Join a LifeGroup
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why LifeGroups?
In Acts 2:46-47, we read that the brand new group of Christians met together regularly in large groups at the Jerusalem temple and from “house to house.” The Christian is taught in 1 John 3:23 he is to believe in the name of Jesus and “love one another.” LCC is intentional about bringing together these commands and we do it through LifeGroups. It is our belief that a Christian cannot consistently grow in Christlikeness unless they are connected with other members of their local church. This connection comes in LifeGroups.
2. Why should I join a LifeGroup?
This is the life-blood of LCC. In a church of our size it is easy for people to remain anonymous. Joining a LifeGroup will give someone the opportunity to meet people and build friendships with other members of LCC. It will also give them the opportunity to get plugged into the life of the church as they serve with their LifeGroup.
3. What do we do in LifeGroups?
In a typical LifeGroup you will meet once a week for a couple of hours. There will be time set aside to pray for the members of the group in addition to discussing the study that the group is working on. Once per semester [see question below, “How often do they meet?”] each group will serve in the church as a team on an assigned Sunday. Each group will also serve outside of the church on an assigned Saturday. The places of service will be changed every semester so that the church gets to serve in many parts of our local community. The groups will have one meeting that will be a “fun night.” Instead of their usual activities, they will meet [possibly at a different time/place than the normal group meeting] in order to have fun and relax. Food is a necessity at these gatherings.
4. Can I be a part of more than one?
In short…No. We want each person in LCC to be committed to one group per semester. As a general rule, we want each person who calls LCC home to be fully committed to two activities per week; the Sunday worship service and their LifeGroup. Any more commitments than that and the likelihood of burnout is too high. Do we really need more things to do each week? However, there may be unique circumstances which require someone to be involved in two groups. These will be handled on a case by case basis.
5. How do I join a LifeGroup?
Sign-ups for LifeGroups will be held over a 4-week period before the LifeGroup semester starts. As a general rule, when the group starts meeting, that group is closed. If you miss the sign-up window you’ll simply wait a few months until the next LifeGroup semester starts.
6. Is a LifeGroup a Bible study?
In short, no. LifeGroups will have Bible study as a central component of what they do. However, LifeGroups are much more than that. LifeGroups will focus on several aspects of life in the church, primarily community, service, confession, prayer and Bible study.
7. How often do they meet?
The LifeGroups are “semester based.” This is tied to the natural flow of the school calendar that everyone has grown up with. The Fall Semester will run from approximately late September to Thanksgiving. The Spring Semester will start in February and end in May. There will be a shortened Summer Semester that will run from roughly June through July.
8. What do I do with my children?
This will be handled on a group by group basis. If there is the need for babysitting, let the church know when you sign-up. Your LifeGroup leader will work with his/her group members to come up with best solution given the number of children and other group dynamics. LCC will reimburse the group for childcare up to $200 per semester.
9. Can a person who does not attend LCC join a LifeGroup?
No. They should be involved in the life of their own church. If they have a desire to be a part of an LCC LifeGroup, have them begin attending LCC and go through Discover Life 101, our membership class. If they decide to make LCC their church home, then they are encouraged to join a LifeGroup in the next semester.
10. Does it cost anything to be in a LifeGroup?
Most groups will be studying through a book or course of some type. The cost will be whatever the cost of materials is. Most books will run in the neighborhood of $10. In addition, most groups will share the cost of food at group meetings and the fun night.
11. What is a “fun night”?
This is an evening during the semester that the LifeGroup gets together with the sole objective of sharing a meal and having fun. This will be a time for the group to relax and enjoy one another’s friendship. There will be one “fun night” scheduled per semester.
12. How do I sign up for a LifeGroup?
Sing-ups will be held during the promotion month for each semester. These will generally be the months of September (Fall Semester) and January (Spring Semester). Groups will “close” one to two weeks after the start of the semester. If you miss the promotion month, do not worry, you will be able to sign up for a group in a couple of months.