Community groups
Experiencing the
life of Jesus in community.
We are building communities of Christ in our neighborhoods.
Community Groups are sermon-based home groups, made up of people from River West Church. They meet regularly to grow in discipleship to Jesus, share life together, and live out the Sunday teachings. These communities are at the very core of our life and mission as a church – “building a community of Christ for the world.”
Community Groups meet on many different days, at different times and locations throughout the Portland Metro area. We encourage everyone who is a part of River West Church to join a Community Group.
Our Values
Discipleship
Community Groups are spaces for intentional discipleship with other members of River West. It’s around a table or in a living room where learn what it means to entrust ourselves to Jesus as his followers, and grow in the gospel. This is primarily done through a study of the previous Sunday teaching.
Connection
In our Community Groups you will discover the beautiful gift of spiritual friendship. Individuals, couples, and entire families will connect with and care for one another. When we commit for the long haul, the Holy Spirit creates the foundation for the deep relationships– to know and be known by other friends of Christ.
Mission
Community Groups exist to serve our broader church family, our neighborhoods, and our beautiful city. As people of the gospel, each community is invited to serve in an intentional way a few times a year. For ways to serve, visit our Serve page or our Mission Guide.
Community Group Orientation
If you are interested in joining a River West Community Group, then your first step is to join us for our orientation course. We believe that everyone in community has a role to play. So at Community Group Orientation you will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Christian community, discover the mission and values of the River West Community Group Ministry, and learn what it practically looks like to be a part of a group. We will end this course by going over practical next steps to starting or joining a Community Group.
Available Groups
Below you'll find Community Groups that are available to join. Groups are listed by area of town and neighborhood when possible. Once accepted to a group, the leader and/or community pastor will reach out.
Lead a Community Group
River West Community Group leaders facilitate the discussion and provide organization to their group. If needed, they can host the group as well. We are always looking for more leaders. If this interests you, click the link below, fill out the form below, and a pastor will be in touch with you.
More Ways to Build Community at River West
Community Groups will most deeply integrate you into the life of our church, but you might be in a season of looking for something more specific. Below are other options for community at River West.
Young Adults
Single Adults
Men
Women
College
Questions?
We’re happy to answer any questions you have. Contact us below and we’ll be in touch soon.
If there are open Community Groups, you will see a list of them under the “Available Groups” section of the Community Groups page. Click on a group you are interested in and the Leader of that group will be in touch with you.
No. While some groups may reflect similar ages and stages of life as the participants in them, Community Groups are meant to be open to all adults at any stage of life.
Not officially. Not all groups have accommodation for kids being in the group. Community Groups that welcome children have their own plan on how much to integrate kids in the group.
Not necessarily! While it’s ideal that people join the group that meets closest to them, that is not always possible due to scheduling conflicts. If people looking for a group find one that suits their day, time, and needs – they are more than welcome to commute to another area!
The heartbeat of Community Groups is that they track with the Sunday sermon series and reengage with the preaching text from the previous Sunday. This allows people to go deeper in the passage and apply the message as it’s worked out in community with others.
Yes. But it’s up to the group on how this looks! It can be creative such as a neighborhood trash pick up, prayer walk, or donations to a food pantry. We do encourage that each Community Group eventually serves our city in some capacity, whether that’s on site at River West or with our ministry partners.
Community + Young Adults Pastor
Derrick Dallmeyer
If you have questions about joining a Community Group, reach out to Pastor Derrick to learn more.
