What are Life Groups?
Life groups are small groups of about six married couples or eight individuals of the same gender that meet consistently in a group member's home for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. They are for adults of all ages, stages of life, and spiritual maturity.
Success at ONE* is defined by how effectively our ministries move people from our large environments into Life Groups.
We believe intentional relationships are key to sustained spiritual growth. That's why life groups are such an important part of our discipleship strategy. In a life group, people study God's word together and discuss the issues and challenges of life. It's also where they pray, care for one another, and are missed if they don't show up.
Practically speaking, there will never be a way for the staff to personally minister to everyone who attends our church. That's why we place such a high premium on group life. It's how we minister effectively at ONE*. To find out more about Life Groups we encourage you to join us at our next GroupLink. You may also read below for frequently asked questions.
Ready to join a Life Group?
Signup to attend our next GroupLink, a two-hour event where you come to connect with people in your same stage of life and area of town to form a Life Group.
Life Group FAQ
What is a Life Group?
Life Groups are small groups of six married couples or eight individuals of the same gender that meet consistently in someone’s home for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. They are for adults of all ages, stages of life, and spiritual maturity.
Is childcare provided for each group meeting?
Childcare is not provided, but financial help is available for families who wouldn't be able to participate in a Life Group due to the cost of childcare. That's right. We really want you to be able to participate in Life Groups. And if the cost of childcare gets in the way, we want to help out. If this describes you, start by filling-out a Childcare Assistance Application.
What kinds of Life Groups are there?
Married Couples: Life groups comprised of married couples in the same stage of life (couples without kids, with kids, and empty nest) and area of town.
Men's and Women's: Men and women can join same-gender groups. These groups may contain a mix of married and single individuals.
Singles: Life groups comprised of same-gender adults coming together to build authentic friendships and to get connected.
When and where do groups meet?
Our groups generally meet through the week, primarily in the evenings, with some meeting on Sundays. Most married groups meet in the evenings, while men’s and women’s groups meet mornings, afternoons and evenings. While most groups meet in a consistent location (the home of a group member), some groups prefer to take turns meeting in different members’ homes.
How often do Life Groups meet?
Most groups meet weekly. Some groups meet weekly, every other week or 3 times a month. We encourage all of our groups to take the summer off and only meet for fun summer activities.
How long does each meeting last?
Each Life Group picks the length of time they will meet. However, most groups meet for an hour and a half to two hours.
How long does a Life Group last?
Life Groups initially commit to meet for eight weeks as a Starter Group. After those first eight weeks, the group members decide if they want to continue meeting together for an additional 18-24 months. Therefore, the total duration of a typical Life Group is between one and a half to two years.
What goes on at a group meeting?
Though each group differs in how they do things, many groups have a social time in the beginning, then they transition to a time where they discuss the book they are studying and pray for each other. At the very beginning of the group, the whole group decides how much time they will spend on social, discussion, and prayer time (as well as the order in which they take place).
What does it mean when a group "ends" or "multiplies"?
During the term of the group, the group leader will train an apprentice to be the leader of the next group. At the end of the group, the leader will take half the current group, and the apprentice (after becoming an approved leader) will take the other half of the group. Then they will both add more members to their respective new groups, therefore allowing others to join groups with seasoned leaders.
What do groups study?
Groups that form at GroupLink start by going through a starter group study called Community: Your Pathway to Progress which may be purchased at The Center for $10. After completing the starter curriculum, each group picks their own curriculum to study with the help of their Life Group Director (a staff member who guides the group). Want more? View the current curriculum options.