Building Strong Community Through Intentional Gatherings
Life is better when we live it together. From sharing meals to offering encouragement and support, community is foundational to the church and the Christian faith. While Sunday worship is central to church life, deeper connection and discipleship happen when we gather intentionally throughout the week or month.
Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us of this calling:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Here’s how we structure our community gatherings to foster connection, spiritual growth, and support for every stage of life.
Types of Gatherings
At Citizen Church, we offer a variety of gatherings to meet people where they are, including:
Small Groups: Special interest groups led by church members, ranging from hiking and marriage groups to young adult gatherings, all incorporating prayer and Bible study.
Men’s Breakfast: A bi-monthly Saturday event for fellowship and encouragement among men.
60+ Gatherings (Senior Citizens): A monthly gathering for those over 60, featuring worship, prayer, teaching, and lunch.
Young Adult Special Events: Regular meetups at restaurants, parks, or worship nights designed for connection and community building.
These gatherings allow for deeper relationships and provide opportunities for prayer, mentorship, and mutual encouragement.
Keys to Effective Gatherings
To ensure our gatherings are meaningful and sustainable, we focus on the following principles:
1. Team Empowerment
Rather than relying solely on pastors or staff, we equip and empower volunteers to take ownership of ministry gatherings. By building teams to lead, dream, and plan, we create buy-in and sustainability while tapping into the creativity and passion of the broader church body.
2. Consistent Communication
Clear and frequent communication is essential for planning and promoting gatherings. Whether through ministry-specific social media accounts, text groups, or emails, we prioritize keeping teams and participants informed and engage
3. Regular Patterns
Creating a consistent rhythm for gatherings helps participants form habits and commit to attending. For example, small groups often meet weekly on the same day and time, while Senior Citizen Chapel occurs monthly on a set schedule. These patterns foster reliability and encourage ongoing participation.
Why Community Matters
Intentional gatherings do more than provide social interaction—they create spaces for discipleship, spiritual growth, and mutual care. By fostering a culture of community, churches can embody the love of Christ and provide a safe haven where everyone belongs.
