How to Start A Life Group?

Whether you are a young adult grad coming out of Jireh (University Fellowship) or a parent wondering what it takes to start a life group in our congregation, we are glad you are asking this question! Life groups are one of the essential fellowship ministries in our church, and we strive to help build healthy groups and leaders.

Life Group Leader Commitments

Before we get started, our church does have expectations and commitments from our life group leaders. These commitments list the roles and responsibilities of our life group leaders and help us align with our church’s statement of beliefs and mission. This document is signed by every leader before their new group is formed.

Let’s Get Started!

01 Prayers

Leading a life group is not an easy ministry. To journey with members of different generations, life stages, and even languages requires spiritual maturity and commitment. This is why with any inkling of desire to start an ALG, we ask any prospects to spend time to discern such initiative prayerfully. You are also encouraged to ask brothers & sisters in the church to pray with you about this opportunity and to have them journey with you through this.

02 Purpose

ALG leaders usually have a vision of why they want to start a new ALG. Here are some:

  • A desire to connect with those who do not have an ALG.

  • Young adults who want to create space to connect with peers and other generations as they transition to new seasons of life.

  • A desire to multiply from their current group.

There are a variety of reasons, but it is important for any leaders to prayerfully discern the purpose and reason for why they want to start a new group. This will help them lead and guide their group with clarity.

03 Connect

As you form your vision and purpose, you are encouraged to connect with the pastor to help guide your journey. Every new group and leader will need to be affirmed by our pastor/deacons so we can hold each other accountable as a church.

 

04 LAUNCH

As you prepare to launch your life group, the church has tools that can help you admin and manage your group.

  • Planning Center: Our church’s online [PC] portal is where each life group can manage its members, store resources, and plan events in its calendars. This platform is connected to the whole church and can help church leaders assess the health of the church as well as organize events and congregations smoothly. Once a life group is approved, ALG leaders will be notified of their group’s addition to [PC]. Training is also provided as needed.

  • Life Group Covenant: A covenant is a way to set expectations with your group members. One of the best practices of any life group is to have a group discussion about what is expected from every member. Whether it is attendance, behaviours, or purpose, a covenant provides clarity and sets expectations for everyone joining the group. A covenant is usually re-evaluated every year to adapt to different seasons of life for its members.
    Download an example ALG covenant here.

  • GroupLink: GroupLink is a joint fellowship event that happens ~2 times a year. These joint events provide a time when all ALGs can meet and fellowship with one another, but also, it is a time when newcomers and those without a group can find prospective groups to join.

  • ALG Leaders WhatsApp Group: The ALG WhatsApp group provides fast updates and info on church-related news. It is also a group where leaders can connect with each other.