At Glorify, our mission is “To Know and Glorify God, Live in His Presence, and Release His Glory”
One of the ways in which we fulfil this mission is through Deep Groups (i.e. home groups/cell groups/etc.). As people made in the image of a triune God, we are each created for community. We cannot fully experience our humanity in isolation. This is why one of the major themes that emerges in the New Testament is that of “togetherness.” Romans 12:5 tells us that “we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.” So much of the apostle’s writings are concerned with how we connect with each other as the “body of Christ” and the “household of God” (1 Cor. 12:27; Heb. 3:6). Consider the following:
- “…have the same concern for each other”
- “Carry each other’s burdens”
- “Submit to one another out of reverence for the Messiah”
- “Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom”
- “Encourage one another and build each other up”
- “Always pursue what is good for one another”
- “Spur one another on toward love and good deeds”
- “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another”
- “Maintain an intense love for each other”
- “Be hospitable to one another”
(1 Cor. 12:25; Gal. 6:2; Eph. 5:21; Col. 3:16; 1 Thes. 5:11, 15; Heb. 10:24; Jam. 5:16; 1 Pet. 4:8, 9)
BETTER TOGETHER
It is quite plain then that, as believers, we are far better together than apart. In gathering together, we are able to support, encourage, challenge and teach each other, as well as rejoice, celebrate and worship God together. It is in this type of environment that we grow and thrive as individuals, but also as a community. We can do this on a Sunday morning, but not the fullest potential.
DEEP CONNECTIONS
It is in the small group context that we are best able to form deep community connections. On a Sunday morning, we can capture the vision, passion and mission of our broader Christian community. In a Deep Group, we can engage with, practice and share that vision, passion and mission together with our brothers and sisters! Deep Groups are a place of deep connection with God and others. Here are five ways that Deep Groups engage us in God’s community:
- Worshiping and praying together as we bring adoration to God, being strengthened through encounters with His presence and goodness.
- Exploring Scripture together as we study, discuss and pray through the revelation that God has given us in His Word, allowing it to transform us by the renewing of the mind.
- Teaching, equipping and activating faith together as we learn from each other, grow our understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus, practice the gifts and fruit of the Spirit together, and add deeds to faith, serving others together.
- Pastorally caring for each other as we share life in common, considering and meeting each other’s needs and concerns.
- Sharing vulnerably together as we confess our sins and life challenges to one another and pray for one another, walking together into deeper levels of freedom.
Have you joined a Deep Group?
If you’d like to join a deep group, contact us at info@glorify.org.au