Community Groups

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:23-25

Did you know Advance is a regional church? 
Each Sunday people travel to Mars, PA from up to 45 minutes away. Butler, Beaver, and Allegheny counties are represented when people gather for worship. Therefore, one of the midweek models for discipleship is Community Groups. The groups are led by leaders and co-leaders from within the church in their homes. The goal is for a person, couple, or family to not drive more than 20 minutes to get to their group. Lord willing, more than 50% of the congregation will be participating in a Community Group by the end of the year.  

Purpose of Community Groups: Relational Growth & Spiritual Growth.
- Relational Growth is the focus of the first hour when a group gathers. Typically, this time will take place in the kitchen around the table. Appetizers, desserts, and/or a full meal will promote discussions around your everyday life. These casual and organic discussions are a time to build community and connection. Often, this is a time of laughter and mutual enjoyment.
- Spiritual Growth is the focus of the second hour. Usually, this will take place in a living room setting. With Bibles open, the discussion will be based in the Scripture passage preached the previous Sunday during worship using discussion questions located in the bulletin or on Advance’s app. If the sermon is a monologue aimed at the mind, group discussion is a dialogue aimed at the will. Therefore, this portion of a community group is not about having the right answers. It’s about applying the Scriptures to our everyday living. A time of prayer closes each Community Group gathering.

Multi-generational Discipleship: 
The Bible tells Jesus’ followers to “make disciples” (Matthew 28). Paul even provides specific insights concerning how to do this in a multi-generational manner (Titus 2). Advance is in a sweet season of ministry due to the fact that the church is almost evenly spread in ages from babies to eighties. Singles and couples are encouraged to participate in a Community Group. It’s powerful to see the life stages come together!

Types of Community Groups offered this year:
1. The Couples’ Group
- Up to 12 men & women
- Meets 3x a month all together
- Meets 1x a month where men & women are separate
- Childcare is arranged by parents offsite (i.e. - home babysitter)
- This model is ideal for those who desire a more traditional small group experience.  

2. The Family Group
- Up to 12 men & women
- Meets 3x a month all together
- Meets 1x a month where men & women are separate
- Children are onsite
- Children may be invited to participate in certain parts of the gathering
- This model is ideal for those who don’t have childcare, desire family involvement, and don’t mind a little chaos.  

3. The Hybrid Group
- Up to 12 men & women
- Meets 2x a month all together
- 1x a month is for men
- 1x a month is for women
- Example: Week 1 = all together, Week 2 = men, Week 3 = all together, Week 4 = women
- Note: Group might be structured like either a Couples or Family Group when all together
- This model is ideal for those who like variety and are unable to commit to weekly group gatherings.  

  4. The Rotating Group
- Up to 10 men & 10 women
- 2x a month is for men
- 2x a month is for women
- Example: Week 1 = men, Week 2 = women, Week 3 = men, Week 4 = women
- This model is ideal for those who don’t have childcare or who have children in an activity that conflicts with group night.

If you are interested in learning more about Community Groups, please contact Pastor Scott - Scott@AdvancePGH.org