Community Groups

Community Groups are the key way to get connected and be encouraged to grow spiritually here at Manor Fellowship.  We believe spiritual growth flows out of two basic commitments:

• A commitment to God and the Bible.
• A commitment to significant Christian relationships.

To help develop these significant relationships, we have created “Community Groups” which will carry out the mission statement of Manor Fellowship:

• ASSEMBLE – Community groups commit to meet together.
• CARRY – Community groups have a missional component and serve to bring in new people to Christ.
• TEACH – Community groups focus on applying the teachings of Jesus, and how to live out Christianity in everyday life.
• SCATTER – Community groups reproduce new groups.

Community Groups are structured around these practical areas:

• SHARE - Each week we take time to share what is happening in our lives so that we may encourage and pray for one another.  
• STUDY – Each week we study a section from God’s Word that relates to the previous Sunday’s sermon or an appropriate personal growth topic.
• SUPPORT - Each week we learn how to take care of one another as Christ commanded (John 15:9-13).  
• SERVE - The role each of us fills is important to the health of the church and for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the community in which we live (Ephesians 4:11-16).  

If you are interested in attending a community group, please send us an email and we will send you a list of the active groups meeting in your area.

FAQ’s:

What is a Community Group?

 

A Community Group is a home fellowship made up of 8-14 people who meet weekly to share, study and support one another.  A trained facilitator and host lead each group.  An average meeting lasts for two hours including refreshment and fellowship time.

 

How Important Are Community Groups?

 

Manor Fellowship is not a church with community groups, it is a church of community groups.  They’re the place where the real ministry of the church takes place as we study God’s Word, while supporting and sharing our lives with one another.  We believe that meeting together on a regular basis is Biblical, profitable toward our spiritual maturity, and an excellent way to promote close relationships with other believers living in community with one another.

 

When and Where Do They Meet?

 

Community Groups meet on various nights of the week in homes throughout Manor and beyond.  Most evening groups meet from 7-9 pm.

 

How Long Do They Last?

 

Each Community Group semester lasts anywhere from 8 to 14 weeks.  At the end of each semester, you will have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group, taking a break, hosting a group, or facilitating a group.  Most groups stay together throughout the entire year.  

 

What is a Semester?

 

A semester is defined by the length of time it takes to cover a particular subject that is being taught. It may be a topical study, a spiritual discipline, a service project, or other subject.

 

What is the Required Commitment?

 

Joining a Community Group requires an 8 to 14 week commitment to attend weekly meetings and do the homework ahead of time.  This commitment is the key to a strong Community Group.  You have the first three weeks to attend the group to make sure it’s a good fit for you.

 

What Will We Study?

 

Most of the studies are topical based video instruction with group discussion questions.  There are also groups that may be discussing life application to the sermon from the prior Sunday, others that may be learning a particular spiritual discipline such as personal evangelism, and others that may be conducting a community service project.

 

What Does It Cost?

 

Few things in life are free and Community Groups are no exception!  The cost of Community Groups is the cost of commitment.  During the first meeting, each group will complete a “covenant” together.  This simple form helps each group discuss their priorities and commitment.  You have the first three weeks to decide if your group is a good fit for you.

 

When you join a Community Group, you’re promising to attend and be prepared each week.  It’s this commitment that makes Community Groups work.  We realize it’s a big commitment, but it only lasts for 8 - 14 weeks.  At the end of each semester, you have the choice of recommitting for another semester, trying a new group, taking a break from Community Groups altogether, hosting a group, or leading a group.

 

Most of the groups have a cost associated to purchase the video and associated workbooks. This may range in price from $10 - $20 per couple per semester.

 

What About Child Care?

Community Groups are for adults only.  (Exceptions are made for nursing newborns, up to six months.)  The church will hire a childcare worker for up to two hours per week. We will check with the group first to see if there are any potential referrals.  

 

How Do I Choose A Group?

 

There are many different ways to select a group. One is to talk to the host to see what life stage the majority of participants will be in (college/singles, young married adults, married adults with children, empty nesters, etc…). Another reason to select a group would be the subject that is being discussed for the upcoming semester. Another reason may be that you are interested in hosting or facilitating your own group and would like to observe a group to see how the particular subject is covered.  Previous experience proves that groups do best when members share a common life stage and other interests with their facilitator, host, and other group members.  

 

How Do I Sign Up For A Community Group?

 

You’ll find information about upcoming semesters for community groups on the information table in the front porch area of church services. We will also post the information about Community Groups on our website. If you would like to be contacted by the host of an upcoming community group, please send an email to info@manorfellowship.com or call the church at 512-524-3524.

 

Are There Community Groups for Teenagers?

 

The Manor Fellowship youth meet on Wednesday nights. The name of their group is “The Hangout” which consists of a time of worship, games, teaching, and discussion. It’s a great place for the youth to be plugged into the church and to grow spiritually with one another. For more information, please contact Randy Starr at 512-203-7902.