Environments

There is a beautiful African concept called "Ubuntu" which can be understood as, "I am what I am because of who we all are." The Apostle Paul once said, "Now, you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." When I think of these two phrases I realize 2 things:

1. We are not self-made. Rather, who I am today is a result of the people who I have been in relationship with. Employers, acquaintances, exes, family, friends, etc. 

2. We belong to something larger than ourselves. Jesus has "added me as a friend" to something much bigger than his Facebook profile. He's added me to his Kingdom. Far from being a pretty face on the team; I'm an essential highly-sought-after member. And so are you. 

It is through relationship with God and others that we discover who we are and why we were made. Some would argue that you cannot separate "loving God" and "loving others" because they are one and the same. In other words, the journey towards maturity of faith does not begin in isolation but in community. 

Shared Community is the initiative to facilitate environments for relationships to be started, nurtured and deepened so that, according to Galatians 4:19- "Christ is formed in us."

In the past we focused on "Living Groups" as the only environment to develop these relationships. We are now expanding this to a much wider focus because we understand that people are in different journeys of life. Like we mentioned before, the distance of WANTING community and actually experiencing it is sometimes long and filled with obstacles. 

So here are the different environments that make up SHARED COMMUNITY: 

GATHERINGS- ("let's have fun together") This is about organizing "events" open to everyone. These Gatherings are intentional about being a place where friendships can begin.

Your possible next step: 1. If you and some friends want to organize a gathering talk with us (Omar or Kristen) and we can help promote it or help you with some ideas. 2. Plan on attending the next "gathering" that occurs.

CLASSES - ("let's learn together") This a topic or interest focused group or class where people learn together. The topics and interests can vary from Bible Studies to Financial Peace University to Marriage enrichment. They have a definite start and end date.

Your possible next step: 1. You could facilitate a class. There are many DVD-based Bible Studies that we could purchase and then you provide a place to host this and of we go. 2. You could sign-up for a class.

MENTORSHIP- ("let's meet together") The power of a listening ear and an open heart is emphasized in this environment. It's about being present. The mentor is not an expert but someone who is offering their presence to someone who is new to faith, new to the city, new to church.

Your possible next step: 1. Consider the idea that everything in life has prepared you to be an amazing mentor. 2. Talk with Omar or Kristen if you are interested in being a mentor.

LIVING GROUPS- ("let's do life together") This environment is intentional about building and deepening relationships with one another. The purpose of these groups extend beyond "meeting together once a week" but about "doing life together". In many ways, this group is the culmination of all 3 other environments. It's where people "have fun together", "learn together" and "meet together".

Your possible next step: 1. Have patience. This isn't going to be instant. It's going to take time. If you are interested in facilitating a group we ask that you fill out an online application and then Omar or Kristen will meet with you. 2. Attend a large gathering, join a class, become a mentor, get to know people. Meet the person next to you. Invite people over to your place. Put into motion your heart for community now.

If you have questions or comments please email lifegroups@citycentrechurch.com or omar@citycentrechurch.com.

Also, please check our FB page within the next few weeks for more info as things develop, grow and emerge.