Community Groups at Grace
We believe that Community Group Bible Studies are an effective means through which God’s people may cultivate new and stronger friendships, encourage one another in the Lord, reach out to unbelieving friends who may currently be hesitant to go to a church, pray for one another on a more intimate level, and study God’s word in an atmosphere where questions and discussion are invited and encouraged.
In I Thessalonians 5:11, Paul reminds us that we are to “encourage one another and build up one another.” One of the best ways to do this is in a small group of believers. Sunday morning and evening worship, and Sunday School, are wonderful times of instruction and corporate encouragement. But we need to be stimulating one another to love and good deeds in a more intimate setting as well (Heb. 10:24-25). Small groups are a great opportunity to know one another better, to have a place to ask questions and discuss things we’ve been learning, and to be iron sharpening iron to one another (Prov. 27:17).
Current Community Groups:
Mondays:
Calvin’s Institutes – we read and discuss this classic work on Mondays at 12:00 p.m. at the Meeting House. Bring your lunch if you’d like.
Tuesdays:
Title: “WHEN I DON’T DESIRE GOD” . . . A study on D.V.D.
Description: Pastor, Author, Speaker and Founder of DESIRING GOD ministry, John Piper, convinces us that “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him”. (Or . . . When our joy is the kind of satisfaction that sustains a Christian through the most devastating circumstances. First, he reminds us that Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him and that we are to experience that joy: Then he reminds us that this truth is liberating when we’re convinced of it yet devastating when we consider that we don’t consistently have such a blissful joy: Then he offers strategies (weapons) for Christians to use as we fight for what are actually emotions or feelings of joy and contentment.
Time: Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. (First meeting will be Tues., Jan. 19th) Location: Darryl and Mary Richards’ Home (931-537-9966) Leader: Steve Sperry stevels2@twlakes.net
Wednesdays:
Title: “TRANSFORMING GRACE”
Description: The author of this book, Jerry Bridges, writes, “The grace of God is one of the most important subjects in all of Scripture. At the same time it is probably one of the least understood.” This is a vital study for every Christian. Peter tells us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). This study is a continuation from last semester but that does not mean you will be lost. A new study will begin at the end of February.
Time: Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. (First meeting will be Wed., Jan. 27th) Location: The Meeting House Leader: Dennis Parker (931-267-1094) DParker@tntech.edu
Thursdays:
Title: “BACK TO BASICS – Rediscovering the Richness of the Reformed Faith”
Description: The Reformed Faith is a rich tapestry of biblical understanding that encompasses all of thought and life. Those who embrace that understanding find it to be practical and life-changing – reformation for the sake of transformation. This book – a call to rediscover the richness of the Reformed faith – provides insight into four crucial biblical concerns: 1. Conversion, 2. The Covenant, 3. The Church, 4. The Christian Life.
Time: Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. (First meeting will be Thurs., Jan. 21st) Location: Robert and Rebecca Row’s Home (931-537-2486) – location will vary in different homes. Leader: Robert Row robert.row.grace@gmail.com
Fridays or Saturdays:
Title: “THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT”
Description: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Wow what a list. This study will take an in-depth look at the fruits of the Spirit in our lives so that we will be challenged and encouraged to look to Christ for these fruits to be ripened in our own lives by the power of His Spirit.
Time: Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. (First meeting will be Sat., Jan. 23th) Location: Andy and Carol Berg’s Home (931-397-9952) – location will vary in different homes. Leader: Andy Berg acberg@ymail.com
Please contact the church office for more information about these small groups.