Brad House » God Scripture Mission Church Church Leadership Community

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established”. - Proverbs 16:3

I'm fairly accustomed to making plans. I'm not a detailed planner like my wife, but I have a plan for almost everything. I know what I want to do to improve my house, to provide for my family, to see my children mature, to improve my ministry, and so on.  In every area of my life where I want to see growth, I have a plan.

 

Like a Car without Gas

Leaders in any walk of life will agree that success is not attainable without a solid plan.  Setting goals without a plan is like having a car without gas, both become a burden and get you nowhere. In general, we understand this principle in ministry. We have countless plans for how we are going to accomplish the mission that God has set aside for our churches.   

I have a plan for my church and a plan for my family, so why wouldn’t I have a plan for the growth I desire for my community?

That is why I find it so astounding that so few community groups have ever developed a plan for their community. I have a plan for my church and a plan for my family, so why wouldn’t I have a plan for the growth I desire for my community?

 

Some Helpful Tips

If you want your community group to be healthy and successfully participate in the mission of the church, then make a plan. This gives your group direction and map to follow for growth as a community. Below are some tips for building a simple plan that will increase the effectiveness of your community group.

1. Set Goals: As a group, discuss your goals for personal growth and mission. 
   1. In what areas do we want to grow as a community this year?  (Prayer, confession and repentance, Bible knowledge, etc…)
   2. How many people are we praying will come to Christ through our group this year?
   3. How do we want to bless our neighborhood?
2. List Opportunities: 
   1. Have member of the group track down opportunities for you group to serve or participate in your city or neighborhood.  (School schedules, neighborhood newsletters/blogs, community centers, food banks, etc.)
   2. Make a list of neighbors and friends that you want to pray for this year and invite to your community group.
   3. Make a list of seasons that would be best for inviting neighbors to a hospitality event like a breakfast or barbecue.
3. Build an ideal week that takes advantage of opportunities and meets goals
4. Build a yearly calendar with events that you are going to serve/participate in your neighborhood. Anticipating these events will help the group involve neighbors. 
5. Review your group plan monthly. This will keep you on track and help you adjust your plan as you opportunities arise. 

 

An Outpost for the Gospel

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Build a plan that will require the extraordinary work of God and commit these plans to him in prayer.

Having a plan will give your group clear direction and will get them excited about the purpose and goals of your community. This will not only be life-giving to your group, it will help make it an effective outpost for the gospel in your neighborhood.

For additional resources in building a plan, see the Mars Hill Community Group Resources Page.

 

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Pastor Brad House has written a book all about Community and it's one of our newest Re:lit books that just hit shelves. Find out more about the book here.

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