We are all made in the image of God, and part of that image is God-centered relationship. Through the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, we learn that God is one God who exists eternally as three persons in giving, loving, and perfect relationship with one another. In order for the church to properly live out the image of God, disciples of Jesus Christ need to similarly be interconnected and dependent on other God-centered individuals in order for life to function as God designed.
Scripture often images this need to be interconnected and centered on God through it’s references to the church being ‘the body of Christ’. This is very different from the way most people view church—a view which generally sees the church as a building that you go to on Sundays for a weekly service and a place where you occasionally serve & volunteer for events. At Orland Park CRC, we believe that while Sundays are important, the church is not simply a weekly service but the church is a people committed to Jesus Christ who come together to worship on Sundays and who support one another during the week as they live out and share the gospel at home, at work, and in society.
To help foster the type of support, encouragement, and accountability that the people of Orland CRC need to grow in relationship to God and in living out the great commission of the church, we are beginning to nurture our Small Groups according to this vision and purpose.
Small Groups are a group of disciples who regularly come together in homes throughout our community in order to study God’s word, care for one another, spur each other toward increased godliness, and to mutually own the mission to see more people come to know Jesus.
Each small group meets twice per month between the months of September and May with breaks scheduled around the major holidays. Childcare is provided for those who need it, and each small group meeting consists of food, fellowship, and a deep diving into God’s word - so that no matter what your stage is in life - you can find God-centered relationships to help assist you in growing closer to Jesus and living out his mission for our lives.
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
ACTS 2:42-47
Contact Dori Summers to find out more about small groups at Orland Park CRC!
Journey Groups: Discussion questions for John sermon series... click here.