Q: "So, um, what exactly IS a community group?"
A: Glad you asked. Quite simply, it's a diverse gathering of friends who are seeking to foster deeper sense of community by working on our spirituality together. It's a community of faith, but it's one where you don't need to believe before you can belong - you don't have to share our convictions in order to be a vital part of who we are and what we are about. Really.
Q: "Well who's it for?"
A: Another great question, and here's the answer. It's for people who are followers of Jesus. But it's also for people who aren't. And it's for everyone in between. Anyone is welcome, whether you agree with us or not. And many of our friends don't.
We think that's a good thing, because it keeps the conversations honest, and it forces us to value one another simply on the basis of who we are, not because we agree. Our commitment as Christians is that we will never try to convert you (frankly, we don't think we can). Instead, we desire to listen well, to speak respectfully, and to dialog rather than to divide.
We think this is a unique kind of community, one that is only possible based on the person and teachings of Jesus. That's our premise. Right or wrong, we invite you to visit us and decide for yourself. We consider the message of Jesus a starting point for dialog, and we'd love to have you join the conversation.
If you don't know much about Jesus yet, the Explorers Groups may be a great place to start (our friends who have participated tell us it's kind of cool to be in a group where the skeptics are the majority, and they get to ask anything they'd like).
If you're ready for a closer look at how Christ's teachings call us to live and work in community, then a Community Group might be a great place to move deeper. Again, this is for all sorts of people - those who follow Christ, and those who don't. Discover for yourself whether the type of community we're touting might actually be possible.
Q: "So when do these groups meet?"
A: Right now we have three groups that are currently meeting (we'll spin off more as needed):
- Fireside Group – Sun @ 5:30 PM at the Lewis' (838 Stoddard). This is a great entry point for anyone who is new to All Souls (but everyone is welcome)! Come discuss the sermons and share life (and brick oven pizza!) with one another (around a campfire as long as weather permits). Leaders: Ron (360-7202) & Kelly (360-7676) Bruce
- When Helping Hurts – Tues @ 6 PM at the Caldwell's (1224 Lincoln Dr). Learn how to be agents of real mercy to broken people (both in the church and in our community), without simply enabling. Leaders: Joe (396-6372) & Nancy (552-7693) Kesler and Chris (241-3320) & Jenifer (241-3357) Caldwell
- Public Faith – Wed @ 6:30 PM at the Cryder's (2307 River Rd). Discover how a Christian worldview radically changes the way we live, work and engage our culture as we seek to be an alternate city within our city. Leader: Christian Cryder (529-5568)
- Prodigal God – Thurs @ 6:30 PM at the Ballengees (217 S. Easy St). Re-discover what the prodigal son story is all about – how it would have angered many listeners, how there is more than one prodigal son, how the Christian God is actually the greatest prodigal of all. Leaders: Bob (241-8067) & Laura (404-909-5793) Ballengee
A: We gather to share a meal, build relationships, look at the Scriptures, and consider how the message of Jesus impacts the way we live with those around us - how we work for the good of the broader community (our city and our neighborhoods), how we practice being a community with one another (as friends and neighbors).
As one of our friends put it, "I realized the other night that everything up to this point has been hypothetical. But now we've got to actually start dealing with one another. And that's great, but it's also hard, because it's revealing just how much work still needs to be done in my own life..."
Real change takes real work - it doesn't just happen on it's own. But it's easier in the context of real friendship. This isn't some academic theoretical exercise - it's real life, with real people. We laugh together, we pray for one another, we seek to listen and to love, and we try to speak gently into one another's lives. Everyone has a voice (whether you believe or not), but you're always free just to sit and listen.
Kids of all ages are welcome. So are friends. :-)
Q: "So what should I bring?"
A: Just come as you are - you don't have to bring anything. That said, a bible will comes in handy (we have extras).
More questions? Contact Ryan (529-2468). See you soon!
