Shepherding Communities
Join a Shepherding Community
Regularly, new groups are forming and groups are looking for new members!
Shepherding Communities at Calvary
What are Shepherding Communities?
At Calvary, Shepherding Communities (some might call them “small groups”) are intended to be the backbone of our shepherding strategy. By participating in a Shepherding Community, people are intentionally putting themselves under the care and support of our Shepherd Elders, and putting themselves in the best opportunity to grow in friendship and fellowship.
Shepherding Communities are the places we can be known and deeply know others. They are also a place where we can grow, together.
What do Small Groups do?
Shepherding Communities take on all kinds of different forms at Calvary, and we find that both exciting and helpful! Some groups meet in homes, while others meet in the church building. Some groups include children in discussions, while others are adults-only. Some groups have been together for many years (even decades!) while others are welcoming new members or have just started meeting. Some share a meal together. Some serve together. There are many iterations of Shepherding Communities.
However, one primary focus of every Shepherding Community is to regularly and faithfully study and savor the Word together. Practically speaking, groups do a variety of things to pursue this goal. They may use a book or a video series as a launching point to discuss the truths of scripture. They may use the sermon (and accompanying sermon guide) as a means of discussion and scripture study. Or, they may simply choose a book of the Bible and work through it together. Whichever form or vehicle, the goal is to point to scripture in all things. Further, group members should consistently be pointing one another to sound doctrine and sound practice of the Christian life.
Why join a Shepherding Community?
Shepherding Communities are the place to make a bigger church feel small. It is also a place to practically work at pursing the unity of the Church, and practicing the “one another” commands of scripture. Further, groups provide a place to belong, a form of healthy accountability, and ideally, a depth of a relationship that comes with pursuing Jesus together actively.
Who should join Shepherding Communities?
There is hopefully a place for anyone in a Shepherding Community! Members of Calvary are requested to join a group; non-member attendees are very encouraged to join in as well. Further, group leaders are highly encouraged to invite friends, neighbors, and co-workers to join their groups, too (if the purpose and structure of the group allows for this; most do!).
How do I join a Shepherding Community at Calvary?
There are two primary ways for someone to join a Shepherding Community at Calvary. The first and best way is to be invited into the group by the Shepherding Community Leader. The second way is to fill out the form below to express interest in joining a group, and our team will work with you to find a group that will fit.
A No-Strings-Attached Visit
That said, we certainly understand that sometimes that elusive idea of “chemistry” is a determining factor in landing in the right group. Therefore, we invite prospective group members to try out a group once or twice with a “no strings attached” visit to see if a group and its dynamic may be right for you. If not, we certainly can work with you to find something else.
However, please note that we aren’t able to offer a custom situation for all individuals, couples, or families. We will do our best to work with your preferences; we would invite you to consider what accommodations you can make to adjust to the groups that are available.
Are You Currently a Shepherding Community Leader?
If you are a Shepherding Community Leader at Calvary, this form will help us know exactly who is in your group, what your group is presently doing, and how to best support you for the coming year.