 TIM 1:7
How to Pray for Your Group:
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Pray for any requests group members share.
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Ask for the presence of the Holy Spirit in your group.
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Pray that God will open people’s hearts to hear His truth.
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Pray for an authentic community to develop.
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Pray for wisdom and strength to lead your group well.
How to Start a Group?
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ASK God for direction about what group to lead.
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DECIDE a place and time to meet.
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REGISTER your Group.
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INVITE people to sign up.
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PRAY for God to do great things through your Group!