Gospel Communities: Where Real Discipleship Happens
Membership Monday #5
We love our Sunday gatherings—there’s something powerful about singing together, sharing communion, and hearing the Word preached. But maybe you’ve asked yourself, “What about the rest of the week?” In a busy world, how do we build genuine relationships that go beyond a quick handshake after service?
This is where Gospel Communities (GCs) come in. Think of them as small groups of about 8–15 people who meet throughout the week in homes. They share meals (because let’s be honest, good food has a way of bringing folks closer), spend time in prayer, and dive into deeper discussion about the Scriptures. The goal isn’t to add another item to your calendar; it’s to create space for real discipleship—life on life. Remember the early church in Acts 2:46–47? They met in the temple courts and in homes, sharing life and faith. We’re following that same model.
Why do we say “real life change happens in circles, not just rows”? While Sunday worship is essential for uniting us as one big church family, it’s tough to form close bonds or carry each other’s burdens in a larger crowd. In a Gospel Community, you can walk alongside people who learn your name, your story, and your spiritual struggles. You might see them during a tough week at work, and they’ll ask, “How can we pray for you?” Or when you’re celebrating good news—like landing a new job—they’ll cheer the loudest, and maybe even plan a potluck to celebrate!
GCs also provide an environment to practice the “one another” commands of Scripture (see Galatians 6:2). We’re instructed to bear each other’s burdens, encourage one another, confess sins to one another, and so much more. It’s pretty hard to do that when we only see each other in passing. But when we gather in a living room over coffee or a shared meal, we can cultivate the kind of relationships that lead to authentic spiritual growth.
If you haven’t joined a GC yet, we highly recommend it—especially if you’re exploring Covenant Partnership at Redeemer. You’ll find a list of groups on our website or in the Next Steps area on Sunday mornings. Pick one near your home or that meets at a convenient time. In most cases, you’ll show up for a couple of hours, engage in conversation around a biblical theme or sermon-based reflection, then pray together for whatever’s on your heart.
Remember: Sunday worship unifies us as one big family, but GCs are like the living rooms where we’re truly known. Don’t skip this step if you’re serious about becoming a Covenant Partner. Next week, we’ll talk in detail about our Covenant Partnership Class—what it covers and why it’s a key part of going from visitor to family. We can’t wait to see you step into deeper relationships at Redeemer!
