The Bible’s famous definition of the early church is found in Acts 2:42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” The community of God had been transformed through Jesus life, death and resurrection. They were so utterly captivated by Him that in response they gave themselves to his teaching, caring for one another, remembering what He’d done, and praying together.

Here at JCC we hold a high value on the word of God, and to be as close to the New Testament model of church as possible. That’s why we practise each of these values that describes the New Testament church, both on a Sunday and mid-week in community groups.  We want to grow numerically sharing the love of Jesus with as many people as possible, but we also want to grow together to be ‘more like Jesus’.

One of the key ways we do this is by being in Community. The early church had a high value for community and fellowship. Acts 4:32-37 describes God’s people sharing life together, caring for one another as each had need and having everything in common. Being a Christian is about SO much more than just going to church. It’ about being the church! A community of believers growing to be more like Jesus, as they love him with everything they have and love each other as themselves.

God created us to be in community. Adam needed Eve. We even find community within the God head itself. Here at JCC we take the importance of being in fellowship and community very serious and encourage every member to get connected to a community group. To help make this happen we host a Community Group Vision Training group for 5 weeks every term where you can find out what the bible teaches on community, then how you can get connected and get community at JCC.

If you are not yet in a community group, please join us 8pm this Wednesday 26th February at Jubilee Community Centre for our first session!

Pete Benton 

Check out Barbara gibbon’s interview last Sunday on community Group life. Community Groups Interview