What's the Goal of a LifeGroup?
"To create a predictable environment where people experience authentic relationships and spiritual growth and do life together."
What are LifeGroups?
LifeGroups are groups of 6 to 8 individuals or 5 to 6 married couples who meet in someone's home for fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and accountability, what we call, "doing life together." We believe consistency and predictability in these small groups are important to foster deep and authentic relationships and therefore, LifeGroups are closed groups with a commitment to meet together for 12 months. We offer Small LifeGroups for singles (men and women) and married couples.
We believe that life change happens best in the context of a structure relationship. And our best expression of these structure relationships is found in the small group ministry. LifeGroups are where real life and real issues are discussed. This is the environment where we celebrate the successes and good times of life, as well as comfort one another during the tough and disappointing times. It is a place to be encouraged, equipped, and challenged to become a disciple (devoted follower) of Jesus Christ.
When Do LifeGroups Meet and How Often?
Each small group decides when and where it wants to meet. We will want to help people find groups that are meeting on a particular night or in a certain area of the city and connect people with them. All LifeGroups are encouraged to meet at least 3 times a month although recommended to meet every week.
Why Are LifeGroups Closed?
It is our belief that predictability is a critical component for building authentic relationships. Relationships take time to develop, and group environments that constantly change work against this process. Because there is a value of accountability, if there were new people each week, it would change the dynamics. Opening the front door also opens the back door. As a result, LifeGroups are closed groups, and no additional members are added during the 12 month duration unless all of the group members are in agreement.
Why Do We Have To Sign A Covenant?
The covenant is a tool to manage group life and establish expectations. Where expectations are not defined, frustrations always follows. While the group facilitator plays an important role in guiding this process, each group determines when they meet, how long they meet and what curriculum they will study (from a selection that the pastors have approved). The group also determines, through the covenant, how time is spent in the actual meeting (i.e. how much time on fellowship, sharing, studying and prayer) and what is the desire outcome/goal of the group and its members.
How Long Does Small Groups Last?
Many small groups will form and immediately commit to meet for 12 months. However, there is an introductory step into group life that last approximately eight weeks. At the end of eight weeks, group members can decide to continue as a small group and extend their commitment, or they can dissolve to find other group members.
One legitimate concern of closed groups is that they become stagnant and inwardly focused over time. That's why our groups are closed only for a season. Our groups are challenged to multiply after their covenant period, usually in 12 months. This keeps the group experience fresh and focused. When the group multiplies, it allows new people to bring what they most have to offer: new vitality to the group experience. Every group eventually comes to an end. Our perspective is that a group can plan to end and have something to show for it. It also helps the LifeGroup leaders to be able to lead for a certain season, rather than committing to serve as a leader for an open-ended period of time.
What happens to newcomers that want to go into a LifeGroup?
There will be strategic times throughout the year where we will launch small groups. Some newcomers will have to wait a month or two to get into a small group. But that's where the Living Room environment (singles and couples gatherings) will serve as a holding tank for them. We want to make sure that they are ready for this commitment, and sometimes waiting to get into a group will help in their commitment to the group when they actually join.
What if I have other questions?
Please feel free to talk to one of the pastors or anyone of our leaders. We would be more than happy to sit down with you and answer other questions that you might have. Or you can email us at lifegroups@binnerriem.org with your question.
