Why Join a LifeGroup?
1. You will understand the Bible better in a LifeGroup
If you’ve ever listened to a Bible teacher or preacher and wanted to stop that person and say, "But what about...?" or "I don’t understand," then a LifeGroup is for you! Preaching and teaching is one way communication. You listen while the speaker speaks. It’s fine for imparting knowledge but not as effective for personal application as in a LifeGroup. In a small group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the text, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situation and that happens best in small groups.
2. You will begin to really feel like part of God's family
Most people who have been a part of a group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop.
They will frequently telephone or e-mail each other during the week to share an urgent prayer request or an exciting answer. You’ll
discover that your needs and problems are not unique ~ we’re all in the same boat. It helps to know that others are facing the same
difficulties, or have lived through them and learned spiritual principles in the process.
More than 50 times in the New Testament the phrase "one another" is used to describe our relationship to other believers. We are
instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another’s burdens, and build
up one another. The only way you can obey these commands is in a small group! We really do need each other. God never meant for you to
go it alone in the Christian life. If you’re lonely, the answer to your problem is to join a LifeGroup.
3. Prayer will become more meaningful to you
Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large church. In a small group of 8 to 12 people, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you’ll be able to pray sentence prayers and join in. There are many promises in the Bible related to group prayer. When you pray with others, you will become close and you will become more fulfilled.!
4. You will be able to handle stress and pressure better
LifeGroups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You’ll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and are committed to standing with you. When someone loses a job, or a family member has an extended illness, or a mother needs a babysitter -- these are practical needs that can be naturally taken care of through your LifeGroup. Many people in our church can testify that they would not have made it through a difficult time if it hadn’t been for the support of their group.
5. You will develop leadership skills you never knew you had!
The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents or "gifts" to benefit others in the family of God. Unfortunately most Christians remain as Sunday morning spectators all their lives because large group meetings are primarily "sit and listen" situations. As you share and participate in a relaxed small group setting, you’ll discover your confidence and self-esteem rising. This will help you at work, at church, and in every other relationship.
6. You will deepen your understanding of worship
Many believers mistakenly believe that worship can only happen on Sunday morning in a large group with a sermon, a choir, and an offering plate! Worship happens anytime we focus on God. Sometimes that happens best in a smaller group in praying or singing together.
7. You will be a New Testament Christian!
The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for His people to grow and have their needs met in the church. We will never be able to hire enough professional pastors to meet all the individual needs in our family. God never intended for it to be that way!
Consider these verses
"They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together... they broke bread in their homes and ate together... and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47
"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ."
Acts 5:42
"Greet also the church that meets at their house."
Romans 16:5
"Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so does the church that meets at their house."
1 Corinthians 16:19
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