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I’m excited to share a message close to my heart about the importance of community in the life of a church. Drawing from Hebrews 10:24-25, I want to invite you to explore why connecting with others is essential for faith and how our church, Calvary Baptist Church (CBC), is launching a new ministry called Small Groups to foster these connections. Whether you’re part of our congregation or simply curious about the role of community in faith, this message is for you.

A Heart Expecting God’s Work

One of our teenagers, Juliana, recently approached me before attending a youth event called Arise. She hadn’t even left yet, but she was already eager to share a testimony upon her return. Her expectancy challenges us all. When we gather for worship or fellowship, do we come anticipating that God will move? Hebrews 10:24-25 calls us to “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” and to keep gathering together, encouraging each other. This mindset of expectation lays the foundation for meaningful connections that can transform lives.

The Church as Family

Growing up as a pastor’s son in North Carolina and later Virginia, I experienced the church’s impact firsthand. In my teen years at a small church in South Hill, Virginia, older men took me under their wing, inviting me to hunt and fish. Those relationships shaped me, showing that the church is a family where every person—young or old—plays a role in supporting one another. Ephesians 4:2 urges us to bear with one another in love, fostering unity despite our differences. Whether it’s praying for teenagers, knowing the names of preschoolers, or encouraging families, the church is called to reflect Christ’s love as a family.

The Biblical Call to Connect

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” This call is for every believer, not just church leaders. The New Testament includes 50 “one another” commands, such as loving, encouraging, bearing burdens, and confessing faults (Galatians 6:2, James 5:16). These commands require community—we can’t live them out in isolation.

A few years ago, my sister-in-law faced the sudden loss of her husband at age 36. Before my wife and I could reach her, members of her small group from a local church were already there, surrounding her with love and support. Over the next year, they walked with her through grief, showing what the church is meant to be: people who know each other’s stories, pray together, and bear one another’s burdens. This experience inspires our launch of CBC Small Groups.

Why Small Groups?

CBC Small Groups, starting in September, are designed to help believers live out these biblical commands. These intentional gatherings of about 14 people will focus on sermon-based Bible studies, prayer, and sharing life together. They’re flexible—each group can decide when and where to meet, whether at the church, a home, or even a park. Every group will create a covenant to guide its schedule and purpose, ensuring everyone is united in vision.

Small groups aren’t just a program; they’re a biblical response to God’s design for the church. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” In small groups, you can use your gifts to encourage, pray for, and serve others. Whether you’re seeking mentorship or have wisdom to share, there’s a place for everyone.

The Urgency of Connection

We can’t afford to be disconnected. Hebrews 10:25 urges us to gather “so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” I believe we’re nearing the day of Christ’s return, making it critical to encourage one another. I’ve been burdened by how some church gatherings see low attendance, but the church isn’t just one person—it’s all of us. Every believer is called to know Christ, make Him known, serve Him, and connect with one another.

Galatians 5:15 warns against division, which can harm the cause of Christ. Instead, we’re to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), edify one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and avoid speaking evil of each other (James 4:11). Small groups provide a space to build godly relationships, fostering unity and accountability.

Your Invitation to Connect

I invite everyone reading this—whether you’re part of CBC or another faith community—to consider the power of connection. For our congregation, we’re launching Small Groups to help you know more than someone’s name—you’ll learn their story, pray for their needs, and build friendships that last a lifetime. If you’re part of CBC, pick up a card at church, fill out your name, email, and phone number (married couples, please submit individual cards), and return it soon. Our small group leaders will begin training next week, using sermon-based notes to guide meaningful discussions.

If you’re not part of our church, I encourage you to seek out a community where you can live out the “one another” commands. Imagine being there for someone in their moment of need, like my sister-in-law’s small group was for her. That’s the power of connection.

A Prayer for Community

Lord, thank You for calling us to be Your family. Stir our hearts to connect with one another, to love, encourage, and serve as You’ve commanded. Bless the launch of small groups at CBC and similar efforts in churches everywhere. May these communities reflect Your grace and love as we await Your return. Amen.

Will you take a step toward connection? Let’s be a church that loves deeply, connects intentionally, and lives out the gospel together.