Connect Groups are the Church

By Chris Koch

Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddle Back church in California, wrote, “Small groups are not a ministry of the church, small groups are not a program of the church, small groups are not an outreach of the church, small groups are not an event of the church, small groups are the church.”  

This quote is a great reminder of the importance of small groups (we call them Connect Groups). The church is not a building, it is the people, and Connect Groups are a microcosm of the larger church. It is where belonging, engagement with the Word and Spirit in community, and challenge to live an outward focused life happen.  

We just finished a focus on Connect Groups during Lent, but there are still Connect Groups meeting - and there is a place for you if you are not yet involved. Check out our new groups page to see if there is a group that fits with you. https://westsidepres.churchcenter.com/groups

“So let’s do it—
full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out.
Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going.
He always keeps his word.
Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love  
and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together  
as some do but spurring each other on,
especially as we see the big Day approaching.”
-Hebrews 10:22-25 (The Message)