Gospel Community Groups
What is the purpose of Gospel Community Groups?
Gospel Community Groups provide an environment where members of Emmaus are able to build deep relationships with one another. Members are able to love, pray for, learn from, rely on, and share with one another in practical ways.
Who is able to join a Gospel Community Group?
When a group forms it will remain open for about two months. Members of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church may join the group by speaking to the leader or to a Pastor. If you have not yet become a member of Emmaus we ask that you would begin by talking with a Pastor to determine where best to begin the discipleship process at Emmaus. While Gospel Community Groups are well suited for those with Christian foundations, they do not provide the structure or systematic instruction needed by those young in the faith. The Introduction to the Christian Faith class would be better suited for the new believer or those lacking Christian foundations. Please speak with a Pastor soon to determine how best to progress.
What is the focus of the conversation?
The discussion within Gospel Community Groups will typically center around sharing life with one another and discussing the sermon from the previous Sunday. GCG Study Questions are posted each Sunday on the website and on The City.
How long will Gospel Community Groups stay together?
After the two-month “open” period the group will covenant together for 1 1/2 to 2 years and become a “closed” group. When the covenant is up the group will discuss the best course of action. Perhaps someone in the group will go through the training process and lead a new GCG; perhaps the GCG will disband, each member joining another group; or perhaps the groups will re-covenant together for another period of time. Our desire is that groups (leaders and participants) would regularly assess their effectiveness, the needs within the church, and their own personal situation in life.
What is the desired effect of Gospel Community Groups?
Beyond the obvious desire to see individuals encouraged in Christ, we would also like the see Gospel Community Groups encourage members to use their spiritual gifts within the church, community, and nations. Our hope is that group members grow in their love for God, their love for one another, and in their service as ambassadors for Christ in the community.
What should I do if I am new to Emmaus, am wanting to connect, but not ready to commit to the church as a member?
As you can see, Gospel Community Groups require commitment. They are for the members of Emmaus (or, under certain circumstances, those clearly committed but not yet members – please talk with a Pastor). Please keep in mind that there are a lot of others ways to get connected at Emmaus. For example, you can come to worship on the Lord’s Day regularly and stay afterward to visit with others. You can attend Emmaus Essentials classes before the service at 9:00. You can begin to meet with a Pastor for further guidance concerning involvement at Emmaus, or set up an appointment for counseling if there is something particular that needs to be addressed. you can attend men’s or women’s events, or simply begin to build casual relationships with others at Emmaus. We also offer discipleship groups which meet throughout the week. The reason we typically require membership for involvement in GCG’s is to maintain an environment where members can share openly, knowing that those in the group have committed themselves to the church in a meaningful way.
Why don’t Gospel Community Groups concentrate on topical studies?
Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church offers a more “academic” study of the scriptures through the Emmaus Essentials theology courses offered throughout the year. We separate the academic emphasis from the relational emphasis, not because the two are contrary to one another, but because we believe that greater depth will be experienced in both areas when separated in this way. We encourage regular involvement in Corporate Worship, Gospel Community Groups, and Emmaus Essentials.
GROUP RESOURCES
» GCG Diagram
» GCG Covenant
GCG WEEKLY QUESTIONS
Discussion Questions: The Power Of Christ: His Act Of Calling, Second London Confession 26.5
posted on Saturday, November 9th by Joe
- Who is the head of the church? Who has all church power been given to? Who gave it to him? Why has it been given to him? Why does this matter?
- What is the first thing that Christ does in the execution of his church power?
- What does it mean that “the Lord Jesus calleth out of the world unto himself, through the ministry of his word, by his Spirit, those that are given unto him by his Father”? For help, see Second London Confession (2LCF) chapters 3 and 10.
- What do these words refer to: “that they may walk before him in all the ways of obedience, which he prescribeth to them in his word”?
- What does this phrase mean: “Those thus called, he commandeth to walk together in particular societies, or churches”?
- What are the two purposes of the church membership mentioned at the end of 2LCF 26.5?
- What would you say to a professing believer who says, I love Jesus but I don’t want anything to do with the church?
Discussion Questions: Luke 15:11-32
posted on Saturday, November 9th by Joe
- Why is it important to keep the situation described to us in Luke 15:1-3 in mind as we seek to properly interpret The Parable of the Prodigal Son?
- The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a good name for this parable. What does the word “prodigal” mean? If we aren’t careful, How might the name mislead us?
- Who does the younger son represent? What can we learn about sin and repentance from what is said about the younger son?
- Who does the father represent? What can we learn about God the Father from this parable?
- Who does the older son represent? What can we learn about sin (of another kind) and repentance from what is said about the older son?
- Where is Jesus in this parable?
- How will you apply this text of scripture to your life today?
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