Life Groups
Purpose of Life Groups
Why are we doing Life Groups at Bethesda Church? Simply put, we’re doing Life Groups because we believe they are a biblical model for what the New Testament church is supposed to look like. We want each person who belongs to the body at Bethesda, to have an opportunity to get plugged into a small group of other believers where they can share life together, study God’s Word together, pray together and lock arms as they follow hard after the heart of God. Life Groups are where you can do that!
What we are asking God to do:
We’d like to invite you to join the pastors and elders here to pray that God would do the following:
- Cause us to fall in love with Him
- Make us into authentic disciples of Christ
- Use us to reach our lost and hurting world with the life changing message of Christ
Thinking About Joining A Life Group?
Why should I be in a Life Group?
First of all, because it’s biblical. Second, because it’s the natural environment in which we build authentic community with other believers at Bethesda Church.
Can I be a member at Bethesda Church without being in a Life Group?
Absolutely. We can’t tell people they must be in a Life Group to be a member here. And we’re not doing that. What we are doing is saying that we believe Life Groups are the most effective way to be a disciple and to make disciples and we want to give everyone the opportunity to be a part of this.
Can I be in a Life Group without being a member at Bethesda Church?
Absolutely. Life Groups are open for everyone.
Is there a certain curriculum that the Life Groups go through or do they just get together to talk?
We will corporately be working through a Bible study together. All Life Groups will be moving in the same direction in terms of the Bible study we will be doing.
What do we do with our kids during our Life Group meeting?
You can either get a babysitter for all the kids in your Life Group or if your kids are old enough you can include them in your Life Group.
How often will my Life Group meet?
Each Life Group will meet weekly.
Is this a commitment or just a nice option?
Being involved in a Life Group is definitely a commitment. We ask each person involved in a Life Group to read through and agree with our Life Group Covenant.
Is there a designated place to jump off if I don’t like the Life Group I’m in or decide I just don’t want to be in one?
There is no designated place to jump off. If you don’t feel like your Life Group is a good fit for you, we just ask that you talk with your Life Group leader first. We’ll then make every effort possible to plug you into another Life Group.
Can I visit other Life Groups or am I married to just one?
You can visit a few Life Groups initially. Eventually though, we’d like to ask that you make a commitment to one Life Group.
Will I be forced to talk about personal things in my life that I’m not comfortable talking about?
You can rest in knowing that no one will be prying personal information out of you. We believe that as relationships grow and mature, you’ll begin to feel more comfortable being honest and transparent with others.
Would it be okay if I invited some of my friends to my Life Group?
Definitely, yes! We encourage you to invite your friends and neighbors.
How do I find a Life Group to get plugged in to?
We have a list of Life Groups that are currently meeting. You can look through the list and find one yourself to attend or we’d be glad to help you get plugged into one.
Life Group Member Covenant
As a vital part of the body at Bethesda Church and as a member of a Life Group, we would ask you to agree with the following:
Total and complete confidentiality:
What gets shared in your Life Group, stays in your Life Group. Once this trust has been broken, it will be difficult or impossible to recover from it. Confidentiality is of utmost importance within each Life Group.
Transparency:
As a group of believers, we will strive to be honest and open about our lives. This includes our hopes, fears, temptations, struggles etc. In order for authentic community to develop, all members involved will need to be committed to living authentic lives inside their Life Group as well as outside their Life Group.
Priority:
Attendance isn’t mandatory, but we realize that our purposes for Life Groups will not be achieved if folks aren’t committed to being an active, weekly part of their group. Life Group meetings will take place once a week at a designated time and place.
Accountability:
In order for authentic life change to occur, each person in a Life Group will need to be committed to purposeful and strategic accountability. There is not a structured and predetermined format for this accountability. We believe it will naturally occur as people share their lives with each other and as we all strive to use God’s Word to teach, correct, rebuke, and equip one another so that we can be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3.16-17)
Prayer:
Life Groups and Life Group members will commit themselves to actively pray for one another and for the other Life Groups at Bethesda Church. Time will be set aside at each Life Group meeting for meaningful and specific prayer.
Service:
Life Groups are expected to serve the body of Christ and unbelievers alike. Life Groups will have various opportunities throughout the year to actively engage in meaningful and life-changing service to impact the kingdom. Each individual Life Group is responsible to integrate service into the fiber of their small group.
Group Growth:
Our desire is to see God change people’s lives so they become authentic disciples of Jesus Christ. As this happens, our groups will naturally grow. Once they’ve reached a point where they’re too big to be intimate and effective, those serving as apprentices will be asked to launch another Life Group.
For More Info:
If you’d like to know more about Life Groups at Bethesda Church, please call the church office. We’d be glad to answer your questions and help you find your place in one of our Life Groups here at Bethesda Church.
