Mooring Vision Statement: We hope that every person will be moored in a small group community focused on learning the Jesus way of life, living it out together and loving God, each other and the world with radical grace. 

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory,
are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which
comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Why Do We Have Moorings — Really?

1. Moorings provide community, which is ultimately a powerful witness of God’s love. Throughout Scripture, we learn that we are made in the image of a relational God who lives perpetually in community as the Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We were created for relationship.

   In the New Testament, Jesus’ ministry with his disciples demonstrates how ordinary people can be challenged and transformed by the dynamic nature of group life. Jesus poured his life into his disciples — walking with them, praying with them, speaking truth to them, and doing life with them. We, too, need the mentorship and companionship of others as we strive to lead lives of love, so that those around us will see evidence of God’s love in and through us.

   “Our relationship with each other is the criterion the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful — Christian community is the final apologetic.”

   - Francis Schaeffer

   
   

2. Moorings provide a place where deeper relationships can be developed. In a small group of 8-10 people, we are positioned to be vulnerable, sharing truths and discoveries about ourselves that we have kept below the surface. We can risk being known. As deeper relationships are forged, Moorings serve as a place where we can hold each other accountable.

3. Moorings anchor us during life’s storms. When someone in the group is facing a challenge (a job loss, death of a loved one, an illness, etc.) they can find safety and support in their Mooring community.

4. Moorings enable group members to use their spiritual gifts. At Bluewater, we believe in a culture of apprenticeship and empowerment; Moorings provide an environment for members to discover their gifts and explore ways of using them to build others up.

5. Moorings facilitate mission. A Mooring is the body of Christ, ministering Jesus’ love to the world (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). By reaching out into our broader community and serving in practical ways, we become living examples of God’s truth.

6. Moorings extend the reach of the Church.  The pastoral staff cannot effectively reach out and walk beside each person connected to Bluewater Church at all times. But when Mooring leaders step forward to shepherd those in their Moorings, they increase the church’s potential to love and care for people.

7. Moorings create a structure where group members can practice the “one anothers.” The Greek word allelon means “one another, mutually, reciprocally.” It occurs 100 times in the New Testament. Approximately 59 of them are specific commands teaching us how (and how not) to relate to one another. Engaging in the “one anothers” is a very practical approach to pastoral care.

   “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you,
   so you must love one another.”

   - John 13:34

Core Values 

The model of biblical community found in Acts 2: 42-47 gives us a picture of a spiritually thriving small group. It’s our vision that Moorings be guided by the following values:

1. Devotion to the teaching of Christ

2. Commitment to weekly gatherings and authentic relationship

3. Commitment to prayer

4. Sacrificial giving and mission

5. Spiritual transformation in the context of a grace-first community

6. Commitment to growth and multiplication through a culture of apprenticeship

7. A commitment to mutual care and support