Phil and Janet VanWormer
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live in community (Matthew 18v20). At 26 West Church, we believe that Community Groups are essential for learning to follow Jesus, loving one another, and sharing the Good News
Phil and Janet VanWormer have been an integral part of the 26 West Church family since roughly six months after the church’s planting. For nearly a decade, they have taken on the role of community group leaders, a position that has profoundly impacted both their personal relationships with Jesus and their view on the importance of community.
When Phil and Janet first considered stepping into this leadership role, there was some initial apprehension. Phil, being introverted by nature, was particularly cautious. The prospect of leading a group felt daunting, and he was concerned about the level of commitment required. However, upon closer reflection, he realized that the commitment was manageable and that the role offered a great opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level, outside the quick greeting time on Sundays. For both Phil and Janet, the decision to lead a community group aligned perfectly with their desire to open their home and create a welcoming environment for others.
Community Groups at 26 West Church haven’t always followed the same structure we have today with the weekly discussion guides. In fact, Phil and Janet recalled it being a lot more open to what each set of leaders wanted to do and talk about. There was no established rhythm or registration process, and their original group functioned more like an informal supper club. Without a clear structure, the VanWormers shared that it was challenging to delve into meaningful discussions, and gatherings often revolved around sharing a meal rather than engaging in more profound dialogue. However, no matter what their weekly time together looked like, their primary goal remained to foster a space where people could come together, share experiences, and build connections.
Over the years, Phil and Janet have cultivated a philosophy centered around mutual support and shared experiences. They believe that leadership in a community group is not just about guiding others but also about being part of a reciprocal relationship. Even as leaders, they emphasize the importance of feeling supported and not bearing the entire responsibility for the group's well-being. The essence of their approach is to do life together, not just on Sundays but throughout the week, creating an environment where everyone can contribute and benefit from the collective wisdom and support of the group.
Their experience underscores the value of intergenerational relationships within community groups. Phil and Janet note that in their early days as leaders, they were among the oldest members of their group. Over time, however, they have found themselves on the younger side, illustrating the dynamic nature of community and the need for diverse perspectives. They believe that having members from various age groups and life stages enriches the group's experience, allowing for a broader range of insights and interpretations.
Phil and Janet encourage others to consider stepping into community group leadership roles because these groups offer a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships beyond the Sunday gathering. While Sundays are valuable, they don’t provide the same depth of connection that comes from being in someone’s home and engaging in more personal interactions. Community groups allow individuals to see different facets of each other’s lives and foster a sense of belonging that goes beyond the church building.
One of the significant advantages of leading a community group is the flexibility it offers. Phil and Janet emphasize that leading is not a daunting task; rather, it’s an opportunity to create a personalized environment where you can set the tone and engage in meaningful discussions. The church provides resources to support group leaders, making the process more manageable. The key is to pose questions and encourage participation, allowing the group to engage naturally.
The discipline of leading a community group brings a healthy level of commitment and organization, but it also offers significant rewards. Hosting is a crucial aspect, but it’s not the only role within a group. Those who cannot host can still contribute in other ways, ensuring that everyone can be involved. Leadership within a community group doesn’t mean having to facilitate every week; it’s about finding what works for you and partnering with others to share the responsibilities.
Phil and Janet’s commitment to keeping their weekly meetings intentional is a cornerstone of their leadership. They make it a priority to ensure that each gathering remains focused and purposeful, which helps maintain the group's cohesion and relevance.
The impact of their community group extends beyond the weekly meetings. Phil and Janet have experienced tremendous support, love, and care from their group members. This support has been particularly meaningful during challenging times, such as when three members of their group faced job layoffs. Navigating these difficulties together has strengthened their bonds and deepened their collective faith. The connections forged within the group extend beyond the regular meetings, with members coming together for dinners, events, and other shared experiences.
Phil and Janet’s journey as community group leaders at 26 West Church is a testament to the importance of doing life with other believers. Their story illustrates how leadership in a community group can foster deep connections, enrich individual lives, and strengthen the broader church community. Their dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment has had a lasting impact, demonstrating the profound benefits of engaging in and leading community groups.
Our next 8-week session of community groups kicks off on September 29th. If you are not yet in a group, and would like to get plugged in, we have several groups with open spots. Check them out here or reach out to Stephen (stephen@26westchurch.org) for help finding one.
“For where two or three are gathered, there I will also be.” (Matthew 18v20)