Gospel Community Groups

What are Gospel Community Groups?

Gospel Community Groups are small group Bible studies. They are designed to provide an opportunity for the members of Emmaus to build deeper relationships with one another. Groups meet throughout the week to discuss the sermons from the previous Sunday, to share life, and to pray. 

Who is able to join a Gospel Community Group?

Members of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church may join a Gospel Community Group by speaking to the leader of the group or a Pastor. If you are not yet a member of Emmaus, we ask that you move through the membership process before joining a Gospel Community Group.

What is the focus of the conversation? 

The discussion within Gospel Community Groups will center around sharing life and discussing the sermons from the previous Sunday. GCG Study Questions are posted each Sunday on the website (see homepage and below).

How should Gospel Community Group meetings be led?

Groups should appoint a leader, begin and end at an agreed-upon time, strive for consistency week after week, keep the conversation focused on the sermons from the previous Sunday and life concerns, avoid gossip, and spend substantial time in prayer.  

What is the desired effect of Gospel Community Groups?

Beyond the obvious desire to see individuals encouraged in Christ, we would also like Gospel Community Groups to 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 as witnesses for Christ in the community.

What should I do if I am new to Emmaus, desire to connect with others, but am 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 many other 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 (Sunday School) classes before the service at 9:00 AM. You can begin to meet with a Pastor for further guidance concerning involvement at Emmaus or set up an appointment for counseling. You may attend men’s or women’s events. You might also benefit from progressing through An Introduction To The Christian Faith with a Pastor or another guide. 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 formally committed themselves to this local church.

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 classes 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: Luke 22:54-62
posted on Sunday, October 12th by Joe

  1. At first, the sins of Judas and Peter look similar. Both men turned their backs on Jesus. Compare and contrast Judas’s betrayal and Peter’s denial of Jesus. How are they similar? How do they differ?
  2. Are all sins equally heinous in God’s sight? What made Judas’s sin more heinous than Peter’s?
  3. If it was not unbelief and a lack of love for Christ that led Peter to sin, what was it? Where did he begin to go astray? What was the progression?
  4. The difference between Peter and Judas is seen most clearly in the moment when Jesus fixed his gaze on them. What did Judas do when Jesus looked at him in the garden? What did Peter do when Jesus looked at him in the courtyard? What do their reactions reveal?
  5. What does the eternal decree of God (election and reprobation) have to do with all of this? Does the doctrine of election/predestination contradict the doctrine of free will (properly understood, see Second London Confession, 9) and obliterate human responsibility (see Second London Confession, 32)?
  6. What was the end of the story for Judas? What was the end of the story for Peter? 
  7. How do you plan to apply this text to your own thoughts, words, and deeds?

Discussion Questions: Baptist Catechism 106
posted on Sunday, October 12th by Joe

  1. Why do we need direction in prayer?
  2. In what sense does the whole Word of God direct us in prayer?
  3. Our catechism describes the Lord’s prayer as “the special rule of direction.” What is meant by “rule”? What does the word “direction” tell us about the Lord’s Prayer? Is the Lord’s prayer to be recited word for word?
  4. Why do we call this prayer “the Lord’s Prayer”?
  5. How do you plan to use the Lord’s Prayer in your private prayer time?

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"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)

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