Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25
Did you know Advance is a regional church?
Each Sunday people travel to Mars, PA from up to 45 minutes away. Butler, Beaver, and Allegheny counties are represented when people gather for worship. Therefore, one of the midweek models for discipleship is Community Groups. The groups are led by leaders and co-leaders from within the church in homes throughout the region. The goal is for a person, couple, or family to not drive more than 20 minutes to get to their group. Community Groups run annually from September through early Summer.
Purpose of 2-hour Community Groups: Relational Growth & Spiritual Growth
- Relational Growth is the focus of the first hour when a group gathers. Typically, this time will take place in the kitchen around the table. Appetizers, desserts, and/or a full meal will promote discussions around everyday life. These casual discussions are a time to build friendships. Often, this is a time of laughter, encouragement, and mutual enjoyment. This is the time when care and genuine community begin to form and gradually develop.
- Spiritual Growth is the focus of the second hour. Usually, this will take place in a living room setting. With Bibles open, the discussion will be based in the Scripture passage preached the previous Sunday during worship using discussion questions located in the bulletin or on Advance’s app. If the sermon is a monologue aimed at the mind, group discussion is a dialogue aimed at the heart. Therefore, this portion of a community group is not about having the right answers. It’s about applying the Scriptures to our everyday living. A time of prayer closes each Community Group gathering.
Multi-generational Discipleship:
The Bible tells Jesus’ followers to “make disciples” (Matthew 28). Paul even provides specific insights concerning how to do this in a multi-generational manner (Titus 2). Advance is in a sweet season as the congregation is almost evenly spread in ages from babies to eighties. Singles, couples, and families are encouraged to participate in a Community Group. It’s powerful to see the life stages come together! The desire is to bring generations together, regardless of age or marital status, to provide an environment where the "one another" exhortations of Scripture take place.
Types of Community Groups offered this year:
3. Hybrid Group
General expectations:
If you are interested in learning more about Community Groups, please contact Pastor Austin - Austin@AdvancePgh.org
1. Standard Group
General expectations:- Up to 12 men & women
- Meets 3-4x a month all together
- Meets 1x a month where men & women are separate
- Childcare may or may not be available on-site.
Note: This model is ideal for those who can participate consistently, desire family involvement, or need on-site childcare.
2. Rotating Group
General expectations:- Up to 12 men & 12 women
- 2x a month is for men
- 2x a month is for women
- Example: Week 1 = men, Week 2 = women, Week 3 = men, Week 4 = women
Note: This model is ideal for those whose work schedules, children's activities, or other factors make weekly participation difficult.
General expectations:
- Up to 12 men & women
- Meets 2x a month all together
- 1x a month is for men
- 1x a month is for women
- Example: Week 1 = all together, Week 2 = men, Week 3 = all together, Week 4 = women
- Childcare may or may not be available on-site.
Note: This model is ideal for those who enjoy variety and are unable to commit to the level of the Standard Group model.
If you are interested in learning more about Community Groups, please contact Pastor Austin - Austin@AdvancePgh.org