Home

What is a Small Christian Community?

We read in scripture about the small communities of Christians who gathered in their homes to follow the teachings of Jesus.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ instruction and the communal life, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Those who believed shared all things in common. They went to the temple area together every day, while in their homes they broke bread. With exultant and sincere hearts they took their meals in common. The community of believers was of one heart and one mind. (Acts 2:42,44, 46; 4:32

Since the early 20th century, contemporary small Christian communities (commonly referred to as SCCs) have evolved in all parts of the globe quite spontaneously. In his 1998 post-synodal exhortation, Ecclesia in America, Pope John Paul II recommends small Christian communities as a way to reestablish human relationships in church communities:

It seems timely, therefore, to form ecclesial communities and groups of a size that allow for true human relationships (in) the parish to which such groups belong and with the entire diocesan and universal church. In such a human context, it will be easier to gather to hear the Word of God, to reflect on the range of human problems in the light of this Word, and gradually to make responsible decisions inspired by the all-embracing love of Christ (141).

Small Christian Community Connection serves SCCs by connecting them to resources and to one another.

Small Christian Community Connection (SCCC)

Formerly known as Buena Vista, SCCC is an organization whose mission has been to network diverse small Christian communities (SCCs), their members, advocates and resources since 1987. Utilizing print, web, DVD, other media and face-to-face gatherings we strive to serve and encourage small Christian communities (SCCs) to

discover our potential to transform ourselves, our church and our world through resources and mentoring.
develop resources for and about SCCs and locate appropriate resource materials through our members and Partners in Community.
connect communities with one another through interactive website forums, convocations and other gatherings, and SCC twinning opportunities.

Members of a volunteer, working board of directors who are, first of all members of SCCs, coordinate the work of Small Christian Community Connection. Using their individual skills, their time and treasure, they meet regularly by phone, email and face to face to serve and provide connections to diverse SCCs. Other members of and advocates for SCCs serve as dedicated volunteers or advisors to the board.