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 live out our value of COMMUNITY LIFE by encouraging, supporting, and challenging one another in groups. God doesn’t want any of us to be left to walk alone – we need each other.
A Life Group is made up of 10 16 people who meet weekly for the purpose of growing spiritually and relationally. We offer four types of Life Groups: study groups, prayer groups, fellowship groups, and activity groups. Each group is led by a leader and host couple. A typical meeting lasts for an hour and a half, followed by light, dessert refreshments. Some groups may choose to spend time in singing and worship. Activity groups may run longer depending on the activity.
What is a STUDY GROUP?
A Study Group meets with the intention of spiritual growth through studying the Bible or biblical truth. Study Groups have the option of doing a more traditional Bible study, answering questions from the weekly sermon, watching a RightNow Media video study, doing a book study.
What is a PRAYER GROUP?
A Prayer Group meets with the intention of spiritual growth through praying corporately. Prayer groups have the option of engaging in the new Battle Cry group (praying for lost loved ones) or intercessory prayer.
What is a FELLOWSHIP GROUP?
A Fellowship Group meets with the intention of relational growth through supporting group members. Fellowship Groups can be based on similar interests or as men and women groups specifically.
What is an ACTIVITY GROUP?
An Activity Group meets with the intention of relational growth through participating in activities, such as hobbies, sports, trips, etc.
Each Life Group session lasts 9 weeks. Basically, we’ve broken the year into 4 sessions: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. 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 formally meet in the Summer Session, though some may continue to meet informally.
We suggest you join a group based on interest and based on your “station in life,” rather than on geography or the most convenient night of the week. We’ve found that a group works 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!
Joining a Life Group requires a 9-week attendance commitment. Each type of Life Group will have different commitment levels within the session. (For example, if you are in a study group, your commitment includes doing the homework ahead of time. If you are in a prayer group, your commitment includes praying for those to whom you are entrusted on the day in which you agreed. If you are in an activity group that golfs together, you may only golf 4 times in one session.)
Obviously, grace is given for sickness, vacation, work conflicts, and other special events…but not much more! We have found that this commitment is the key to strong relationships, consistent growth and healthy groups.
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.
Church-wide sign ups begin at the start of each new session (in September, January, and March). You can also sign up before or after any weekend 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.
Typically, 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 building. Activity Groups may not meet in a home but in a location that corresponds to the activity. (For example, a hiking group will meet on the hiking trail.)
**COVID-19 OPTION
During the COVID-19 global pandemic, we suggest online meetings on Zoom or Google Hangouts for Life Groups that are not ready to meet in-person at this time.