City Community Church, Exeter - Belonging

A place to Belong, to Function and to Give

When we become followers of Jesus Christ it is important that we also become part of a local church. In fact, everywhere in the Bible, God has made them inseparable. Perhaps you have recently become a Christian, or are considering becoming a part of City Community Church. Being a member of CCC is more than having your name in the Church address book! The apostle Paul said that believers are like the hands, feet and arms of the same body - we are joined to others, and we all have a part to play that contributes to the whole. We hold regular 'Joiners Evenings' - a chance to meet the Leaders as well as others who have joined recently.

Simply put, being a part of CCC involves three things - It means to Belong, to Function, and to Give...

A recent CCC BBQ – we eat well!

Belong

Being a part of the Church community. We encourage everyone who is part of us to commit to being part of a small group.

• If you are not sure whether you are a Christian and want to find out more, please contact us. We run Christianity Explored and The Alpha Course which many have found to be tremendously helpful in discovering what it means to be a Christian -and beginning life's greatest adventure!
• If you have recently become a Christian, please ask about our introductory course to the Christian faith Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow. It includes a 15 topic series entitled First Steps which covers basic Christian beliefs.
• If you have sure Christian foundations, we encourage you to become part of one of the other mid-week small groups. These help us mature and grow as followers of Jesus Christ - helping us all to reach our full potential.

Please discuss with one of the leaders mentioned on the first page of this folder about which group would best suit you.

Function

As we each make our contribution to the whole, we discover our unique calling and giftedness - and God uses us together to extend his Kingdom! The Church is 'us' - all of us! We are not Lone Rangers, we are part of a body. Whether on our own in the office, at home or in college, we are Church - all the time. And the mission and ministry of the Church happen through us - wherever we live our lives. We offer the excellent Willow Creek Network course to help us discover our unique gifts and calling.

People praying for others being Baptised in the sea at Exmouth, June 2006

Give

A healthy family is one where everyone contributes of themselves. Jesus said that it is in our giving that we will receive. (Luke 6:38). We believe that the local church family (that's us, together!) is the hope of the world, and that we have an important job to do. So we encourage those who are a part of us to give - of their time, energy and money to the mission and ministry of the Church. As these valuable resources are given, so this releases the means by which the Kingdom can grow and increase through us. Giving reflects the very nature of our generous God, who gave even what was most precious to him - his own Son, for us.

Why is Pastoral Care Important?

God's plan for his Church is that each of us should express care to one another. Jesus said that people would recognise his disciples because of their love for one another. The Church should be a caring environment where everyone has a sense of belonging and acceptance. Sometimes we go through difficult times when we need extra care and more specialised help. God has placed among us those with gifts and skills to help in such times. This reflects the nature of God himself. He cares about each one of us -Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10). David also described God as his Shepherd (Psalm 23). But God's love does not leave us unchanged; his care produces growth in us (Ezekiel 34). It's that kind of care we should have in the Church, so that we grow in character, in using our gifts, and also in responsibility.

How can I access help if I need it?

In CCC we have a pastoral team. In addition there are others with particular gifts and skills who are a valuable resource. It is important to realise that this care does not replace the need for each of us to build relationships within the Church. We all need to belong and to feel that we mean something to others. The various small groups within CCC are vital in facilitating this. Sharing our lives and praying for each other is an essential part of giving and receiving. Everyone is therefore encouraged to belong to a small group and 'get connected' with others.