Life Groups
[lif\grüps] noun: a place to do life together with friends, and connect with God; encouraging, challenging, fun, serving.
Why Life Groups?
It’s about doing life together.
GOD’S WORD + ONE ANOTHER = SPIRITUAL GROWTH and KINGDOM GROWTH.
Life Groups share God's transforming grace with others just as God shared it with us in His Son Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19).
What are Life Groups really all about?
Thin of the “Life” part of a Life Group makes as this acronym:
“L” is“Love”: The main goal and priority of each Life Group is to grow in love for God and for one another (Mark 12:33).
“I” is “Instruction”: The goal is to share what God is doing and teaching in one’s life, illuminated by Holy Scripture with a view toward spiritual growth.
“F” is “Fellowship”: The power of a party is a wonderful thing. When a Life Group has health and balance, it will have life!
“E” is “Example”: The goal of each Life Group is to create the right spiritual “ecosystem” that will glue people to the Word of God and to supportive relationships. The Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.”
How do you connect with others in a large church?
Life Groups are the most basic unit of belonging at St. John’s, the hub of our connecting ministry. Life Groups are the place where the real ministry of the church takes place as we encourage, support, and challenge one another. God doesn’t want any of us to be left to walk alone – we need each other. We want to be a church, not a crowd! Life Groups are a place where you can be yourself, laugh, enjoy engaging conversation and build friendships. Life Groups offer a warm and welcoming environment for you to invite others into a relationship.
How do you explore and grow in your faith?
Life Groups are a safe place to ask the tough questions about God. Group members seek and find God through study of God’s Word, sharing, support and prayer. Life Groups helps members discover and grow in their spiritual gifts.
How do you serve and put your faith into action?
Life Groups are encouraged to find their own unique opportunities to serve others. Whether supporting and caring for other church members or reaching out to our neighborhoods and community, Life Groups connect people to the power and presence of Jesus Christ.
How long does a Life Group last?
Each Life Group semester lasts twelve weeks; the summer quarter last six to eight weeks. Basically, we’ve broken the year into two semesters and one summer quarter. At the end of each session, you have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group, or even taking a break. Most groups stay together throughout the entire year. However, groups do not meet July-August, though some continue to meet informally or socially through the summer.
How do I connect?
We would love to help you find a Life Group. Open enrollment begins at the start of each new session (in September, January, and March). You can also sign up any Sunday or by calling the church office. Our rector and staff will be happy to help you find just the right group for you. Those who are new to the church (or start attending in the middle of a session) can sign up and join any group that has openings without waiting for the start of a new session. Click here for a printable version of the form below.
When, What and Where are Life Group Meetings?
Click here for a schedule to the Life Groups meeting during the fall of 2011.
Youth Life Groups
The Boys Life Group meetings are on Wednesdays. They meet with Steve Nelson (Youth Director) in the Loft at St. John's church from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
The Girls Life Group is still forming. Please contact Steven at 762-5273 for more information
What About You?: Connecting to a Life Group
Please contact or email the church office with the following information and we will be in touch with some suggestions for you.
Names(s) _______________________________________
Best Phone: _____________________________________
E-mail __________________________________________
Subdivision/Neighborhood __________________________