Unlike a Church with a Small Group program, Dwelling Places are the Church. Our main focus is where the Church lives. We want our spiritual practices to be natural, authentic and a true reflection of relationship with Jesus. Everything in our spiritual life has to be worked out in relationships: marriage, family, friends, neighbors, bosses, employees, co-workers, enemies and the list goes on. Life is about relationship with God and people.
Dwelling Places are where this happens. They are homes, coffee shops, pubs, and anywhere we dwell and invest in relationships. We believe the simplest and most dynamic expression of the Church and Jesus mission begins in these places. The most vulnerable and intimate place in our lives is in our own homes and neighborhoods. This is where we live, grow, care for each other, share our stories and make friends.
Jesus was born and moved into the neighborhood. He lived in a home, interacted with people and shared his life with them. He related to them naturally, where they were as he encountered them on his way. This is what it means to be missional and incarnational. In the same way we bear witness to the word made flesh through our lives, naturally as we seek to know those around us. This takes intentionality.
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The Dwelling Place Church is a network of Dwelling Places being the Church in their neighborhoods and to their neighbors. They gather weekly to share their lives with each other. Two weeks are spent in community, focused on going deeper in relationship with God and one another through prayer, fellowship, communion, and sharing their stories: building the church up in love. A third week is spent reaching out to neighbors and serving our surrounding community: loving our neighbor.
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FAQ:
What it’s like to be in a Dwelling Place?
This is not a small group because some Dwelling Places may not be small. These groups are typically 8+ people who share life together and establish the unique rhythm of their group. Each group is different based on the people, their makeup, the location and needs of their neighbors. Typically, they will share conversation around scripture and its application to life, sharing personal stories, prayer for needs, laughter, food, communion and a common mission. They may have a big party to invite their neighbors or share in serving their community. During the week they will connect in spontaneous ways as life happens and as needs arise. It’s about Jesus, life and relationships. This happens every day!
Can you put me in a Dwelling Place group?
NO. Because it is about relationships and we have a tendency to gravitate to people who have some things in common with us, you can see the difficulty. The last thing we would want to do is place you in a group of strangers who you totally don’t know. The best thing to do is come to our Sunday Gathering (Service) to naturally make some connections and let people get to know you. We believe from here, God can give you some direction about where you fit. If you need help making connections, our leadership would love to assist you.
Can I start a Dwelling Place in my home or neighborhood?
YES. Our leadership would love to talk with you and assist you in the development of a Dwelling Place in your neighborhood. It is our mission to be the church, bringing the life of Jesus to every neighborhood. You can email us at: info@thedwellingplacecc.com.
Do the Dwelling Places ever come together?
YES. Every week. This we call the Gathering (or for some they call a church service.) However, our focus is not to be consumers who get served. Rather our focus is on each other, to serve God and serve others. God pours His love into us and we get to pour love out. These Gatherings allow the church to come together and give witness to what God is doing all over the city. It allows us to see that we are a part of something bigger. The entire community gets an opportunity to be taught, worship, and give witness of God’s grace.
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