DISCIPLESHIP HAPPENS BEST IN RELATIONSHIP.
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
It’s easy to feel disconnected or unsure where to begin when it comes to growing in faith. Without the right people around you—encouraging you and calling you to grow—spiritual growth can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re creating simple, clear paths to help you experience biblical community—whether by joining a group, starting one, or strengthening the one you’re part of.
LOOKING FOR A GROUP?
Join the 6-week Community Formation Series starting August 27 to connect with others and begin building meaningful relationships.
Join Community Formation
STARTING A GROUP?
Gain shared vision, practical tools, and meaningful support at Community Launch, a 2-hour session on August 24 designed to start your group strong.
Attend Community Launch
ALREADY IN A GROUP?
Attend Community Launch on August 24 to be encouraged, equipped, and supported as your group continues to grow in biblical community together.
Attend Community Launch
WHY COMMUNITY CHANGES EVERYTHING.
Real transformation doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we walk with others—rooted in God’s Word, growing in faith, and living on mission together. Community is where discipleship takes root and faith comes to life as we encourage one another to look more like Christ.
FAQS
To see every person at Emmanuel look more like Jesus. We do this by helping believers within the body live in close relationship with one another as a critical part of their discipleship.
Start with the people already in your life at Emmanuel. Consider who you could invite into intentional, Christ-centered community and begin the conversation.
To support that, we host Community Formation, a six-week gathering designed to connect individuals who are also seeking meaningful relationships. New sessions will be offered twice each year.
It might! We’ve intentionally defined Community Groups broadly to recognize and celebrate the healthy relationships already happening within our church family. Many of you have been faithfully walking with others who point you toward Christ, and that’s something we deeply value.
If your group is committed to growing in the rhythms of biblical community—devoting daily, pursuing relationally, counseling biblically, living authentically, admonishing faithfully, and engaging missionally—then yes, you’re already doing Community.
No problem. We’re glad you’re already walking with others in biblical community. While Community Launch is the best way to align with our shared vision and tools, it’s not the only way.
If you can’t attend, email [email protected] and let Mike Smith know that you’re in a group, who your group members are, and who your current group leader is.
No. While we believe that every healthy Community Group should embody the principles found in the Keys to Biblical Community, we also recognize that groups will vary in how they live this out. The format, structure, and materials used are flexible—shaped by the needs, rhythms, and personalities of each group. Some groups may walk through book studies together, while others may reflect on Scripture individually and come ready to share. We’re not prescribing a formula, but providing a framework for meaningful, Christ-centered community.
Whenever people walk together over time, friction and conflict can arise. When it does, we encourage groups to follow Jesus’ model for reconciliation, as taught in Matthew 5:23–24 and 18:15–17.
When you're stuck, take heart. Our goal is for every group to have a Community Shepherd, a trusted leader available to offer prayer, support, and counsel. They’ll be a lifeline as you live out Christ’s call to be ministers of reconciliation to one another.
Reach out to Mike Smith at [email protected].
I didn't know what to expect when we started in Community, but I have been blown away by the power of people taking time to invest in and be vulnerable with me and my family. The relationships we are building are more than friendships, they are more like family. We genuinely love each other and are trying to pursue living like Jesus together - it's powerful!