Life Group FAQ Q. What is a Life Group? Q. Who belongs to a Life Group? Q. How do I get connected to a Life Group? • Ask a few people sitting around you on Sunday morning. It won't take long to find someone in a group. They'll be glad you asked. • Call or talk to Pastor Kirk and tell him you're interested. His number is 723-4673, ext. 132. There are several different ways to get connected into a Life Group. Browse Life Groups. Q. Do I have to be a member of Hope to attend a Life Group? Q. What types of groups are there? Q. I am not/do not know if I am a Christian. Can I attend a Life Group? Q. What about childcare? Are my children welcome to attend the Group? Q. How are Life Groups structured? Q. Are the various kinds of Life Group Bible study focused, serviced focused or etc.? Q. How big is each Life Group? Q. What if I cannot attend a Life Group regularly? Q. What if there isn’t a Life Group that works with my schedule? Q. Why isn’t there a Life Group located near me? Q. How long should the average Life Group meeting last? Q. Do I need to bring anything to the group meetings? Q. When is a good time to join a group? Q. What if I go to a group and don’t like it?
A. Life Groups are small groups of people within our church who meet regularly to establish a sense of community to live out the reality of the Christian life on a day-to-day basis (Doing Life Together). The mission of these groups is to mold small group members into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. The benefits of participating in a Life Group are far-reaching. In the context of this smaller "spiritual family", you will be able to establish deeper relationships in a warm and safe environment. You will be accepted for who you are while at the same time encouraged to reach your full potential in God. This small group will be a care-giving community as well as a place to grow in areas of serving others.
A. We believe everyone should belong to some type of small group.
A. Finding your place in a group is not difficult, but it will take a little effort on your part. Any of the following will help you quickly find you way into a group:
• Call any of the small group leaders listed on the website. Groups are always open to newcomers. If they full, they are marked on the list. For a listing of all the current groups, go the website and click on the link or see the bulletin board.
A. No. If you consider Hope your church home, you are welcome to join a Life Group before becoming a member. However, we do stress the importance of completing your membership, since Life Group is intended for those who call Hope home and for the friends and neighbors we are trying to reach. Membership is required to be a Life Group Leader or Host.
A. There are couples, singles, men’s, women’s, affinity (share the same interests) and service groups.
A. Definitely. Joining a Life Group is a great way to find out more about Jesus and see what Christians are like. If you have questions, we can help you process through them.
A. Kids Rock! Each group handles childcare a little differently. Older children can sometimes care for younger children. Other groups pool their resources and hire a babysitter. Still other groups leave children to the individual families. Ultimately, each group does what’s best for them.
A. The structure and nature of what takes place within the groups will vary depending upon the personality, availability and gifts of the leaders. We need to respect and make room for the various ways in which the Holy Spirit will work within each group. With that understanding, in order to adequately provide for the needs of most people, Life Groups should try to meet at least two times a month. Some groups may choose to meet weekly. The common elements of Life Groups include: fellowship, group discussion on a focused topic, personal sharing, ministry, accountability and prayer.
A. Our desire is for each Life Group to be active in diverse ways, as an overall sign of group health. God-given passions and areas of gifting are reflected through individual Life Groups.
A. Life Groups are designed to be small enough for group members to get to know each other well. When a Life Group grows to a size of approximately 20 people, they are strongly encouraged to focus on planting a new Life Group out of the original group.
A. Consistent participation is very important for the stability of Life Groups and not all Life Groups are equally able to accommodate irregular attendees. Due to the effect on the Life Group as a whole, a minimum expectation is that individuals should attend more than half of the meetings. Individuals with challenging schedules are encouraged to email pastorkirk@sharethehope.org for assistance in looking for a Life Group that may appropriate fit.
A. Each Life Group meets at the time and location that works for the majority of people in the Life Group. In time, it is possible that a Life Group could form that would be a better match for those with less common schedules.
A. Life Group expands into new areas when and where we have a member who desires to host a Life Group. Our ability to plant Life Groups in new areas is influenced by the number of people in a given area who attend Hope. If the next closest Life Group is too far away to attend, check back periodically to see if a Life Group has planted in an area closer to you. We recommend that you join the nearest Life Group to you so that you can be plugged into the community in the meantime.
Q. Do I have to attend to Life Group closest to where I live?
A. Not necessarily, but the location is an important consideration. Much of the actual community that exists in a Life Group may take place informally outside the Life Group gatherings. This is a disadvantage for someone who does not already live or work near where the Life Group meets.
A. A typical small group meeting is 1 – 1.5 hours. However, it is unique for each group, depending on the type of group and should be worked out by agreement of the group members in the process of developing a Life Group Agreement that covers what will be done and how it will be done in your small group.
A. We recommend you bring your Bible, a pen or pencil and something to write on, but these are not required to attend.
A. Life Groups do not have a designated starting or stopping time. Anytime is a good tome tojoin – the sooner the better. We have designated “Now is a great time to join a Life Group” times at Hope – usually in the fall and New Year.
A. Try another group. You are not committing to anything by visiting a group. We recognize that you may need to visit a few Life Groups before you find the right fit. Our goal is to help you minimize the number of Life Groups you might visit and help you settle into a Life Group you can call home as quickly as possible. We are here to help you find a good fit. Please contact us for assistance by emailing pastorkirk@sharethehope.org.
