Introduction
While we cherish our time together during worship and the preaching of God's Word, it is essential to recognize that our church family is designed to engage with each other more deeply as Jesus did with His disciples. Through this understanding, we can work towards fostering genuine relationships and communities within our church that not only reflect the love of Christ but also reach out to our city.
Main Points
Jesus’ Ministry Provides A Clear Blueprint
Jesus’ ministry provides a clear blueprint for how we are to connect beyond the weekend worship. While He often preached to large crowds, He also spent significant amounts of time with a few, forming intimate and meaningful relationships.
- His approach challenges us to move beyond surface-level interactions, emphasizing that as followers, we are called to build deeper connections among ourselves, reflecting the love.
- In Acts 2:42-47, we witness the early church embodying this same commitment to community.
- They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
- This model serves as an instruction for us today, showing that engagement and devotion to one another and to the mission of the gospel is foundational to a healthy church.
Their Unity Resulted In Growth Both
Their unity resulted in growth, both spiritually and in numbers, as they shared their lives and resources. Such devotion is crucial in our call to be a vibrant church, living out the gospel daily amidst each other.
- At Calvary Boise, our community groups are designed to fulfill this biblical call.
- They allow us to eat together, study the Bible, serve, and reach out to those in need of the gospel.
- When we engage in these smaller, more intimate settings, we intentionally foster relationships that cultivate support, discipleship, and accountability.
- This environment nurtures our spiritual growth while responding to the command to love our neighbors as ourselves, cultivating an atmosphere where we can thrive together as one bod.
It Is Crucial To Understand That
It is crucial to understand that pastors and ministry leaders are not called to do all the ministry themselves. Instead, they are tasked with equipping the body of Christ to minister to one another. This means that every believer possesses unique gifts bestowed by God for the purpose of serving the church and broader community. By engaging in community groups, we harness these gifts more effectively, caring for one another in ways that God has equipped each of us to do, fulfilling the body’s intended role of unity and support. A vital aspect of our community is its diversity. We are called to love individuals from different backgrounds, ages, and stages of life.
This Diverse Makeup Enriches Our Understanding
This diverse makeup enriches our understanding of God's love and equips us to reach out to others. Through engaging with those who are different from ourselves, we reflect the inclusive love that Christ demonstrated and ensure that our church embodies the kingdom of God on earth, where all are welcomed and valued. As we grow in our community and learn to love one another well, this love naturally spills over into the world around us. When we are genuinely connected to each other, it inspires outreach and service to those outside our church. The love of Jesus motivates us not just to care for those within our walls but also to look for opportunities to share the gospel and serve the needs of our community beyond the sanctuary. Therefore, the health of our internal relationships directly influences our external impact.
I Invite Everyone Who Calls Calvary
I invite everyone who calls Calvary Boise home to take part in a community group. By visiting our website at calvaryboise.com/communities, you can find a group that fits your schedule. Participating in these groups is not just a recommendation; it is a vital step in truly being part of the Calvary Boise family and fulfilling our mission together.
Conclusion
In summary, our calling at Calvary Boise extends beyond the Sunday gathering. We are encouraged to engage deeply, forming community in the footsteps of Jesus and the early church. Through our community groups, we experience intimate fellowship, equip one another for service, and ultimately reach out into the city with the love we cultivate among ourselves. As we pursue these connections, may we reflect the body of Christ in a way that changes lives both within and outside our church community.