Vancouver Church of Christ

Life Group Q & A

Q – What is a Life Group?

A – A Life Group consists of a group of disciples who have committed themselves to being involved in one anothers’ lives for the purpose of helping one another “live lives worthy of the gospel” (Ephesians 4:1).  A Life Group can consist of small number of disciples (suggested 4-10) who meet together regularly as a group for bible study, prayer, fellowship and the “breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42).

Q – What is the relationship between MDGs and a LGs?

A – Midweek Discussion Groups took the place of our congregational midweek meetings and were mainly geographical.  Life Groups take the place of MDGs, but also allow for more versatility in terms of scheduling, relationships and meeting specific needs.  VCOC members can remain in their current MDGs if they choose to and become a Life Group by submitting the registration form. That group can continue as is or change its focus.

Q – What is the overall purpose of meeting in Life Groups?

A – The overall purpose of all Life Groups is to create small group environments where spiritual relationships can flourish, teamwork can be experienced and our individual commitments to Jesus, one another and the lost can be supported and encouraged.

Q – Why does the Leadership Team want each group to be “registered”?

A – In this way not only will the Leadership Team know what is going on in the church, but so will all VCOC members, allowing each disciple to choose which Life Group they are going to be part of for the upcoming year.  Also, with this information posted on our church website, visiting Christians and non-Christians will be able to see what groups are meeting and can choose which one to attend.

Q – What kind of commitment is involved in choosing to meet with a particular Life Group?

A – We are asking that Life Groups plan to meet from October 2010 through June 2011.  In other words, for VCOC members, choosing to meet with a particular life group involves a nine (9) month commitment.  For the months of July and August, we will be offering other options for the Life Groups in order to accommodate, and make the most of, the very different schedule we all experience in the summer months.

Q – Can someone choose to switch groups during that nine (9) month-period?

A – Switching groups in not encouraged unless there is a specific reason for doing so.  Our goal is the EVERY VCOC member will be committed to involvement with at least one Life Group.  Only through consistent commitment can the kind of relationships be forged that will result in spiritual growth and encouragement.   If a disciple feels they have a reason to switch, we would hope they would discuss that with whatever group they are part of before choosing to go to another group.

Guidelines for Life Groups

• Each group should come up with a NAME – it can be a geographic name (e.g. Richmond) or it can more reflect the purpose, focus and/or demographic make up of your group (e.g., Rubies, Serenity Sisters, Wise Guys, Men in White, Band of Brothers, etc.)
• Each group must choose a COORDINATOR – this needs to be a mature Christian who has some leadership skills and is doing well spiritually.  He/she will be the contact person for the VCOC leadership.  Communication will flow both ways so that we can keep the Life Groups pulled into the overall ministry and congregational life of the VCOC as well as offer support and encouragement to the individual Life Groups.  It might be helpful, if each group would also choose an ASSISTANT COORDINATOR as well.
• Each group should come up with a schedule PLAN – to be considered a Life Group, the group needs to meet together at least once every other week, but it can meet together every week if desired.
• Life Groups can meet any day of the week and at any time of the time that is agreed to by, and thus is best for, its members.  However, in order to accommodate congregational meetings (such as Kingdom Kids training, Board meetings, Leadership Team meetings, etc.) we would request, if possible, to leave Mondays and Tuesdays open.
• To create a new Life Group, fill out the Life Group Registration form and submit it to Brian Felushko by September 15, 2010.  VCOC members will then have until September 30 to sign up for the group they want to be part of.

Examples of Life Groups

1.  “Band of Brothers” Life Group

• Coordinator: Joe Disciple (604-555-1212; joeyd@gmail.com)
• Purpose: to equip, encourage and support one another in daily living for Jesus with a focus on righteousness, relationships and outreach
• Plan
  • Meet together every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. for bible study, spiritual discussion, prayer & fellowship
  • Pair up as Life Group partners who have daily contact and work on building deeply spiritual relationships
  • Plan other times together for the purpose of fun, fellowship and outreach

2.  “Wise Guys” Life Group

• Coordinator: Ray Elder (604-555-2121; oldguy@gmail.com)
• Purpose: to equip, encourage and support the older men (50 years old and over) of the church to be an example of faithful Christian living and leadership
• Plan
  • Meet together every other Thursday for bible study, spiritual discussion, prayer and fellowship
  • Pair up as Life Group partners who will strive to have daily contact and work on building deeply spiritual relationships
  • Plan other times together for the purpose of fun, fellowship and outreach
  • Take on one “younger man” and mentor him in his life, marriage, parenting, etc.

3.  “Men in White” Life Group

• Coordinator: Brian Felushko (604-277-5517; brian.felushko@gmail.com)
• Purpose: to equip, motivate, and inspire one another to overcome impurity and live pure lives in this world
• Plan
  • Meet together every week for bible study, spiritual discussion, prayer and fellowship
  • Pair up as Daily Renewal partners who will strive to have daily contact and work on building deeply spiritual relationships
  • Plan other times together for the purpose of fun and fellowship
  • Invite other brothers, as appropriate to become part of our group, who are in need of purity recovery

4.  Other examples could include: a parenting group, a marriage group, a community servants group, an arts/music group, a campus life group, a dads/husbands group, a singles group, etc.