Purpose

The Community Life Pillar exists to ensure that Asbury Grove remains a place where residents and guests of every age experience genuine fellowship, belonging, and connection in a vibrant, Christ-centered community. It provides long-term strategic direction so that social events, recreation and wellness, hospitality, and mutual care flourish as the relational heartbeat of Grove life—honoring our historic camp-meeting roots while preparing the Grove for deeper intergenerational engagement and community vitality in the decades ahead. 

Guiding Question: “How will Asbury Grove foster greater community engagement, inclusive recreational activities, and genuine fellowship in the years ahead?”

Alignment with Vision and Mission

• Vision: Experience the presence of God in a vibrant, Christ-centered community. 

• Mission: Inspire people to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, cultivate community, and faithfully steward our heritage and resources, so that residents, guests, and future generations may be transformed by God.

This Pillar is the primary means by which the Grove intentionally cultivates genuine fellowship, belonging, and connection so that community life becomes a tangible expression of Christ-centered relationships. 

Scope

This pillar encompasses all efforts that shape the relational climate and practices of Asbury Grove, including:

• Social events (internal and external)

• Recreation activities

• Fellowship and intergenerational connection

• Hospitality and mutual care among cottage residents and visitors

• External networking and partnership opportunities that enrich community life

• Assessment of community needs, engagement patterns, and demographic trends

• Alignment of community-life priorities with Board and committee planning and resourcing 

It does not own operational details of other pillars but partners closely with those areas to ensure fellowship and connection permeate every aspect of the Grove experience.

Strategic Objectives (Multi-Year)

• Articulate and implement a clear, compelling multi-year strategic plan that sets priorities, measurable goals, and developmental milestones for enriching community life and fellowship.

• Strengthen and expand high-quality opportunities for fellowship, intergenerational connection, hospitality, mutual care, and inclusive recreational activities that are accessible and meaningful for all ages.

• Build intentional external networks and partnerships (e.g., local churches, community organizations) that enrich community life at the Grove without diluting its distinct identity and heritage.

• At least annually, assess community needs, engagement levels, and demographics so that programming anticipates future opportunities and challenges.

• Launch a formal leadership mentoring pipeline that identifies and prepares at least two Community leaders annually
  

Leadership & Governance

• The Leader is responsible for owning, developing, maintaining, and refining the multi-year strategic plan; setting direction; aligning a team; and establishing metrics.

• Throughout the development of the strategic plan, the Leader works closely with relevant Committee Chairs.

• The Leader works with other Strategic Pillar Leaders, including the Steering Oversight Committee, to ensure strategy alignment and determine resource needs. 

• The Leader, with the Oversight Committee, reports progress to the Asbury Grove Board.
  

Key Success Indicators

• Clear, documented multi-year strategic plan that is reviewed and updated annually

• Measurable growth in participation and engagement across social events, recreation, wellness, fellowship, and hospitality offerings

• Demonstrated partnerships that add value to Grove community life

• Regular (at least annual) assessments of community needs and demographics that inform planning

• Visible pipeline of emerging relational leaders within the community

• Alignment of community-life priorities with overall Grove budgeting and long-term resource allocation

Time Horizon

This is a multi-year Ministry with a rolling 3-5 year strategic planning horizon, reviewed annually and adjusted as the Holy Spirit leads and community needs evolve.