Ministries > Group Life
Resources For Groups
No matter what your background—grew up in church, never set foot in church, experienced with small groups, not sure what “group life” means, just reading this because the photo caught your eye…whatever, we want you to know that you are invited to be a part of Group Life.
For us here at Rockpointe, Group Life, or living in small groups, sets the foundation for what an abundant life in Christ can be, as well as what that means in the context of a whole community. We view our groups as a massive, subversive force for the Kingdom of God! That means that our groups have the potential to be world-changers, one loving choice at a time.
Intrigued? Read on, and come join us at one of our Thursday Gathering Points (generally the 1st Thursday of the month—watch your Sunday bulletin for details) to learn more.
Our groups are made up of 8-12 adults (18+) and meet at least twice a month at various locations in the area. Each group has a unique mix of people (some are just mixed up!), but all groups are focused on the pursuit of 5 core practices…
5 Practices
unity, mission, scripture
worship, transformation
We believe that, rather than giving groups a list of things to do, it is far more effective for groups to have a set of core practices to live by. This gives groups great freedom to live life together in ways that are creative and diverse, while being intimately meaningful for each individual group. Groups pursue the practices in a variety of ways including study, action and prayer.
Pursue Unity
Be devoted to God and the fellowship of believers.
“My prayer is not for them alone, I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
John 17:20-23 (NIV)
Join the Mission
Humbly proclaim the gospel in both words & deeds of justice & mercy.
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8 (NIV)
“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what GOD is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”
Micah 6:8 (The Message)
Live the Scripture
Engage scripture and integrate it into life.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.”
James 1:22-25 (NIV)
Offer Worship
Bring all the spheres of life under God.
“Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”
Romans 12:1 (NIV)
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.”
Romans 12:1 (The Message)
Be Transformed
Prioritize character development and faithful living at all times.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Sounds great…how do I join?
We are launching groups periodically throughout the year, so there are plenty of opportunities to jump into new groups that are forming. Please contact Laura Edghill, Community Life Pastor (laura@rockpointe.org or 586.939.8590) to get connected. And definitely start joining us for the Gathering Points!
Gathering Points
Our Gathering Points are open to anyone, but are targeted towards those who are involved in groups, or moving in that direction. Through prayer, worship, story-sharing and encouragement, each of these evenings is designed to enhance your experience in Group Life. Gathering Points are at 7 p.m. on the 1st Thursday of the following months: February, March, April, May, June, September, October and November. Childcare is provided for infants-6th grade. Watch your bulletin for details about each upcoming Gathering Point.
