Thank you for leading a Community Group (CG)!

It’s our prayer that these resources will equip you to form and shepherd a group that worships our God as you grow in the knowledge of him through his word; deepens community as you love one another as you share in life’s joys and sorrows; and enjoys mission as you pursue serving our church, our city and our world. 

What you’ll find:

  • Discipleship resources to use with your group
  • Helpful church contacts for additional group member support
  • Ideas for how to put “Grace into Action” and check the spiritual health and growth of your group

Community is at the very heart of who God is, existing eternally as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. As men and women made in the image of God, we are created for community and our ultimate flourishing can only take place when we live according to this relational design.

Community Group Leader Resources

  • Church Resources

  • Church Resources

  • Discipleship Resources

  • Deeper Care: Who to Contact

  • Group Dynamics & Other FAQs

  • CG Handbook

  • Connect Guide: Update Group Roster

Stephen Ministers

Stephen Ministers are available to provide support in a caring, confidential way if you are going through life-changing circumstances such as divorce, loss, unemployment, chronic illness, and other events. A Stephen Minister is a compassionate companion, a trained member of our church who will meet with you regularly to listen and provide support. For more information, contact [email protected].

Lay Counseling

Lay counselors are church members who have been recognized to have a gift for counseling. Our counselors are trained volunteers that are taught the principles of counseling in order to offer loving care toward others whose story has impacted how they view themselves, others and God. They regularly consult with a licensed professional counselor. Lay counselors are not intended to replace professional counseling. We can refer to professional counseling practices as needed. For more information, contact [email protected].

Deacons’ Fund

The Deacons’ Fund comes alongside families and individuals to meet a number of temporary financial needs in our church and our community, including rent, groceries, healthcare bills, and other challenges.

All requests are confidentially assessed by our Deacons, who will learn your story and how we can best address your needs. Deacons’ Fund assistance is intended for temporary needs until a longer-term solution becomes available. Get more info or send a request to [email protected]

GriefShare

With biblical teachings on grief and recovery, you will have an opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a recent loss, learn about their experiences, and share your own. This 13-week class helps you tell your story, process the pain that often comes with loss, and find a community of other people who understand and accept your story. For more information, contact [email protected].

DivorceCare

This 13-week course is for those experiencing separation and divorce. You will find help for hurts, discover hope for the future, and experience God’s healing through expert-led videos, group discussions, and personal reflections. This class covers a variety of challenges and issues you may be facing, including anger and loneliness, forgiveness, financial issues, and parenting. For more information, contact [email protected].

More Than Conquerors

This confidential men’s group focuses on redeeming sexual brokenness. At weekly meetings we explore the root of our struggles and pursue a grace-driven approach to overcoming addictions, changing behavior patterns, and finding healing. For more information, contact [email protected].

Young Adults

With a focus on authentic community and intergenerational fellowship, it’s our goal to provide young adults a space to connect, relate, and grow in our church. Our young adult ministry is a group of people in different life stages, from young families, to singles, to newly married couples. For more info, contact [email protected].

Marriage Foundations

Marriage Foundations is our premarital class; it is required for those who wish to be married at our church. This weekend course covers a number of relevant topics and is offered multiple times a year. Counseling appointments are included for those who participate in the course and include 6-month and 1 year post-marriage check-ins. For more information, contact [email protected].

Marriage Mentors

Mentor couples come alongside young marrieds (couples married less than three years) as you build a strong foundation for your marriage. For details, please contact Bruce & Nancy Young.

Re|engage

Re|engage is a marriage enrichment program designed to enhance marriages by helping couples grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Whether you are struggling to get along, things seem beyond repair, or you simply want to grow closer together, re|engage offers hope to marriages by helping couples move toward oneness through stories of grace, teaching, and small groups. For details, please contact Bruce & Nancy Young.

Journey Groups

Journey groups follow a curriculum that is biblical, practical, holistic, and missional. In addition to Biblical knowledge, men study the Bible together in order to apply the Word of God to their lives and shape their motivations in all areas of life. Get details

CrossTrainers

Crosstrainers is a discipleship program committed to building up working women in their faith in Jesus Christ so they can apply it to all areas of their lives and, in turn, build the faith of others. Get details

Sermon Questions

Discussion questions are prepared in advance of each sermon; access our sermon archive and select any sermon; follow the link under “Additional Resources” to get the discussion questions.

Video Series: Evangelism for the 21st Century

Looking for material to share with your CG related to practically sharing about the gospel and your faith in Christ? You’ll want to check out this series from Randy Newman.

RightNow Media

You can think of it as the Netflix® of Bible study videos: RightNow Media provides instant access to an online library of thousands of video resources, including Bible studies, leadership videos, and children’s shows that you can stream instantly any time on any device. Get Free RightNow Media Account

Capital Pres Family Library

Church members, regular attenders, participants in the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, our neighbors, and registered Reformed Theological Seminary–Washington students are welcome to borrow materials.

Looking for church library resources for use with your CG? Access our guide: Resources for Community Groups Available at the McLean Library, which includes:

  • Bible Study Guides
  • Biblical Concept Books
  • Life Application Books
  • DVD-based Bible Studies
  • DVD-based Book Studies
  • DVD-based Life Application Studies

Library Info | Get Library Account | CG Library Resource Guide

Please reach out and contact the following individuals when…

Someone in your group needs financial assistance

Someone in my group needs lay counseling or a Stephen Minister

A marriage in your group is in crisis

  1. Contact your Elder or a Board of Women member.
  2. Contact Interim Director of Care, Laura Welke ([email protected])

There is a death within your CG

  1. Contact your Elder or a Board of Women member.
  2. Contact the Assistant Director of Community, Kendra Outlaw ([email protected])
  3. Contact Pastor Timo Sazo ([email protected])

We’ve compiled helpful tips and suggestions for leading Community Groups, including navigating group dynamics and answers to frequently asked questions!

TIPS & SUGGESTIONS

Access the current version of our Community Group Handbook!

CG HANDBOOK

Keep your group roster in Connect updated if people join or leave your group. View our tutorial on how to do this!

CONNECT GUIDE

Questions?

Contact Austin Kettle
Pastor of Community Life
[email protected]

Previous Leader Gatherings

Community Live!

Community Live! is a regular online forum where CG Leaders gather to learn from and encourage one another.

View past videos as a resource for you and your group.

Past CG Leader Retreats

Access prior years’ recordings featuring our keynote speakers.

2023 RETREAT: Bill Fullilove, JOe Palekas, Randy NEwman

Listen: Bill-Part 1 | Joe-Part 2 | Joe-Part 3 | Randy-Part 4

2021 RETREAT: Pastor Bill Fullilove

Watch video

2020 Retreat: Dr. Jim Coffield

Listen: Opening | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Give us your feedback!

Looking for something that’s not here? Got a suggestion for a resource to add? CG leaders, please send suggestions for what you’d find helpful to Austin Kettle ([email protected]).