Community Groups are small communities of four to twelve people meeting weekly or bi-weekly in homes and offices throughout the Lake Oswego area. Based on the model of the early Christian Church, they are the basic units of a distinctive Gospel Community life in the City.

Community groups are the primary place where the Gospel is experienced and applied to real life issues. All Community Groups are led by trained lay-leaders from the congregation and receive continued support and oversight from LGPC’s pastoral staff.

An Encounter with Christ

Each group meets with the expectation of the presence of Jesus Christ and his ability to transform and renew lives. Our groups have a rich and broad agenda. They are more than just Bible studies – they include prayer, worship, fellowship, sharing of what God is doing in our lives, spiritual nurture, accountability and a lively participation in the ongoing mission of the Church.

Why are groups important?

A place to apply the Gospel

We need others to help us apply the truth about the Gospel to our daily lives. The implications of our life with Christ are broad – so broad that we rarely understand them by ourselves. As we remind one another about grace, we help each other open our lives to transformation according to God’s purposes.

A place to care for each other

We are told in scripture to: “encourage, serve, rejoice, weep with, correct, instruct, sing to, build up, accept and love one another.” These commands are best followed in personal relationships. Community Groups also serve as a key way to keep LGPC’s leadership aware of any pastoral concerns or troubles facing members of our congregation.

A place to grow

Community Groups are a place where spiritual gifts, including a vision for ministry and service, are discovered and developed. Group participants are encouraged not to merely ‘consume,’ but rather to invest themselves in relationships with group members, supporting each other in Christ.

How much of a commitment will a group require?

Most groups meet weekly or bi-weekly. Regular attendance helps, so try to attend the meetings as consistently as you can.

If work or other commitments prevent you from coming on a regular basis, try to think of other ways you can be involved. Anything from helping make follow-up calls to bringing snacks is greatly appreciated.

What if I visit a group and it's not a good "fit"?

We encourage you to visit a group several times before making a decision. It is often difficult to get a feel for a group after only one visit. If you attend a group a few times and find that you just don’t fit, we invite you to try another group.

Please remember the Community Groups require your effort to become a meaningful, rich experience. Therefore, make an investment in your group: offer constructive suggestions to your leader, invite some of your own friends to the group, or even consider starting or hosting a new group.

You can join a Community Group!

E-mail Pastor Matt with the following information:

Name:
Address:
City:
Zip code:
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
Email:
Type of group (please choose one): Young Adult, Middle Adult, Older Adult, Men's, Women's, Blended
Day(s) you would be available to meet:

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