1. What is a community of joy?
Two or more people of any age brought together by the joy of Christ’s love. The term “community” is broad enough to include all types of current and future gatherings of God’s people. For example: church, group, huddle, class, study, team, meeting, party, club, etc. Communities of joy may gather anytime and anywhere, based upon the desires of the group.
2. What is the purpose of a community of joy?
A community of joy provides a spiritual and relational environment where people learn to recognize, receive, and release the joy of Christ’s love. A community of joy provides a sense of belonging and encouragement. It is a
welcoming place for those who are already and those who are not yet connected to Christ and His church.
3. What does the Bible say about people gathered around the joy of Christ’s love?
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.“ John 15:9-12 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47
4. What does a community of joy look like?
A community of joy may have:
A potential community of joy is influenced by one or more believers who desire to bring the joy of Christ’s love into an existing or forming group which may be centered around a neutral interest (book club, neighborhood social events, sports team, hobby group, etc.).
6. How does prayer play a role in forming and experiencing a community of joy?
We desire God’s Spirit to lead us; thus, we pray.
We suggest these four mission prayers.
Yes, God might connect you into several communities of joy based on who you are, the season of your life, and how the Spirit of God is leading you. God might also inspire you to pray for and encourage new communities of joy where he leads you.
8. How might a believer form a community of joy?
9. How is the vision of Christ the King connected to communities of joy?
The vision of CTK: Communities of joy for everyone, every day, everywhere. We see the people of CTK so filled with the joy of Christ’s love that they are led by God’s Spirit to recognize, receive and release the joy of Christ’s love, every day and everywhere. We see these communities multiplying beyond CTK to connect the disconnected to the joy of Christ’s love.
10. Does Christ the King already have communities of joy?
Yes! The people of CTK receive and release the joy of Christ’s love wherever they go. Communities of joy often form as a result. Here are some current examples: Sunday morning classes, care groups, missional communities, Bible studies, home groups, task teams, parenting groups, core groups, fellowship gatherings, impromptu neighborhood parties, etc.
*Footnote
How you might use the BLESS rhythm to welcome disconnected people into a community of Joy.
Two or more people of any age brought together by the joy of Christ’s love. The term “community” is broad enough to include all types of current and future gatherings of God’s people. For example: church, group, huddle, class, study, team, meeting, party, club, etc. Communities of joy may gather anytime and anywhere, based upon the desires of the group.
2. What is the purpose of a community of joy?
A community of joy provides a spiritual and relational environment where people learn to recognize, receive, and release the joy of Christ’s love. A community of joy provides a sense of belonging and encouragement. It is a
welcoming place for those who are already and those who are not yet connected to Christ and His church.
3. What does the Bible say about people gathered around the joy of Christ’s love?
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.“ John 15:9-12 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47
4. What does a community of joy look like?
A community of joy may have:
- One or more believers who pray for and help gather the group.
- The DNA of encouragement as the joy of Christ’s love is received and released.
- Some rhythm for regular gatherings in whatever location seems appropriate.
- A hospitality (food shared) component.
- A prayer and Word (Bible experience) component.
- A size that seems right for the group.
- A desire to invite people who are not connected.
- A willingness to multiply so that there are more communities where people can connect.
- A service or outreach component.
A potential community of joy is influenced by one or more believers who desire to bring the joy of Christ’s love into an existing or forming group which may be centered around a neutral interest (book club, neighborhood social events, sports team, hobby group, etc.).
6. How does prayer play a role in forming and experiencing a community of joy?
We desire God’s Spirit to lead us; thus, we pray.
We suggest these four mission prayers.
- God, where are You showing me Your love?
- God, what are You saying to me in Your Word about following Jesus?
- God, how are You leading me to love others?
- God, with whom do You want me to share the joy of Christ’s love?
Yes, God might connect you into several communities of joy based on who you are, the season of your life, and how the Spirit of God is leading you. God might also inspire you to pray for and encourage new communities of joy where he leads you.
8. How might a believer form a community of joy?
- Pray (see the mission prayers in #6).
- Invite another believer to pray with you, using Jesus’ strategy of sending his disciples 2 by 2.
- Invite those whom God seems to be identifying, (see footnote).
9. How is the vision of Christ the King connected to communities of joy?
The vision of CTK: Communities of joy for everyone, every day, everywhere. We see the people of CTK so filled with the joy of Christ’s love that they are led by God’s Spirit to recognize, receive and release the joy of Christ’s love, every day and everywhere. We see these communities multiplying beyond CTK to connect the disconnected to the joy of Christ’s love.
10. Does Christ the King already have communities of joy?
Yes! The people of CTK receive and release the joy of Christ’s love wherever they go. Communities of joy often form as a result. Here are some current examples: Sunday morning classes, care groups, missional communities, Bible studies, home groups, task teams, parenting groups, core groups, fellowship gatherings, impromptu neighborhood parties, etc.
*Footnote
How you might use the BLESS rhythm to welcome disconnected people into a community of Joy.