a life group is a group of 4-15 people who meet on a...
TRANSCRIPT
WHAT IS A LIFE GROUP?
A LIFE Group is a group of 4-15 people who meet on a regular basis in homes throughout the week for the purpose of building friendships, encouraging one another, growing together and praying for one another.
In a small group, people study God’s Word together and discuss the issues and challenges of life. When people are unable to meet with their group, they are missed!
WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE?
Each LIFE Group is designed to fulfill the five purposes of the Church:
[Discipleship] life-long learning about Jesus and His teachings, through the regular exploration, study and application of God’s Word;
[Evangelism] sharing with others about Jesus and His impact on our lives, so that they may have the opportunity to enjoy His ministry and presence in their lives;
[worship]giving credit and worth to Jesus with our hearts, hands, and minds. Worship is often expressed in music, the reading of Scripture, sharing of testimonies, and quiet reflection, as well as the every day choice to put Him first;
[fellowship]doing life together and sharing the journey of struggles, triumphs, joys and pains;
[ministry]actively doing meaningful things to meet others’ needs.
HOW CAN I JOIN A LIFE GROUP?
Feel free to contact the LIFE Group facilitators listed on our website, www.yournewhope.org, or contact Pastor Larry Baker at 443.790.9531 for more information.
Two locations:Saturdays: 7609 Energy Parkway
Sundays: 1630 Filbert StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21226
DISCOVERYOUR NEW HOPE
[LIFE GroupF.A.Q.]
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to
the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were
together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and
enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily
those who were being saved. --- Acts 2:42-47
[LIFE GROUP F.A.Q.]WHAT CAN I EXPECT IF I GO TO
A LIFE GROUP MEETING?
Imagine a place where you are warmly greeted; where you are encouraged to come in and make yourself comfortable. In our house, that means taking your shoes off, grabbing a hot cup of coffee, and settling into that place on the couch that will soon become a safe haven for you.
There, your heart will be warmed, your mind will be challenged, and your body will find rest and refreshment.
You’ll soon learn that your LIFE Group members are like you. Like you, they want a place where they can belong, where they can be fed, where they can be real about what life is really doing to them. Like you, they want to be encouraged that they are not alone in this ‘life’ thing.
Some LIFE Groups take the opportunity to eat meals together before studying God’s Word. Others enjoy a simple snack time.
Some sing worship songs using instruments or CDs. Some have quiet reflection times before or after the study time.
Groups follow Bible study guides which pose thoughtful questions and interesting discussions. No one is made to talk if she or he doesn’t want to do so. But at the same time, the Lord may speak through you to bring hope to someone else.
Group members also pray for each other. Prayers may be short and sweet at first, but as God moves there is a greater depth to the cries of our hearts. When people pray together, special bonds are created. God does the miraculous!
WHAT’S ALL THIS TALK ABOUT SMALL GROUP CAMPAIGNS?
Twice a year, New Hope seeks to add new LIFE groups and see our existing groups strengthen, enabling each person to grow closer to God and to each other. To assist in that effort, we will hold two small group campaigns each year: one in February and one in October.
Church growth strategists have noted that there are two times a year when church attendance peaks. That’s right! In February and in October!
Scheduling small group campaigns during this time not only brings unity to the church, it allows for new attenders to get plugged into groups.
Typical six-week campaigns are short enough to commit to; yet at the same time, it is long enough for people to grow comfortable with one another. It also brings an excitement and energy to our church as we all focus on community.
WHAT ABOUT MINISTRY PROJECTS?
Our LIFE Groups participate in several different kinds of ministry projects that rejuvenate our souls and make differences in the lives of others.
Because every LIFE Group is different, every project is different. Some groups do food drives; others visit hospitals and nursing homes. Some “adopt” under-privileged families; others visit homeless shelters or volunteer in schools to do ministry.
The opportunities to reach other people through ministry are endless and have more impact than you could ever dream.
WHAT ARE OUR GOALS?
New Hope’s LIFE groups are simply people doing life together, working together to figure out what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. We have three basic goals:
1. To grow in relationship with God. 2. To grow in relationship with one another. 3. To grow our groups and plant new groups.
Group facilitators help members in each of these three vital areas.
CAN I BE A LIFE GROUP FACILITATOR?
Perhaps, you are considering being the one to make sure the LIFE Group goes smoothy each week.
That’s the basic role of the LIFE Group facilitator. Did you know that the root word for a facilitator is “to make easy”?
A faciliator is the group’s servant, who empowers the group to enjoy Jesus rather than lording over the group.
The facilitator doesn’t have to know all the answers or be the super hero of the times. Instead, the facilitator keeps everyone on track, keeps everyone informed of New Hope events, and helps each person feel welcomed and a part of the group.
Every person in your group is a potential facilitator. If your group is growing, you may begin asking God for the next facilitator, so that you can plant another group. As new groups grow, so does the New Hope church family.
And even more importantly, God’s Kingdom can grow!
If you want to open your heart and your home to a group of your friends and family just let us know! We’ll be glad to assist you in that very important endeavor.