SVC Community Groups

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Music Festival Next Weekend - Saturday at 11am: Emerson Day

Denise’ text

Today: MENSCA Workers - Aaron & Ezra

*CHURCH UPDATES: Digital and paper connect Card

sangamonvalley.net/ConnectCard and paper connect Card

Text keyword “ConnectCard” to 217-583-1112

Giving: box, web, app, mail

DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHAT IS THE REASON WHY THIS MESSAGE IS BEING SHARED / WHAT IS THE PROBLEM THIS MESSAGE IS ANSWERING?…

Many people see church as only what happens on Sunday morning.

But our formation - spiritual growth- does not just happen Sundays at 10 am — it happens in relationships.

Without spiritual community, people often feel unseen, unsupported, and stagnant in their faith.

BIG IDEA FOR TODAY: Community groups are part of how we develop missionaries — through spiritual ministry, spiritual community, and spiritual formation.

Opening Scripture:

Acts 2:42 “42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

Spiritual Ministry

Groups allow us to live out the “one another” commands: carry burdens, pray, serve.

They are the training ground to put faith into action.

Spiritual Community

Community groups are where we can be known, cared for, and encouraged.

Missionaries aren’t developed in isolation but through authentic relationships.

Spiritual Formation

Growth happens in smaller circles where we apply God’s Word together (4-12 people).

Proverbs 27:17 — “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Note on Facilitators

We need leaders willing to gather people and guide them through the 3/3rds pattern:

Look Back (care + accountability)

Look Up (Scripture — Bible Engagement Project)

Look Forward (obedience + prayer)

Conclusion/Reflection:

WHAT IS THE PICTURE OR ILLUSTRATION FOR THIS BIG IDEA?

A campfire: logs burn brightly together, but when one log is pulled away, it quickly goes out. In the same way, we need each other for the mission to stay alive.

Community groups aren’t just another program — they are essential to our mission of Developing Missionaries.

Through spiritual community, spiritual ministry, and spiritual formation, God is shaping us to live on mission together.

The invitation: Join a group, or step up to facilitate one (gather & grow).

Refer to LinkTree

*INVITE UP AARON AND EZRA*

Talk It Over

1. Why do you think it’s so easy for people to see church as only Sunday morning instead of a community of relationships? How have you experienced the difference personally?

2. Read Hebrews 10:24–25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” What does this passage add to our understanding of why fellowship is essential for spiritual growth and mission?

3. In what ways could joining (or even facilitating) a community group help you grow as a missionary through spiritual community, ministry, and formation? What next step might God be asking you to take?