Groups | www.thegardentx.com

THE WHY

Humans long for deep friendships. We are made for community as image-bearers of God. God himself is in community. Or more accurately, God is community: one God, three persons. Christians are saved to community and grow in community. At the Garden we experience community in our Sunday gatherings and small groups.

“If you want the surpassing power of God in your life, you have to plunge yourself into a community,
because God’s power works in your life to the degree that you are involved in community.” — Tim Keller

THE WHAT

Vine Groups:

Vine Groups are the place where life happens. They are not as concerned with structure as they are with connection to Jesus and community. The vine group is a small, multiplying body of no more than twelve to sixteen, within the Garden’s congregation. A Holy place of community, accountability and correction focused on spiritual maturity through life together discipleship. A place focused on abiding in Christ, the one true vine. Meeting off campus, preferably at one another’s homes while breaking bread, the group will be given a handout based on the sermon each week, or will be able to pick from other approved materials, that they can use as a tool for spiritual growth. The sermon questions are intended to invite God and his Word into each vine group in the most cohesive, and least demanding way possible. These groups will be reshaped each season, allowing other members to lead, and/or seek training in a trellis group. The vine groups are also the place where service is prioritized as a way for the group to grow in community and on mission (see missional groups). More specific training can be found, if desired, through our trellis groups.

Trellis Groups:

Trellis Groups provide the body support and structure through intentional training for their growth. They are the foundational tool behind how the vine groups are able to communally develop in sound doctrine. These groups are made available to ensure the saints identity in knowing that they are all ministers laboring with God in his good work. And are of the most service to the unification and sanctification of Christ’s body, when seasonally rotated with vine groups. From Bible studies to systematic theology, finance, child raising, marriage and more, these groups were created to be less interruptible due to their curriculum-based pace. Trellis groups are not the best way for the body to grow confessionally, prayerfully, and relationally. However, the vine groups are designed to accomplish just that.

Missional Groups:

At the Garden we believe God is constantly converting our hearts from the world to him when we are on mission for Christ. Therefore, the best way to grow in God honoring relationships with one another is through service in community. These groups will be known as the “Hands & Feet Serve Team” and are designed to help our vine groups move from connection to service. Because we are a family at the Garden, it is important to us that “everybody gets one job before anybody gets two.” These groups will work within the vine groups to provide weekly service opportunities. Gifting our church family with “cultivators” that serve the body in groups that change weekly. Not only will this help prevent burnout, it will also remind us that we are all called to be servant leaders in Christ’s family. Missional groups will be forerunners toward outward ministry beyond the walls of the church, influencing our neighborhoods and workplaces with a mind set on God’s kingdom. The encouragement this brings will remind us that God is doing something so much bigger than the work happening within our church, allowing our hearts and minds to grow in awe of his boundless work.

Alongside Sunday gatherings, these groups are where we will grow as disciples by being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did, living out our values of presence, practice, & proclamation.

PRESENCE

Through the rhythms of Devotion, Prayer, Fellowship and Worship we will create spaces where we can

be with Jesus.

PRACTICE

Through the rhythms of Repentance, Generosity and Service we want to create spaces where we can

become like Jesus.

PROCLAMATION

Through the rhythms of Witnessing, Partnering and Multiplication we want to go out and

do what Jesus did.