One of the things people often say that they appreciate about Kairos is the sense of community they experience through our church. The spirit of openness and authenticity is palpable in times of community prayer, where people are willing to open up and share what is really going on in their lives. Visitors are often surprised to hear the types of things that people are willing to share in the context of a Kairos worship service, sometimes even deep and personal matters. However, what they may not realize is that this culture of openness has been cultivated over time. From the start of this church, people have been gathering together in smaller groups, studying scripture and praying together, and challenging each other to have the courage to share what is truly going on in their lives. The trust and connection that has been experienced in these smaller groups has carried over and become a part of the ethos of our larger church community.
One of our core values here at Kairos is engaging in community with a smaller group of people, studying Scripture together, praying for one another and sharing our lives with one another. One way we encourage this value is to invite everyone who attends our church to join a smaller group.
Our small group ministry is made up of a variety of types of groups: men’s, women’s or couples groups, that meet in homes around our city. Reminiscent of the early church in the book of Acts, these groups exist to encourage one another daily in the way of Jesus. When people join a group, it is not solely for the purpose of Bible study (although that’s a really important part of it), but it is an opportunity to share your lives with one another. Joining a small group community means a willingness to open up to another and to be a resource to one another as you seek to grow in your faith.
Small groups often become the place where you have the opportunity to experience what it means to truly be a part of the body of Christ. I’ve watched small groups care for one another through major life transitions like adding a new baby to their family, or experiencing the loss of a loved one. I have seen small groups carry one another through difficult seasons of life and rally around people who are hurting. I’ve watched small groups encourage one another to step out to pursue a new vocation, or to reach beyond themselves to serve people in need.
Whether you are new to our church and looking for this type of community, or you’ve been in a small group for a long time, we would like to invite you to our next Small Group Gathering on September 16, at 9:00 AM. It will be an opportunity to learn more about Small Groups at Kairos, come together and exchange ideas, pick up some new resources for Bible study, and talk about ways to encourage a greater sense of connection with one another as you seek to grow in your faith. Small groups are open to anyone who is on a spiritual journey; whether you are new to Bible study, have questions and doubts and want to explore your faith, or are seeking to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ, we hope you will join us!
– Miriam