What to Expect

What are Life Groups?

They are small groups of 6-16 adults that meet weekly for fellowship and to study the Bible together. This comes from the Bible where the early church met not only in the Temple (a large group) but also in people's homes (small groups) in Act. 5:42. We believe the small group is the best context for spiritual growth.

Groups are "Safe"

You won't be put on the spot, asked to pray out loud (unless you want to), or read out loud. And you don't have to have any prior Bible knowledge. In fact, Groups are the best place to learn. They aren't "encounter" groups where everyone cries, or meditation groups where everyone chants or burns incense and sit cross-legged.

Can I just try a Life Group?

You can try one or more groups any time. When you find a Group that "fits" join it so you can benefit from the friendships and relationships that develop.

What to expect if you try a Home Life Group

It's a casual atmosphere. The Bible study topics are practical, down to earth, focusing on what God says about life issues we all face. That makes it easy to join in the discussion even if you don't have much, or any Bible background. You'll have a chance to share prayer requests, but no one is put on the spot to pray or read out loud. Most home groups run 90 minutes, with some fellowship and snacks before and after. Home groups have the advantage of more time, a more casual setting, and a variety of nights and locations.

What to expect If you try an On Campus Life Group

On Campus Life Groups have the same approach, but groups may be a little bigger and the time frame shorter (60-75 minutes). They have the advantage of convenience, being before or after a worship service, or at a time when childcare is provided through our Children's ministries (KFC on the Weekend and C.I.A. on Wednesday nights).

When Do Life groups start?

Groups are on-going and they are "open" which means you can try one any time. Try one this week! About twice a year we have a church-wide small group campaign where we launch a large number of new Groups and everyone studies the same study for 6-9 weeks. Or, ask us about starting your own Life Group in your home.

What Do the Life Groups Study?

Groups use a wide variety of Bible-based studies that focus on practical topics, or a book of the Bible. All the studies are designed for small groups to learn together and discuss. Most studies are 6 to 8 weeks in length. You can get a feel for some of the topics by going to www.groupcurriculum.org

What If My Schedule Means I'll Miss From Time to Time?

We understand that sometimes you have business or other schedule conflicts that will mean you miss a week. What was your boss thinking? Seriously, if you do miss, the studies are easy to pick up on the following week.

What Do You Mean by Group "Type"?

Every Life Group has a "type" listed as part of it's description. "Mixed" groups are a mixture of married and single adults. We have couples, singles, men's and women's groups too. Most descriptions also include an approximate age range, like 20's, 30's, etc. but often it's the age of your kids that really determines what group you will have the most in common with. We can help you with specific recommendations of Groups to try.

Is There a Cost?

Some studies have a participant book that usually runs $5-$9. Often a couple can share a book. If that's the case, you will get your book from your leader/host at your first group session.

What About Child Care?

On-campus groups use the children's programs as child care during their group time (Sat. 6:15pm; Sunday 9:00am & 10:30am; Wed. PM).

Home Life groups vary: some have a back room and parents rotate watching the children; some pool for a babysitter; some have everyone get their own sitter. Call your group host to find out their plan. Some Wednesday night home groups are close enough that on Wednesday night they can use the church's AWANA and childcare (drop off starts at 6:15pm and pick up is by 9:00pm for those in a group. If not in a Wed. group, then please pick your AWANA child up by 8:15pm).

What About My Child or Teenager? Do they have Life Groups?

The Teens have their Life Group on campus (Sat. 6:15pm; Sunday 9:00am). The elementary children have their Life Group during Kidtropolis time on Saturday (during adult worship) and Sunday (9:00am and 10:45am). If you are a parent attending an on-campus Imagine group we will automatically take your elementary children from KFC to the activities time for the children of parents attending worship & life group on campus.

WHAT ABOUT Starting My Own Group?...