Community Groups
Becoming more like Jesus together
THE Why
Becoming more like Jesus together through regular gathering, shared devotion and sacrificial love
The gospel not only offers us eternal reconciliation with the Father; it also invites us into eternal community with others (Ephesians 2:13-14). Following Jesus means walking with other followers (Philippians 1:27), loving the Father requires loving brothers and sisters (1 John 4:21), and becoming like Christ involves belonging to a church (Ephesians 4:4-16).
At Mercy Church, community group is the main context in which we practice this fellowship. Community groups exist to become more like Jesus together through shared devotion, regular gathering, and sacrificial love.
What should I expect?
Community groups are small gatherings of people of all different ages, genders, and life stages. Each group meets one night per week for Bible study, prayer, and mutual encouragement. These groups also care for one another throughout the week as needs arise!
LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY?
Read the How Do I Get Connected section of this page below or visit our Next Steps page and complete the form for your campus.
THE DETAILS
How do I get Connected?
Starting Point
You must first attend Starting Point to join a Community Group. Check our Events page to see when the next Starting Point will be!
Next Steps
Click the button below to be redirected to our Next Steps page. Choose the form for your campus and indicate you’d like to take your Next Step of joining a community group.
Waitlist
If no groups are currently open, you’ll receive an email from us with the Community Group waitlist form. After this form is submitted, you’ll be added to the waitlist.
COMMUNITY GROUP RESOURCES
COMMUNITY GROUP COVENANT
If you are a current community group leader, we have provided a template of our Community Group covenant below for your members to consider committing to.
CHILDCARE REIMBURSEMENT
Did you know that Mercy offers a stipend toward childcare for community group each week? Click below to read our childcare reimbursement policy to submit for reimbursement.
Interested in Leading a Community Group?
Qualifications for a Community Group Leader
F – FAITHFUL
MUST BE A FAITHFUL MERCY MEMBER
Community Group leaders must be covenant members of Mercy Church and have previously been faithful members of a Community Group.
A – AVAILABLE
RESPONSIBLE & AVAILABLE FOR THE MISSION OF GOD
Community Group Leaders should be organized, consistent, and diligent to follow through. While leading a community group is much more than administration, it does require you to communicate with members, prepare for group meetings, and follow up on the needs of members. Thus, in most cases, those who are in a particularly unstable season of life should not apply for group leadership.
I – INITIATIVE
MUST SELF-FEED & SELF LEAD
Make your daily, living connection with Jesus Christ a priority—being in community with Him is the foundation for all communities.
T – TEACHABLE
MUST BE ABLE TO TAKE CORRECTION & RECEIVE FEEDBACK
Leaders must be open to constructive corrections from Groups staff and group members.
H – HEART
MUST HAVE A HEART FOR PEOPLE
Shepherding your people is a huge calling on community group leaders. This is done best from a heart that loves people.
Process to Become a Community Group Leader
1. ASSESS
Review the qualifications to consider whether now is a good time to step into group leadership.
2. DISCERN
Attend a Community Group Leader Interest Meeting and afterward, spend some time prayerfully considering your calling, capacity, and character for group leadership. Seek counsel from your current community group leaders and those closest to you.
3. TRAIN
Attend Community Group Leader Training in the Summer or Winter. Training is for those who are seriously considering becoming group leaders. We provide practical training on how to cultivate a committed community and lead your group members to become devoted followers of Jesus. Fill out the interest form below to find out when our next training is.
4. APPLY
Complete the Community Group Leader Application below.
5. CONFIRM
Meet with the Groups and Equip Team to receive confirmation of leadership.
6. LAUNCH
Get assigned to a Community Group Shepherd. After GroupLink, you’re ready to launch your new group!