Andrew Ariey, Community Group Director
What is a Community Group?
Every week, the people of the Village Church Irvine meet in small groups throughout Orange County in what we call Community Groups. Belonging to a Community Group allows us to know one another deeply, show and receive love, and lift up Jesus together. Community Groups are encouraging, enlightening, and intentional. In battling for deep and abiding relationships within the body, we are seeking Jesus to be mighty in and through his people.
Why Join a Community Group When I’m Already Attending Sunday Services?
We believe that Christ-centered community is best achieved by meeting both corporately on Sundays and in smaller groups throughout the week. This allows the whole church to be unified under the same vision and teaching, while still participating in intimate community. Smaller group settings provide more opportunities to practice hospitality, share burdens, confess sin, and speak wisdom to one another. It is also more conducive to frank discussion, particularly on how we can apply Sunday’s teaching to our lives. In addition, scattering throughout Orange County into our own neighborhoods means we can bring the gospel to more people who need Jesus.
I Am New Here. Can I Join a Community Group?
Absolutely! You can check out our online Community Groups Directory to see all the groups that are meeting during the current quarter. Here's what we recommend:
1. Use the directory to find a group or two that seem like a good fit for you - you can search for groups based on where they meet, or what night of the week they meet.
2. Hit "Join Group" to submit your information to the Group Leader.
3. The Group Leader will contact you and let you know when they are meeting next, so you can stop by and check it out.
4. Feel free to checkout multiple groups.
Our hope is that you will get connected into a group and quickly grow to see them like family.
What Can I Expect When I Go?
You can expect a casual but purposeful gathering that involves food, conversations, prayer, and a practical discussion about the Bible. On most weeks the discussion centers around questions from our church Bible Reading Plan. You can expect to meet people who genuinely care about you and are glad you’re there. There will be honest discussion, prayer, real pain and real joy. More than anything else, you will experience the church being the church in its most personal form. There may also be opportunities to serve the neighborhood and have fun together at BBQs, game nights, etc.
Have a question? Want to join a group? Email Ben - benschwefel@villagechurchirvine.com