How Important Are Life Groups?
We consider Life Groups to be the hub of our ministry. They are the place where the real ministry of the church takes place as we encourage, support, and challenge one another. God doesn’t want any of us to be left to walk alone – we need each other. We want to be a church, not a crowd!
What Is a Life Group?
A Life Group made up of 10 to 12 people who meet weekly to study, to share, and to support one another in their Christian lives. Each group is led by a trained leader and host couple. A typical meeting lasts for an hour and a half, followed by light refreshments. Some groups choose to also spend some time in singing and worship.
How Long Does A Group Last?
Each Life Group session lasts 10 or 12 weeks. At the end of each session, you have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group, or even taking a break. Most groups stay together throughout the entire year. However, groups do not meet mid June through August, though some continue to meet informally or socially through the summer.
Which Group Should I Join?
The best way to find a group that fits you is to jump in and try one. Life groups work best when you share common interests, backgrounds, marital status or similar aged children. Frankly, sometimes it might take two or three groups before you find the perfect fit. But don’t worry, you’ll find it!
What Is The Required Commitment?
Joining a Life Group requires a 10 to 12 week commitment to attend the weekly meetings and to do the homework ahead of time. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts, and other special events...but not much more! This commitment is the key to strong relationships and healthy groups.
What About Childcare?
Life Groups are for adults only (Exceptions are made for nursing newborns up to six months). We leave it up to each family to work out their own childcare. Sometimes it works best for families to share a sitter or to swap childcare with another family whose group meets on a different evening or time.
What Will We Study?
The studies are based on the previous Sunday’s sermon. Our Life Groups are built upon what we call a “Lecture Lab” model. If you imagine the Sunday sermon as a lecture on Christian living, then the group meeting is a lab where you get to roll up your sleeves and discuss how the sermon works out in real life.
Each week there will be a series of Bible passages and questions to study and complete before your meeting. The study guide is included on the back of the sermon note sheet found in your bulletin. It will usually take 20 to 30 minutes to complete the study.
How Do I Sign Up?
Church wide sign ups begin at the start of each new session. You can also sign up before or after any Sunday worship service or by calling the church office. Our pastors and staff will be happy to help you find just the right group for you. Those who are new to the church (start attending in the middle of a session) can sign up and join any group that has openings without waiting for the start of a new session.
When and Where Do These Groups Meet?
Our Life Groups meet on various days and nights of the week in homes throughout the community. A few of them actually meet at the church.
Are there any other small groups?
Some Special Interest groups use a different curriculum for their studies (their focus can include everything from marriage enrichment materials to Bible study methods, parenting issues or financial freedom to Christianity 101).