Community Groups
One of our foundational principles here at Heartland Hills Community Church
is a belief in the importance of community and the necessity of discipleship
for training the believers and non-believers who come through our doors. These
principles are difficult to put into action because of their one on one nature.
However, they are essential in building a mature body of believers. Therefore,
we place a high priority on the small group ministry (we call “Community Groups”)
of our church.
Purpose of Community Groups
- To provide fellowship that is
safe and personable in order for believers to be themselves and to develop
genuine relationships.
- To provide an arena where
questions of faith, life, doubt, etc can be asked and discussed without
fear.
- To provide believers with a
pastoral type leader that can give counseling, direction, prayer,
friendship, teaching, etc. (Discipleship)
- To provide time for prayer as
a body.
Community Groups FAQ’s
What is a Community Group?
A Community Group is a small group of about 10 to 15 people who meet together
in homes with the common purposes of discovering and growing in the abundant
life in Christ, and learning to care for one another.
Are Community Groups Biblical?
The book of Acts records the tremendous growth of the first church in Jerusalem. Small group
meetings in homes were the foundation of the early church. Acts 5:42 tells us
that the people met "in the temple" (large group worship) and
"from house to house" (small group fellowship). Jesus did much of his
ministry in homes (Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 2:1-5, 2:15-17, Luke 8:51-56). Early
Christians continued to meet in homes for fellowship, study and discipleship
(Acts 20:20, Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, Colossians 4:15).
What happens in a Community Group?
- Exploring the Bible together.
You can ask questions, participate in a discussion, and hear others share
their insights and illustrations of the Bible truths they are trying to
grasp.
- Friendship building
activities. Over 50 times in the New Testament the phrase "one
another" is used to describe our relationships to other believers. We
are instructed to love one another, pray for one another, encourage one
another, bear one another’s burdens and build up one another. That’s what
happens in our Community Groups.
- Praying for each other. There
are many promises in the Bible related to the power of group prayer. In
praying together with a few others, we are drawn together and we find
answers to the needs in our lives.
- Helping one another. Community
Groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change and stress.
You’ll have a sense of security and stability knowing there are people who
really care about you.
- Serving together. Nothing
builds friendships and fosters spiritual growth better than working
together with others in service to God.
When and where do Community Groups meet?
HHCC Community Groups meet in homes in Northwest San
Antonio. Each Community Group meets weekly and decides the time,
day and place they meet, so there’s sure to be a group that will fit your
schedule. Ask one of our leaders for more information.