The concept of community is that of a group of people whose lives are connected. In the cas of the church that which connects our lives is the common bond we share in Christ. The biblical word fellowship captures this idea and all the "One Another Commands" insist that we facilitate genuine community. This is what C.A.R.E. groups seek to accomplish.

The thought that a Christian can live indepentdently of other Christians is totally foreign to the teaching of Scriptures. Paul makes this abundantly clear in 1 cor. 12, where he uses his favorite metaphor to describe the church, "the body of Christ". It is impossible for any member of our body to live apart from the rest of our members. C.A.R.E. groups are designed to provide accountability for every member.

While each one possesses a certian amount of strength, none of us are sufficient within ourselves to live the Christian life. We need the strength of the Lord. Often God supplies that strength through others. trust is a key element when it comes to allowing others to minister to us in a time of weakness. C.A.R.E. groups are intended to provide a format where trust can be built through time and close proximity.

Encouragement is such a needful part of the Christian's life that God gifted certain members of Hos body with the ability to do just that. (Romans 12:8) In a large group setting it can be difficult for the encourager and those that are in need of encouraging to find each other. C.A.R.E groups are intended to make it easier for us to encourage and to be encouraged by others.