RHYTHMS OF DISCIPLESHIP
Maturing as a Christian tends to happen over the long haul in life’s ordinary rhythms. Whether it is communing with God or in community with God’s people, there are multiple avenues of discipleship that we embrace as a church.
Alone With God
ABIDING
At Citizens we believe enjoying God is not only a privilege, it is man’s chief end. It is the only relationship that can satisfy our soul’s deepest longings. You will regularly hear us emphasizing and encouraging one another to pursue communion with Christ.
Exod. 33:12-23, Deut. 6:5, Ps. 16:11, 27:4, 42:1-2, 84:10, Isa. 30:15, Jer. 29:13, Mar. 1:35, Lk. 5:16, 10:38-42, Jn. 15, Rev. 2:4-5
One to FEW
ID GROUPS
ID Groups are an intimate expression of our church because they exist for Intentional Discipleship. We see in the Scriptures that confession, accountability, and close proximity to one another are a vehicle the Lord uses to form His people.
Prov. 27:17, Matt. 4:18-22, 26:36-46, 28:18-20, Mar. 1:16-20, 5:35-43, 9:2-13, Lk. 9:28-36, Act. 16:1-5, 18:5, 1 Cor. 4:14-17.
One to SOME
HOUSEHOLDS
The family unit is God’s building block for society and a primary context for discipleship. We embrace a culture that encourages and equips parents, spouses, and children to embrace the gospel for all of life.
Gen. 12:1-3, Deut. 6:4-9, Josh. 24:15, Ps. 78:1-7, 127, Isa. 59:21, Matt. 19:4-6, Mar. 10:13-16, Eph. 5:21-6:4, Col. 3:12-21.
One to MANY
CITYFAMILY
CityFamily reflects our identity as God’s people: God’s adopted family on mission. We regularly gather in homes devoting ourselves to Scripture, prayer, breaking of bread, and sharing life as we grow to reflect Christ’s love to those around us.
Exod. 18:13-26, Matt. 5:14-16, 12:46-50, Jn. 13:34-35, Act. 2:42-47, 4:32-37, 5:42, Rom. 2:4-13, Eph. 2:19-20.
One to ALL
THE SUNDAY GATHERING
The weekly gathering of Citizens for worship, the Word, prayer, and the Lord’s Table. This is one of the means God uses to nourish the church in the gospel to be sent as Christ’s ambassadors.
Lev. 23:1-3, Deut. 31:10-13, Ps. 95:1-7, 122:1, 133:1, Neh. 8:1-12, 4:16-21, Acts 2:42-47, 20:7, 1 Cor. 14:26, 2 Cor. 5, Heb. 10:24-26
FAQ’S
No, the pattern we see in the Scriptures was unique for Church Plants. In the Book of Acts new churches were established because the disciples Engaged the City with the gospel (Acts 11:19), Discipled others in the gospel (Acts 11:21), then they Planted a Church (Acts 11:26). As a Church Plant, we want to do our best to not put the cart before the horse. We anticipate to launch all of these ways we gather as the year goes on!
While CityFamilies are already meeting and encouraged to engage Wentzville, much of the other rhythms are encouraged to be informal. The only formal gathering we have yet to launch are our Sunday Gatherings. These will begin on October 11 in the Wentzville Rec Center at 10a (preview gatherings are open to the public beginning on September 13 at 10a).
Anyone, our CityFamilies are full of people with different backgrounds and seasons of life! In joining a CityFamily we simply ask that you come with an open heart to understand and apply God’s truth found in the Scriptures!
Our CityFamilies currently meet on Wednesday evenings feel free to reach out to Conor (913) 662 – 1496 or Daniel (636) 898 – 9700 if you desire to get connected to one!
As stated above, ID Groups are the most intimate expression of our church, and they exist for discipleship. These are micro groups of 2-5 individuals of the same gender. Because of the uniquely intimate nature of these groups, there is no sign-up. Find somebody you love and trust in our church, and ask them if they have an ID group.
Both! ID Groups are committed to spiritual flourishing and formation. Whether it is helping you learn the Bible, considering how to grow, or being sharpened by a brother or sister in Christ, the hope is to fight for one another’s joy, seek the Lord and live a holy life.
It depends on the goal you set as a group! Some meet for a specific amount of time, and then share it with others. Some desire to develop deeper relationships over time. Just ensure everyone knows the goal in the group!
While everyone is going to benefit from being in an ID Group, it may be helpful to designate someone as the group organizer – the person making sure you meet regularly, and who can help guide conversations. But… we strongly recommend sharing leadership of the discussion. This way it keeps anyone from getting too bogged down, and it gives everyone an opportunity to grow in guiding spiritual conversations.