12 Oct How Do I Form Relationships in a Big Church?

In a world that glorifies autonomy, independence, and personal goals, the necessity of biblical community is a precarious notion.

We use LinkedIn and Instagram to promote all of our positive attributes. Buried knee deep in the identity we broadcast to others, we often lose sight of our actual weaknesses and shortcomings. Yet, doing life on our own is an isolated and dangerous journey that will only lead to our ultimate demise and failure. Mark Moody, our Anderson campus pastor, points out  that “pursuing biblical community is acknowledging that you are not the captain of your own faith.” He warns that remaining outside of a biblical church community is both unsafe and a squandering of your spiritual gifts. Characterized by vulnerability, fellowship, and self-exposure, biblical community is the only cure for the all-consuming and rampant disease of self-obsession.

As you walk through the doors of any of our campuses, you will shake a minimum of ten hands and be welcomed and greeted with countless smiles. Grace Church is anything but hostile. Yet, it can still  be overwhelming trying to find your place here. We can easily walk through the doors each Sunday with the intent to only remain a consumer of the church. But, the church is meant to build us as we, through Christ, build it. Charles Spurgeon explained this concept saying, “What is a brick made for? To help build a house. It is of no use for that brick to tell you that it is just as good a brick while it is kicking about on the ground as it would be in the house. It is a good-for-nothing brick.” In Ephesians 2, Paul explains, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”

“We can easily walk through the doors each Sunday with the intent to only remain a consumer of the church. But, the church is meant to build us as we, through Christ, build it.”

Grace Church believes that God calls the church to “urge,” “warn,” and “encourage” each other toward biblical life change regardless of age or life phase (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Our identity in Christ is the common denominator. We also believe that we have a broader perspective and richer understanding of Scripture when we live life alongside those who are different than us and have walked where we have not. Biblical community is a means God uses to transform us more into His image. Therefore, our primary goal for building community is in the context of intentional spiritual growth and service.

Several tools are available as resources to find biblical community here at Grace Church.

–The first is Discovery. This class allows you to learn about our church and how you can help build the church rather than just consume. These classes are offered regularly on all campuses, and you can sign up on our website.
– Men’s and women’s Bible studies are also helpful in finding community. We have multiple Ezer studies for women and Men’s Roundtable studies for men. All campuses offer these studies regularly, and you can sign up for those on our website as well.
– Community Groups are full of passionate leaders, both men and women, who are willing to pour into our church. Because these groups are characterized by vulnerability, openness, and accountability, this is a great way to get to know others on a deeper level and be known. The diversity within Community Groups also allows discipleship and mentor relationships to form. Upon completion of Discovery you can enroll in Foundations. Foundations will be the beginning of your group experience. If you have any additional questions please contact your campus pastor.
–Finally, countless opportunities to serve here at Grace Church exist at every campus, from Care Ministries, to greeting, and everything in between. You can invest in the church with your time and reap the benefits through also gaining biblical friendships and community. Let us know where you are interested in serving by filling out a jump-in interest form.