MISSIONAL COMMUNITY

At Bay Area, Missional Communities (MC's) are our main place where we do life together in community.

We define Missional Communities as a group of disciples who are committed to loving God back (UP), loving each other (IN) and loving their neighbors (OUT). 
UP: LOVE GOD BACK through worship, prayer, and faithful obedience.
IN: LOVE EACH OTHER through mutual commitment and care, while growing in our knowledge and practice of His word.
OUT: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR by going beyond our own community to serve and share the Gospel with those who are near to us yet far from Jesus.
If you're ready to take jump right into a Missional Community, click the buttons below to fill out an interest form or check out our interactive MC map below! 

Join a Missional Community

If you're ready to take your next step in getting plugged into community, sign up for one of our open Missional Communities.
join an mc

Lead a Missional Community

Are you interested in leading a Missional Community? If so, please fill out the form below and one of our Community leadership team will contact you soon!
lead an mc

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about Missional Communities? Click below to explore our FAQ's and learn more! 
FAQ's

CHECK OUT OUR INTERACTIVE MC MAP! 

Use this map below to see our current groups, the times and dates they meet, and more! The markers on the map do not reflect the exact location each group meets. 

Click the interactive icons on the map to see more information about our MC's! 

join an mc

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Missional Community?

A Missional Community is a group of Christ followers that are committed to loving God back, loving each other, and loving their neighbor. We call these commitments the “UP, IN, and OUT”. Practically, they meet regularly for Bible discussion, prayer, fellowship, and regularly serve their neighbors and the community at large.

Is an MC the same as a Bible study?

An MC is not a place where a leader teaches the Bible in monologue lecture style or a question/ answer book study. However, the MC leader facilitates a Bible discussion. Many MCs discuss the Bible passages from the Sunday sermon. In addition, our MCs are much more than a Bible discussion group, it is also a group that focuses on prayer, relationships, mutual encouragement and serving others.

Where do MCs meet?

Most MCs meet in a home setting in different locations around Anne Arundel County.

Are the MCs separated in any way by age or location?

Some MCs have a tendency to gather by age group or geographic location, but that is not restrictive. Other groups are intentionally diverse and multigenerational. Life-giving spiritual relationships are our primary focus in creating a healthy group dynamic.

How large is an MC?

An MC is usually between 10-20 people.

How often does an MC meet?

An MC meets weekly, biweekly or twice per month.

Can children come to an MC?

Currently, some groups include children, but many do not. It is up to the leader if they can accommodate children in their home and how the group wants to handle care and engagement of the children.

Who can lead an MC?

Anyone who loves Jesus and is a ministry partner at Bay Area (or will be within 6 months) can lead an MC. Someone who is willing to invest in others in Bay Area and to grow with them in becoming more like Jesus. To find out more information, read our MC Leader Profile.

How can I become an MC leader?

If you are interested in becoming an MC leader, you'll first meet with Pastor Allen Smith to discuss your heart and vision for community. You will also attend new leader training as well as quarterly leader gatherings. Fill out our MC Leader Interest form here to get started!