LANGUAGE
Ever wondered why we use the words we do or what a certain word means? Karis is intentional about using language that accurately reflects our mission, but we know some of the terms we use may be unfamiliar to you. Learn more below about the heart and meaning behind our language.
Karis
Karis is the Greek word for grace. Pronounced CAR-iss, this rich biblical word is at the heart of the message and ministry of our church. The good news of the gospel is that our God welcomes undeserving people to His table even though He is not obligated to do so. He gives us His unmerited favor. This is grace, or Karis.
Ridgeway
Ridgeway is the label we use for our facility at 606 Ridgeway Ave in central Columbia. Since 2018, Ridgeway has served as a headquarters for our mission, a venue for our Sunday Gatherings, and a community center to support our local partners. While we thank God for this gift, and we joyfully gather as a family in this great home, we see our primary ministry taking place as we scatter in the homes and streets of our great city.
Sunday Gatherings
We refer to our Sunday mornings not as “services,” but rather as gatherings. The people of God, scattered throughout our city on mission, having worshipped throughout the week, gather again on Sunday mornings to praise our Father together and to receive encouragement in that mission. Service language, on one hand, communicates too much of a consumer mindset, where we come not to worship but expect religious goods and services to be handed to us. On the other hand, it can reinforce the mentality that we primarily come Sundays to give something to God. Although we certainly participate to praise our Father and serve our brothers and sisters, we understand that God is the great Giver. We come to receive. He speaks. We respond.
Missional Community
Missional Communities are our small groups in Karis Church. MCs, as they’re often called, come together to reach a people group or place in our city with the gospel of Jesus. Much more than a Bible study, they live out the gospel in community with one another and band together to share Christ with neighbors and friends. They generally gather together a few times a month and also divide up into DNA Groups for greater fellowship, study, and prayer. The desire and goal, however, is that groups would grow to be deep gospel family, loving and serving each other and our city.
DNA Group
DNA Groups are smaller groups within Missional Communities that meet regularly to disciple one another. DNA stands for discover, nurture, act. Groups of ideally three study God’s word (discover), seek to care for each other’s souls (nurture), and put God words into practice (act). DNA Groups seek to be a means of biblical discipleship among our church family.