Keep Building the Culture

Hi Group Leaders,

We are now one month into our group semester. I know that may sound crazy, especially since some groups have not met as often because of the church’s 20th anniversary celebration. Still, it has been one month since we launched groups, and I have been encouraged by the reports I am hearing from many of you about how well the semester has started.

As groups have worked through the Belong video series, I have heard stories of deeper conversations and greater vulnerability. That is exciting because it points to the kind of culture we are trying to build together.

There is a well-known saying in leadership: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” The idea is simple. Our plans matter, but the culture we create through our repeated choices will shape people far more than any curriculum, schedule, or strategy ever could.

That is why it is easy to get focused on the nuts and bolts of group ministry: teaching the lesson, preparing the food, communicating details, and taking attendance (by the way, this is a friendly reminder to take attendance😉).

Those things matter, but they are not the whole point. Beneath all of those details, we are building something together.

We are seeking to build a discipling culture where people can believe, belong, become, and build. We want people in our church to continually take their next steps toward Jesus. Discipleship is not a one-time decision or something we check off a list. It is a daily practice of becoming more like Jesus as we follow him with other people.

Why Groups Matter

As group leaders have reported back about their groups, one of the trends I continue to hear is that many people are lonely. They do not feel like they have many, or sometimes any, covenantal friendships, relationships marked by commitment, honesty, and presence. And these are people who are already in groups.

That points to a larger reality in our culture. We live in a busy, individualistic, and often self-focused society. People are constantly encouraged to protect their time, preserve their comfort, and keep their lives manageable. Giving our time and energy to other people does not always come naturally.

This is why what we are building at Church at the Grove matters so much.

Culture building is never easy. We are pushing back against the patterns of our society and choosing to live differently. That kind of culture shift takes time. It does not happen overnight, and it will certainly come with challenges.

So, when you face challenges, keep going.

Your group may be smaller than you hoped. Attendance may be inconsistent. The conversations may not yet have the depth you want. People may be slow to open up. None of that means God is not at work.

As Dory reminds us in Finding Nemo, “Just keep swimming.”

Keep gathering. Keep inviting. Keep creating space for honest conversation. Keep showing people that your group is a place where they are known, loved, challenged, and encouraged to take their next step toward Jesus.

What we are building together is more than a healthy group. We are building a culture of life transformation and discipleship. That work is too important for us to give up when the results are not immediate.

Opportunities to Serve Together

During Weeks 3 and 4 of the Belong video series, your group has hopefully begun talking about how you can serve together. You may have already had some great conversations and come up with ideas of your own, but I wanted to make you aware of a couple of opportunities we know about.

• Walton County DFCS Christmas sponsorship: Walton County DFCS currently has about 100 children from our community in foster care who are waiting for Christmas gifts. Staff members are gathering wish lists during October and will provide them to sponsors in early November. This is a meaningful opportunity to help ensure that every child receives gifts during the Christmas season. More information contact - Crystal Roberts - 470-352-3761 -[Crystal.Roberts2@dhs.ga.gov](mailto:Crystal.Roberts2@dhs.ga.gov)
• Shop with a Hero: This opportunity is right around the corner. If you and your group are looking for an easy way to serve together, you can sign up at churchatthegrove.com/swah.

Serving together gives your group another opportunity to practice the kind of culture we are trying to build. We are not simply attending meetings. We are learning to follow Jesus together and love our neighbors in tangible ways.

Keep Inviting

For those of you who are struggling with smaller group meetings or inconsistent attendance, I sent several emails today to people who are not currently connected to a group. Hopefully, some of those people will respond and join your group.

But remember, it is never too late to invite someone yourself.

There are people around you who are lonely, disconnected, and looking for a place to belong. Your group may be exactly what they need. Keep your eyes open. Keep reaching out. Keep making room.

Thank you for your faithfulness and patience as we build this together. The work may feel slow at times, but God is using your consistency, hospitality, and obedience to form people into the likeness of Jesus.

So let’s keep swimming.

Nathan