What Is a LifeGroup?

Have you ever heard about LifeGroups during a service and wondered to yourself, “What exactly is a LifeGroup, and why should I be in one?” Hang with us here, and hopefully this post will answer that question and others you may have.

LifeGroups are the friends you grow, laugh, and serve with. LifeGroups gather in people’s homes, at church, and other places where people love to hang out together.

LifeGroups create a space for people to intentionally share their lives with others, grow spiritually together, and encourage each other through the highs and lows of life.

First, we weren’t created to go through life alone. In the Bible we find consistent encouragement to gather with other followers of Jesus:

• Proverbs, which is known as one of the wisdom books in the Bible, instructs us to get advice from others and walk through life with wise people so we can sharpen each other.
• Romans encourages us to rejoice with each other in the good times and weep with each other in the bad times.
• Paul wrote in Galatians that we should share each other’s burdens.
• James guides us to confess our sins to each other so we can be healed.
• Hebrews urges us to not neglect meeting together.
• Jesus promises us in Matthew that when we gather, He’s there among us.

Second, your LifeGroup will be there to celebrate your happiest moments and support you through your toughest seasons. Joining a LifeGroup positions these friends in your life now so they’re there when life happens.

Finally, as believers we are called to speak truth and encouragement into others. God will use your LifeGroup to impact you, but He’ll also use you to impact your LifeGroup!

The best way to join a group is through our online group finder!

At 902 Church, our LifeGroups operate in “seasons” (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall). During each season we intentionally launch and promote new groups. While the beginning of a season is the best time to find open groups, you can always look and see who has room for more people!

Every LifeGroup is unique, so each one will look a little bit different. Some discuss the weekend message, go through Bible Studies or do video studies through Right Now Media. Some serve together in the community or play board games and go out to eat once a month.

Two things you’ll find in every LifeGroup, though, are relationships and conversations that help you grow spiritually and personally.

Absolutely! It’s understandable to want to find people you feel comfortable opening up to and developing friendships with.

That being said, if you’ve joined a LifeGroup and aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for you, don’t give up. Keep in mind that there’s no such thing as a perfect LifeGroup, because there are no perfect people.

Remember to have grace and patience during the process. If it’s clear that this group isn’t the best fit for you, though, give another group a try.

Let’s be real: It can be a little awkward to meet any new group of people.

Here’s what we can promise, though: If you’ll make a conscious decision to embrace the initial awkwardness and keep showing up, something amazing will happen. Over time, your LifeGroup will start to feel less like a group of strangers and more like people you’ve known your whole life.  Push through those little moments of weirdness as you get to know each other. It’s always worth it!

Also, rest assured that every LifeGroup leader goes through an onboarding process. We’re committed to identifying solid leaders and creating a safe environment for anyone who joins a LifeGroup.

Different groups navigate this in different ways. Some take turns paying for a babysitter or all pitch in together to hire one. Others have the kids watch a movie or kids show from Right Now Media while the adults meet. Some even include the kids in everything they do as a group.

During the Winter and Fall seasons, we even offer free childcare on Thursdays for groups that meet at the church!

This might be a sign that God is calling you to start a group! If God has placed a certain passion or calling within you, He might want you to take a step of faith and launch a LifeGroup around it.

And know this: You won’t be doing it alone. Our team will provide support every step of the way: helping you get your group started, resourcing you with content and curriculum, and making sure you have everything you need to be successful.

Wherever you live and however your life is going right now, we hope you’ll know and embrace this truth: God created you to live in community. Life is better together!