Community Groups at Rez Church
Life change happens in small circles, not just big rooms.
At Rez, we believe real spiritual transformation happens in small groups, in intimate settings, over long periods of time. Sunday mornings are for gathering together to worship, but Community Groups are where we actually do life together—where masks come off, burdens get shared, and faith becomes real in the mess of everyday life.
What Are Community Groups?
Community Groups are small gatherings of people who meet regularly to connect with God and one another through biblical community. These aren't just Bible studies or social hangouts—they're spaces where you can be known, grow deeper in your faith, and experience the kind of authentic relationships that can only be explained by the power of Christ.
When we say BE KNOWN, we mean it. This is where you move from attending Rez to belonging at Rez. Where people know your story, pray for your struggles, celebrate your wins, and walk with you through whatever life throws your way.
Why Community Groups Matter
We're convinced that the Christian life isn't meant to be lived alone. The same Gospel Culture we pursue on Sunday mornings—Identity, Growth, Community, Impact—comes alive in Community Groups:
Identity – You'll discover what it means to live as God's treasured possession, surrounded by people who remind you who you are when you forget.
Growth – You'll become more like Christ as you study Scripture together, practice obedience, and hold each other accountable with gentleness and love.
Community – You'll experience genuine relationships that represent the diversity of our city while loving each other so authentically that it points people to Jesus.
Impact – You'll be equipped and encouraged to vulnerably live out the Gospel in your everyday circles—your neighborhoods, workplaces, and families.
What Happens in a Community Group?
Every group is unique, but you can expect:
Weekly Gatherings – Most groups meet once a week for 90-120 minutes, though schedules vary based on the group.
Biblical Discussion – Groups use approved content to facilitate conversations around Scripture, ensuring we're grounded in God's Word.
Authentic Sharing – Time to check in on life, share updates, and be real about what's happening beneath the surface.
Prayer – Groups bear one another's burdens through prayer—speaking needs out loud and watching God move.
Genuine Care – This isn't limited to group time. Members reach out during the week, show up in hard moments, and celebrate together in good ones.
Hospitality – Groups create space where everyone feels like family.
Finding Your Group
We have groups meeting all over Bakersfield at different times and for different life stages—but every group is designed to help you be known and grow in Christ.
Looking for a group? We'd love to help you find one that fits your schedule and season of life. Reach out to us, and we'll connect you with a Group Leader who can't wait to meet you.
Want to lead a group? Community Group Leaders aren't professional counselors or theology experts—they're facilitators who create environments for authentic community and spiritual growth. If you're a REZ Church Member interested in leading, we provide training and ongoing support.
What We Believe About Groups
At Rez, we define the "win" for Community Groups like this: When your group is experiencing biblical community by personally applying Scripture and connecting relationally with one another, we've achieved our goal.
We know we're getting there when:
People previously disconnected from community begin attending regularly
Group members proactively find ways to care for each other and others outside the group
Your group bears one another's burdens—in prayer, in word, and in action
Group members take next steps in their faith (salvation, baptism, evangelism, Rez membership)
Groups create new groups and make disciples who make disciples
The Hard Truth
Here's what we've learned: The hardest part of building relationships is simply showing up.
Our culture has trained us to prioritize convenience and efficiency over intimate human connection. But God calls the church to stand out brightly in a dark world, and that means Christians need to engage in close relationships that look countercultural.
Should you choose to attend church regularly but not engage in community, we want that to feel uncomfortable—because you're missing out. Not because we're judging you, but because we genuinely believe you're missing the abundant life Jesus offers through authentic Christian relationships.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Join a Group – Contact us at discipleship@resurrect.church or call 661-616-3399, and we'll help you find your people.
Lead a Group – If you're a church member interested in leading, reach out to learn about our Group Leader training and expectations.
Host a Group – Not ready to lead but want to open your home? Hosting a group is a powerful way to practice biblical hospitality. You provide the space, someone else provides the leadership, and together you create an environment where community can flourish. Let us know if you'd like to host.
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." – Colossians 2:6-7