“Contrary to popular opinion, we are not defined by what we do.
We are defined by what God has done in the person and work of Jesus Christ.”
Our Identity
Our identity is a gift from Jesus. As a result, what we do flows naturally out of what God has done and who God has made us to be. In Christ, we are a new creation and have been given a new identity to live by. Although society and culture says, “you are what you do” or “you are where you came from,” the gospel speaks this truth instead: because God is our Father, and through his son he has adopted you, you are a beloved child of God.
One of the ways we get to live this out is in Gospel Communities.
Disciples
We are people who follow Jesus and continually learn how to listen and obey him. Learning is not simply head knowledge and creeds, but learning is lived. This happens through our shared life together. (Luke 2:52; Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-13; 2 Timothy 2:2)
Family
In light of our faith in who Christ is and what he has done, we have been adopted into the Family of God. As family we take responsibility to live out the “one another’s” of the New Testament; to meet each other’s spiritual and physical needs, and to live deep lives of relational connection in our everyday lives. (Genesis 12:1-3; John 1:12-13; Romans 12:10-16)
Missionaries
God sent his son, Jesus, to Earth to take on human form and live in a real place with real people. He worked, ate and interacted among people; living in such a way that those around him could see and experience what God was truly like. Jesus came so that all people, places and things could be restored to a right relationship with God. In the same way, As the Father sent the Son, so Jesus sends His followers on the mission of restoration, as we live, work, play and serve in our city. We speak the good news to others and we participate in sharing the good news by serving others.
Servants
Fully God-fully human, Jesus took on the posture of a servant. He gave his life, even unto death, so that others could experience salvation, peace and restoration. Jesus said, "I am among you as one who serves..." All those who follow Jesus are called to serve in the same humility. For us this means joyful submission to God, leadership and to each other, as we serve whomever God brings into our lives. (Matthew 20:25-28; 25:31-46; John 13:1-17; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Peter 2:16)
Gospel Communities
“New Identity In Christ=New Community In Christ”
Our Gospel Communities meet throughout Thurston County. These communities typically have about 10-20 people who often live in the same part of town but are in diverse stages of life. Through these relationships, we mutually challenge and encourage one another in our love for God, one another, and those around us. Each gospel community meets regularly to eat, laugh, learn, pray and serve.
Whether you consider yourself part of the Reality Church, or if you’re just checking out what it looks like to follow Jesus, it is our desire that everyone has the opportunity to be an active participant in one of these communities.
Common Weekly Patterns
These are some of the common patterns that folks in a Gospel Community may participate in
Family
Meal
A regular time when a Gospel Community gathers to share a meal together. A simple time to eat, laugh, pray, learn and encourage each other in our lives of following Jesus together.
DNA
Groups
This is a time when the people of a community dig into the deeper work of caring for each other. By meeting in smaller numbers (3-4) and by staying gender-specific, this is a time when we can be formed by God’s word, encourage one another in our struggles, and grow with one another in the gospel.
Missional
Living
We desire to see all of our life- our work, our play, and our neighborhoods- as places where others can experience Jesus through us and with us.
Connect With a
gospel Community
Come to a gathering and talk with someone at the Connect Table, visit one with a friend, or click the “Learn More” button.