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: Baptist Catechism 8 & 9
posted on Sunday, March 17th by Joe
- If there is only one God, why do the Scriptures speak of “gods”? (i.e. Deut. 6:14)
- Why does our catechism stress that God is the “living” and “true” God? What do the words “living” and “true” communicate? What errors do they correct?
- Why is it important to stress that God is one before speaking about the plurality in the Godhead What error does this guard against?
- Who are the three persons of the Trinity? What do the three persons share in common as the one living and true God? What distinguished them from each other?
- Though it is true that the doctrine of the Trinity is a mystery (God is incomprehensible, remember?), our confession says that the “doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of all our communion with God, and comfortable dependence on him (Second London Confession, 2.3). What is the meaning of this statement? How does the doctrine of the Trinity serve as the foundation of our communion with God and bring comfort to God’s people?
Discussion Questions: Luke 10:21-22
posted on Sunday, March 17th by Joe
- What is the doctrine of effectual calling? What is the meaning of the word effectual? There is a general call that is not effective by itself. What is that?
- Who does God call to faith and repentance effectually?
- When does God call these to faith and repentance effectually?
- How (by what means) does God call these to faith and repentance effectually?
- Does man have free will now that we have fallen into sin?
- How does effectual calling work? In other words, what does the Spirit of God do within men and women to make them willing and able to believe?
- Did you choose to turn from your sin and follow after Jesus? Discuss.
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