WHY DO WE HAVE COMMUNITY GROUPS?
Authentic Community is one of our core values at Sojourn. God intends that we live in authentic and intentional community. We desire to be real, take off our masks, genuinely know and care for each other, and grow together in our faith. Ultimately our vision is for all of our people to be doing life together in community. We will not thrive if we try to do life alone. Our community groups exist to help facilitate authentic community at Sojourn.
WHAT IS A COMMUNITY GROUP?
A “community group” at Sojourn is any group that meets regularly to grow in relationship with God and each other. Some groups are seasonal and some are ongoing. The following are several examples of different types of community groups:
The options are endless. There are many creative ways to gather with a group of people to grow in relationship with God and each other.
WHEN DO COMMUNITY GROUPS MEET?
Our groups at Sojourn meet in the fall from August through November and then we take a break for the holidays. Groups pick back up February through May and then take a break for the summer. Some groups are ongoing and follow this pattern each year. Groups can also meet with a short term plan to do a Bible study or read a book together during the fall or spring semester. August and February are the months for our current groups to start back up and for new groups to start. During the fall and spring semesters, most groups plan to gather twice a month, but the rhythm is totally up to the group.
WHERE DO COMMUNITY GROUPS MEET?
Most groups are hosted in someone's home or in the church building. Meeting in homes provides a comfortable and intimate setting to gather. Using the church building is also a popular option with lots of meeting space and also space in the kids ministry wing for babysitting children.
WHO CAN LEAD A COMMUNITY GROUP?
Anyone can lead a community group. Having a desire to gather a group of people regularly to grow in relationship with God and each other is all you need to start a group. You don't have to be a teacher. You don't have to be a veteran in the faith. All you need is a plan to gather and grow with a group of people.
WHAT SUPPORT IS OFFERED TO COMMUNITY GROUP LEADERS?
Starting a community group is a big deal and we want to make sure every leader has the support they need. Here's a simple breakdown of how this works...
Authentic Community is one of our core values at Sojourn. God intends that we live in authentic and intentional community. We desire to be real, take off our masks, genuinely know and care for each other, and grow together in our faith. Ultimately our vision is for all of our people to be doing life together in community. We will not thrive if we try to do life alone. Our community groups exist to help facilitate authentic community at Sojourn.
WHAT IS A COMMUNITY GROUP?
A “community group” at Sojourn is any group that meets regularly to grow in relationship with God and each other. Some groups are seasonal and some are ongoing. The following are several examples of different types of community groups:
- Bible Study Group - This group gathers to study and discuss the Bible together.
- Book Group - This group gathers to read and discuss a gospel-centered book together.
- Sermon Discussion Group - This group gathers to discuss the sermons from Sojourn and talk about how to apply the gospel in everyday life.
- Prayer Group - This group gathers to pray for each other, for the church, for our city, and/or for the world.
- Mom’s Playdate Group - This is a group of mothers who gather at a local playground to connect and let their kids play.
- Supper Group - This group gathers to share a pot-luck meal and talk about life.
- Active Group - This group gathers to workout, play a sport, hike, etc. and pray for each other.
- Early Morning Breakfast Group - This group gathers for coffee or breakfast to talk about life, encourage each other, and pray.
The options are endless. There are many creative ways to gather with a group of people to grow in relationship with God and each other.
WHEN DO COMMUNITY GROUPS MEET?
Our groups at Sojourn meet in the fall from August through November and then we take a break for the holidays. Groups pick back up February through May and then take a break for the summer. Some groups are ongoing and follow this pattern each year. Groups can also meet with a short term plan to do a Bible study or read a book together during the fall or spring semester. August and February are the months for our current groups to start back up and for new groups to start. During the fall and spring semesters, most groups plan to gather twice a month, but the rhythm is totally up to the group.
WHERE DO COMMUNITY GROUPS MEET?
Most groups are hosted in someone's home or in the church building. Meeting in homes provides a comfortable and intimate setting to gather. Using the church building is also a popular option with lots of meeting space and also space in the kids ministry wing for babysitting children.
WHO CAN LEAD A COMMUNITY GROUP?
Anyone can lead a community group. Having a desire to gather a group of people regularly to grow in relationship with God and each other is all you need to start a group. You don't have to be a teacher. You don't have to be a veteran in the faith. All you need is a plan to gather and grow with a group of people.
WHAT SUPPORT IS OFFERED TO COMMUNITY GROUP LEADERS?
Starting a community group is a big deal and we want to make sure every leader has the support they need. Here's a simple breakdown of how this works...
- CG Leader Dinners - We will host a dinner for all community group leaders 2-3 times a year for the purpose of support, encouragement, camaraderie, equipping, and vision.
- Personal Coaching - Josh Maloy is the pastor who oversees community groups at Sojourn. Each leader will have a planned meeting with Josh twice a year (fall and spring). This meeting will serve as a place to celebrate the highs and think through solutions for the challenges of your group. This is also a great opportunity to invest in your personal health as a leader. Leadership is always challenging and we want to make sure our leaders are supported and cared for.
- Open Door - As a community group leader you have access to Pastor Josh throughout the entire year. You don't have to wait until the next CG leaders dinner or your next personal coaching meeting. If you have a question, need help with a challenging situation, or need an extra meeting, contact Josh and he will be glad to help.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
If you want to be involved in a community group but don’t know where to start, fill out the form below. Our staff would LOVE to get you connected with a group!
If you want to be involved in a community group but don’t know where to start, fill out the form below. Our staff would LOVE to get you connected with a group!
WANT TO HOST A GROUP?
If you want to host a community group, or are already hosting a group of people who are meeting to deepen their relationships with each other and with Jesus, please fill out the form below. We want to help and encourage everyone who is facilitating a community group.
If you want to host a community group, or are already hosting a group of people who are meeting to deepen their relationships with each other and with Jesus, please fill out the form below. We want to help and encourage everyone who is facilitating a community group.