The life and ministry of Midtown Community Church (MCC) is nurtured and energized through our small groups, where people develop a maturing relationship with Christ and a meaningful relationship with the body of Christ. Becoming meaningfully involved at MCC means becoming meaningfully involved in a small group.

At MCC, small groups come in 3 shapes: Connecting Groups, House Churches, and Missional Groups.

Connecting Groups are designed to help you establish a personal relationship with Christ and investigate what MCC is all about. The best first step is to attend a Newcomer's Coffee, where you will learn about the best way for you to connect in our church family. Some will then prefer to join a study, like Christianity Explored, Stranger on the Road to Emmaus, or Starting Point. Each of these is a several-week long study, exploring the basics of knowing and following Christ. Others may choose to participate in a 4-week long Newcomer's Class, in which you will learn about the vision, values, and direction of MCC. Besides passing along valuable information, these groups will enable you to meaningfully engage our church family.

House Churches provide a relational context for spiritual and personal growth. In these groups, people develop a sense of intimacy with Christ and of connectedness with our church family. House Churches are "open" groups, meaning that they are structured to welcome newcomers.

Are there different kinds of House Churches? House Churches tend to form around --but are not restricted to--common interests or stages of life: Singles, Marrieds, Students, Internationals, etc. Regardless of the makeup of any one group, all House Churches share a common agenda (see the description of a typical House Church meeting below).

Where, when, and how do House Churches meet? House Churches meet in homes (dorms, apartments, condos, houses) on a weekly basis. Some stay in one place; others rotate into the homes of their group members. The group determines the day and time of their meeting.

What happens in a House Church meeting? In each of our House Churches our aim is to give expression to 3 key values: Loving God, Loving One Another, and Loving Our Neighbor.  Our House Church leaders attempt to ensure these values are honored in the life of the church.

 

Generally, a House Church meeting lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and consists of fellowship, worship, Bible study, sharing, and prayer.   Also, each House Church actively engages in ministry in its local community.

How long do House Churches stay together? Typically, our House Churches last approximately nine months (fall, winter, and spring).  Summers provide an opportunity for us to rest our leaders and create larger gatherings for fellowship and ministry.

What will be expected of me if I join a House Church? Participants are not required to "join" a House Church, and attendance is not required.  But the benefits of group life cannot be gleaned by those who do not attend regularly. Sometimes participants are expected to prepare at home for the upcoming study, depending on the nature of the study being done by the House Church. Mostly, members are expected to help create a safe, positive environment for the House Church participants.

How are House Churches different from Connecting Groups? Connecting Groups are short-term groups and are designed to address specific topics for those seeking to understand Christianity and/or MCC. House Churches have a longer life-cycle and provide an environment for relationships to marinate. Additionally, House Churches provide the first and most strategic care-giving opportunities available in our church.

How do I get involved in a House Church? There are 3 ways to get involved in a House Church:

1. Attend a Newcomer's Coffee and indicate your interest on the cards provided
2. Check out the House Church Index on the website and contact the leader(s) of the House Church that interests you.
3. Send an email to Bill Murray indicating your interest in a House Church.    Top

Missional Groups are vehicles for involving believers in meeting the felt needs of people living in the community for the purpose of demonstrating the love of Christ. Participants in Ministry Groups commit to serve together for a year and may renew their commitment annually.

Who may participate in a Missional Group? It is highly recommended that people join a Missional Group only after participating in a House Church. True, self-sacrificing, God-honoring ministry cannot be sustained week after week without an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. House Churches are designed to help people develop this maturing relationship with Christ.

Where, when, and how often do Missional Groups meet? This is determined by the nature of the ministry the group engages in. Typically, the group members meet weekly to engage in ministry. When and how they gather for prayer, study, and encouragement is up to the group leader. Some will set aside a once-a-month meeting time; others will take mini-retreats together.

How are Missional Groups different from House Churches? House Churches are relational groups designed to bring the essence of church life down to its most fundamental level.  Though they do ministry together, the nature of the House Churches is relational. In Missional Groups, though relationships are encouraged, the emphasis is ministry.

How do I get involved in a Missional Group? Annually in the early fall, the church will host a Ministry Night during which the various Missional Groups will be given the opportunity to describe their ministry. You will have the opportunity to indicate your interest in joining a Missional Group. Other information may be learned by visiting the Missional Group Index.

How do Missional Groups get started? Missional Groups are birthed in the hearts of individuals in the church. If you see a need in the church or the community that you are compelled to help meet, send an email to Bill Murray. He will help you through the following steps:

1. Fill out a brief "Ministry Description"
2. Attend a leadership training event for Missional Group leaders
3. Form a leadership team of people willing to co-labor with you in your area of ministry interest
4. Participate in a Ministry Night event  Top