One of our ICC measures, we define Covenant Community as a choice to live in authentic relationships, selfless interdependence, and loving unity with other believers in the local church.

A group of established and/or new friends that choose to live in intentional community, grow spiritually, and learn to follow Jesus together.

Since we believe that transformation happens in community, it is an indispensable element of growing healthy disciples (followers of Jesus) in the local church. Therefore, community is the main priority of Community Groups. While this may look different for each group, the purpose remains the same - building genuine, deep, intentional relationships that cultivate spiritual growth and obedient living. Community Groups provide the space and place required for believers to be together, share life with one another, and grow as disciples.

Community Groups are for anyone and everyone! We all need community, and we all have a part to play in cultivating community. Every member of a Community Group is encouraged and expected to commit to the flourishing of the group.

All Community Groups are member led, shepherd supported, and church connected.

• Member Led: A member of ICC takes responsibility for leading each Community Group and being trained for this role.
• Shepherd Supported: A church leader has responsibility for coaching, supporting, and overseeing each Community Group.
• Church Connected: While each Community Group has its own unique identity, no group operates independently of our ICC body. Every group is connected to the church at large in our shared vision, values, purposes, and mission.

Community Groups meet regularly (at least twice a month) for these 3 purposes:

• Intentional Community
• Spiritual Growth*
• Focused Prayer

*Community Groups are committed to growing together spiritually and have the opportunity to choose how. The following are the four ways that Community Groups can choose to grow together spiritually. Click on any for more information.

• REVIEW: Groups can focus on processing and applying what they are learning from Sunday sermons by using the guide that will be provided each week.
• READ: Groups can study the Bible together. Church leadership can give additional guidance about how to do this.
• REFLECT: Groups can use this simple 3Q model to share how God is working in their lives and pray for one another. The 3 reflective questions are as follows:
  - What are you learning from/about God?
  - How is it impacting your life?
  - What do you need prayer for?
• RESOURCE: Groups may choose a resource to study, including (but not limited to) ICC's pre-approved resources. Church leadership can help select a different study approved for ICC Community Groups.

• Intentional Community: Around 30 minutes devoted to fellowship, building authentic and encouraging friendships.
• Spiritual Growth: Around 30 minutes devoted to growing spiritually, utilizing one of the four growth options (4 R’s).
• Focused Prayer: Around 15 minutes devoted to praying for each other as well as our church, community, and world.

A Community Group Leader works to cultivate biblical community and spiritual growth in their Community Group, supporting and encouraging God's transforming work in the lives of group members as we learn to follow Jesus together. In addition to leading group meetings, they work with their group’s supporting shepherd and church leadership as a representative that maintains the group’s connection to the church at large.