But what are Connect Groups?

The names we call groups have a direct effect upon how they are understood and operate. Therefore, “Home Groups” have a tendency to emphasise the location and therefore be focused upon the group, “Bible Study“ groups have theological investigation as their primary purpose, “Cell“ Groups have numerical growth as theirs and “Fellowship Groups“, pastoral care. Whilst none of the above is wrong, they can be self-limiting and so CRBC has gone back to the example of Jesus to find a more holistic approach.

When Jesus was asked, “what is the greatest commandment?“ he summed it up thus: ‘”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”’ Matthew 22:37-40. In addition he went on to add another command, saying “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.“ John 13:34-35

Using the above as a template, CRBC has remodelled all its “Home Groups” to become “Connect Groups,” a name which places the emphasis away from where they gather and upon a threefold desire to "connect" with God, with each other and with those outside the group. The emphasis is now placed upon the outcome of the gathering, rather than what is done within it; it's about encouraging change in our relationships and faith.