Questions & Answers

"...let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another"
Hebrews 10:24-25

What is a Life Group?

A Small Group is made up of 8-12 people who meet weekly to share, study and support one another. Groups are led by trained leaders. An average meeting lasts for an hour to 90 minutes.

How important are small Groups?

Here at New Life Church, Small Groups are the hub of our ministry. They're the place where the real ministry of the church takes place as we study God's Word, while supporting and sharing our lives with one another. We believe that meeting together on a regular basis is time well spent. Our goal each year is to have at least 80% of our adults involved on a weekly basis.

When and where do they meet?

Living free Special Focus Groups meet on Monday, Tuesday or Friday nights at 7:00 pm at New Life Church. Life Groups meet at different times during the week offsite.

How long do they last?

Each Small Group session lasts 8 to 11 weeks. We have Fall, Winter & Spring sessions. At the end of each session, you will 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. Life Groups do not meet in the summer.

What is the required commitment?

Joining a Small Group requires an 8 to 11 week commitment to attend weekly meetings. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts and other special events, but not much more. This commitment is the key to a strong Small Group. You have the first three weeks to attend the group to make sure it's a good fit for you.

What will we study?

Life Groups  are based on the previous weekend's message. These "sermon-based" Life Groups are built on what we call a "Lecture-Lab" model. Imagine the weekend message as a lecture on Christian living, and the Life Group as a lab where you get to roll up your sleeves and discuss how the weekend's message works in real life. Each week there will be study guide available on our website. Special Focus groups follow a Living Free Curriculum 

What does it cost?

Few things in life are free and Life Groups are no exception! The cost of Life Groups is the cost of commitment. During the first meeting, each group will complete a "covenant" together. This simple form helps each group discuss their priorities and commitment. Part of that commitment is the promise to attend each week and to attend the quarterly social and do one service project for the year. You have the first three weeks to decide if your group is a good fit for you.

When you join a Life Group, you're promising to attend and be prepared each week. It's this commitment that makes Life Groups work. We realize it's a big commitment, but it only lasts for 8 - 11 weeks. At the end of each quarter, you have the choice of recommitting for another quarter, trying a new group, or taking a break from Life Groups altogether.

Special Focus Groups are $10 / person (cost of the curriculum)

What about child care?

Child care is provided by the same Kids Life staff that are available during our Sunday services. If the Life Group is offsite, parents are responsible to figure out child care. 

How do I choose a group?

When selecting a group, we strongly recommend you choose a group based on its leader/co-leader team and Station-in-Life (common stage in life). Over the years, we've found that groups do best when members share a common Station-in-Life and other interests with their leaders, hosts, and other group members.
Our groups are divided in the following Station-in-Life groupings: Singles, Young Marrieds, Young Families, Parents of Children K-6, Parents of Teens, Empty Nest, Senior Adults, Young Adults, Inter-generational groups (General), etc. Remember, these Station-in-Life groupings are intentionally kept fuzzy and are meant to help you self-select an appropriate group for you. They are not intended to box you in.
If you have any questions (especially if you are new to New Life Church), please don't hesitate to contact the church, and we will gladly assist you. Keep in mind that it might take two or three groups before you find the perfect fit, but don't worry, you'll find it!

How do I sign up?

Before each Small Group quarter begins there are two ways to sign up for a group - online, or at our weekend services in the lobby. During the weekend services, Small Group leaders and pastors are available to help you choose a group and answer any questions. There are three sign-up weekends before the beginning of our Fall Quarter in September, and two sign-up weekends before our Winter Quarter in January and our Spring Quarter in April.

Are there Life Groups for teenagers?

Yes, our Youth Ministry offers small groups for students. Although these groups are not included in this publication, they are very important to our church. Youth meet on Wednesdays at 7. For more information about Youth Groups, please contact Pastors Kyle and Ashley at [email protected]