DC Ministry Model

DC Gatherings

We don’t believe “church” is something that happens once a week when we get dressed up and put on a spiritual facade. Or a place we get together to talk and sing about things we may or may not actually believe. We believe we are the church… not all of it (the church includes all disciples everywhere), but a local expression of it. Throughout history, disciples have gathered together and scattered together. We believe both practices are essential to building healthy, reproducing disciples. 

Large Group: Although gathering together once a week for teaching and corporate worship is not “church”, it is beneficial to the church. Problems always arise when the church shifts its focus from the mission to the event. It’s very easy for the large group gathering to become the mission. We believe that instead of being the mission, corporate gatherings should exist to refocus us on the mission, equip us for the mission, and celebrate the grace of God that allows us to participate in his mission. 

At DC Large Group gatherings, you’ll find real people that have a genuine interest in you and the things that are important to you. You’ll experience real worship through relevant music, creativity, and people sharing their real life faith journeys. You’ll hear teaching that focuses on who Christ is and who he’s created us to be. You’ll be given the opportunity to connect with a Home Team where the Large Group teaching is expanded and applied to our everyday lives.  

Common Ground: Like the Apostle Paul, we seek to find common ground with all people. We believe that since we are all created in God’s image, and are all part of the human experience, common ground always exists. The problem is, as time passes it’s very easy for disciples to lose sight of the common ground they have with pre-disciples. If we allow this to happen, we are in danger of existing in a “Christian bubble” where everyone pretty much looks and thinks just like us. We no longer connect with those on the “outside”. Seeking common ground is an essential element in the life of a missional disciple. 

At DC, we look to establish common ground by intentionally putting ourselves in places where disciples and pre-disciples can form relationships in non-threatening, neutral settings. We do this by organizing and participating in community events, recreation activities, and service opportunities. Our Home Teams also host monthly parties where pre-disciples in our social networks are invited to come and enjoy life with us. 

Home Teams: We believe that true discipleship cannot exist outside of Christ-led community. Jesus himself formed a community of 13 men and they spent the next 3 years living life together. He taught them truth, then filled in the gaps with the way they saw him live his life. Just like the first disciples, we need to see the Gospel lived out in community.  Our Home Teams are our missional communities where teaching is put into the “real world” and applied to our everyday lives.