WHAT IS a Life GROUp?
A Life Group is a small group within the church that gathers weekly to discover and embrace gospel- centered life together. We do this by speaking the truth in love, practicing transparency, actively trusting in Christ, and striving to be transformed by the power of the Spirit.
What are the Values of Life Groups?
Speaking the Truth in Love
The gospel stands at the center of God’s redemptive plan. It’s central to the mission of the church and it is central to our growth as disciples of Christ. Because we can never outgrow the gospel, our Life Groups exist to deepen us in the gospel by studying the implications of it throughout God’s Word and speaking that truth in love to one another (Eph. 4:15-16).
Practicing Transparency
Honest confession is one of the essential marks of a true Christian (1 John 1:6-10). The culture that we endeavor to build in Life Groups is one in which people feel that they don’t have to hide, run or justify themselves. We want to create an environment in which people feel safe and loved. This doesn’t happen overnight and will never happen perfectly in this life, but it’s our hope to continue to grow in transparency until we are able to share openly and honestly about our lives: our joys, victories and celebrations as well as our sin, weaknesses, doubts, and anxieties.
Actively Trusting in Christ
A statement we want to lean into at the Exchange is, “It’s okay not to feel okay, but we trust that Christ makes us okay.” Each time our sin is revealed, we want to direct our hearts in faith toward our perfect savior’s forgiveness and guidance, not just new rules or better discipline. We must actively trust that it’s wholly by grace through faith that we are both saved and sanctified (ie. made more like Jesus; cf. Eph. 2:8-10). No matter what struggles, difficulties or challenges we face, we want to help one another trust that Christ will strengthen us, deliver us and mature us in and through them as we trust in him.
Striving to be Transformed Together
While perfection is not the goal, progressive growth in Christlikeness is. We make every effort to challenge each other to learn how to walk according to the Spirit in newness of life to do the good works which God has prepared in advance for us to do (Gal. 5:16; Eph. 2:10; 4:17-24; 5:15; Col. 1:10; Rom. 12:1-2). Therefore, Life Groups aren’t just intellectual, they’re utterly practical and demand life change. The goal of our groups isn’t just to spend time sharing together, but to grow in loving and serving others (both inside and outside our groups), showing mercy and hospitality, helping those in need, and interceding in prayer for those who require it.
FAQs
How often are Life groups held?
Life Groups are usually held on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for about 12 weeks (3 Quarters per year with an extended break in the summer).
Where are Life Groups Held?
Life Groups are held at church or in a home. However, with COVID-19 in mind, Life Groups have temporarily moved to online platforms.
What’s the size of a life group?
Life Groups can range anywhere from 3 to 8 people.