What is a Real Community?
A place where individuals are being Christ to each other, knowing and being known, loving and being loved, using the giftings God has given each of us to serve the other.

A process in which we move with a group of people into becoming more like Jesus; from  independence to interdependence, invulnerability to vulnerability, lack of accountability to the presence of accountability.

A proof to the watching world that God exists and is at work. (John 13:34-35)

What is a Community Group?
A Community Group is a gathering of 3-15 people who meet consistently for the purposes of connecting relationally and growing spiritually.

How often do Community Groups meet?
To meet the definition of a Community Group our people are encouraged to meet two to four times a month (consistently enough to develop relationships). Regular meetings of this type can be short term, or long term – from six weeks to a year or more. 

Are all Community Groups the same?
Our goal is to provide a healthy environment where people experience real community and spiritual growth. The following options are the manner in which we try to achieve this:

Short Term Groups – we want to provide people with the opportunity to study more deeply about particular subjects and begin to get to know each other in a learning environment.

Interest Based Groups – the purpose of interest based groups is to gather people around a particular interest such as a sport or hobby.

Ministry Based Groups – these groups provide training and ministry for those who would like to serve the church in prayer, physical and emotional healing and deliverance, spiritual growth and recovery.

Home Based Groups – give the opportunity for people to meet together regularly for the purpose of spiritual growth and fellowship. These groups have four elements: welcome, worship, word and wrap up.

Why should I join a Community Group?
God created us to depend on each other. Nothing of value is developed in a relational vacuum. Joining a Community Group is the first step in growing relationally. Community Groups provide support, friendship, accountability, relationship and fun. Just attending a Community Group helps defeat the isolation often experienced by people in our culture.

Who leads a Community Group?
Leaders are approved by the Community Pastors. A short training as well as ongoing support is required to ensure health and success of groups.

Can I start my own group and get training as a leader?
Anyone with a desire to lead a small group is welcome to schedule an interview with one of the Community Pastors. Our team provides numerous tools and training opportunities for leaders, facilitators, and hosts to grow. We want to make sure you have what you need to be successful.

Where do Community Groups meet?
We have groups that meet in different venues. For example, some meet in homes or at a local restaurant or meeting room. Others meet in office buildings or here at The Rock in one of our meeting rooms.

Is there childcare available?
It depends on the group, so you should contact the leader to find out. Directories are available at the information center.

How do I join a Community Group?
You can learn more about community groups during one of our Community Weekends, which are held three times a year, usually in January, June and September. You can also check out our Community Group wall display in the lobby.

Vision (where we want to be): We want everyone at the Rock connected to real relationships that help them grow. 

Mission (why we exist): The Rock Community Leadership team builds groups that have the goal of bringing our community into harmony with and dependence upon each other and God and his guiding requirements for life. 

Values (how we act in the process): We are real, relational and responsive in pursuit of God and his ways.

• Real – Growth cannot occur unless people are willing to be real, able to be accepted, practice forgiveness, willing to listen, open to confronting, and able to share their lives.
  
• Relational – Relationships with other people are God’s primary agent of growth and healing.  Our relationship with God cannot be separated from our relationship with His people.
  
• Responsive – God is the source.  We depend on him and look to him for the directions for our lives.  We learn to obey him and trust him.