What are Communities?
Communities are groups of people who meet to share lives together, grow in faith, worship God and then serve Him in the world. They vary in size from six people to fifty, normally meeting fortnightly, with larger Communities breaking into smaller groups on alternate weeks. Communities have the twin focus of helping us become better disciples of Christ and providing a way for us to reach out in service and mission to others. Communities are based around either a common network (such as students or young families), a common neighbourhood (such as those living in a particular part of town) or a desire to serve a common need (such as working with those who are homeless). Our hope and desire is that each Community will encompass the marks of the Communities we see in the Bible, such as that recorded in chapter two of the Book of Acts.
What happens at a Community?
Each Community gathering will be distinct in its feel and content, but all are likely to include times of fellowship and socalising together, times of studying the Bible together, times of worship, praise and prayer and times of shared activities which reflect that group's particular area of interest or ministry.
Why are there Communities at Emmanuel?
In a larger church, like Emmanuel, it can be hard to get to know people well, and in turn for everyone to feel valued and that their contribution is needed. We believe in a God who calls everyone to strive to reach their potential and be all they can be, contributing as He has called them. So Communities provide a smaller context than our services on Sunday to get to know a small group well, share lives, to work out what God is calling each of us to, a supporting place to try that calling out.
When and where do they meet?
They meet at different times throughout the week, some in the evenings, some during the day on weekdays and even some on weekends. Most Communities meet fortnightly, with larger ones breaking down into smaller groups on the alternate weeks. A few Communities meet at the Emmanuel Church Centre, but most meet in peoples homes or larger meeting spaces like cafes or pubs. One Community is even thinking about being based around walking and meeting on the hills and in the valleys of Leicestershire!
Who are Communities for? How can I get involved?
Our hope is that every person who is part of Emmanuel will find a place in a Community. For some that might mean trying a few Communities before finding the one which feels 'right', for others there might be an instant match. A full list of Communities, when they meet, where and how to contact the leaders can be found HERE, but if you know someone else from Emmanuel well, why not ask them which Community they are part of and if yo can go with them one week and see what it's like for yourself.
Find the Community which is right for you HERE > > >