Life Groups
What is a Life Group?
A Life Group is 3 or more people who gather in the name of Jesus Christ to intentionally live out the purposes of God. A Life Group provides opportunity for meaningful relationships to develop and for people to grow in Christ.
Acts 2:42-47 Relationship with God and relationship with one another was the foundation.
Why participate in a Life Group?
Wisdom of scripture tells us we need one another -- Ecclesiastes 4:12 “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Tree are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
Jesus himself modeled for us the power of doing life in a small group—a Life Group. Mark 3:13-15 “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve---designating them apostles---that they might be with Him.”
A small group of people can know and care for one another in ways that large groups can’t. We can encourage, support, pray for and serve one another in specific, practical ways. And we can experience the fulfillment of reaching out and serving others outside our group together.
What are the purposes Life Groups seek to fulfill?
While a group may initially focus mainly on one or two of the purposes, we move toward engaging each purpose in order to grow as balanced individuals and as a healthy group.
Connect
Creating opportunities to develop meaningful relationships with Christ, with one another and with the Mission Hills faith community.
Grow
Cultivating maturity as devoted followers of Christ.
Serve
Mobilizing our faith and talents to address needs both within and outside our faith community.
Care
Supporting and encouraging one another in the seasons and struggles of life.
What does a Life Group look like?
Life Groups are as varied as the people who lead them. Some groups focus on a book or Bible study while others go biking and still others meet with a common passion for feeding the homeless. Many meet weekly, while others meet once or twice a month. There are four basic types of groups:
Interest Groups:
These groups center on a shared passion, interest or activity such as quilting, fasting, reading or making a difference through feeding the homeless, tutoring underprivileged kids or raising awareness of human trafficking. These groups often act as a bridge for those who are not part of a faith community.
Support/Recovery Groups:
These groups meet around a common need for support and healing due to painful life circumstances such as mental illness, addiction or loss.
Prayer & Fellowship Groups:
These groups focus on fellowship, and group members support and encourage one another through an extended time of prayer.
Study Groups:
These groups study the Bible or topics related to Christian living. Groups typically meet in homes and include a time of fellowship and refreshments (sometimes even dinner!), discussion and prayer. Study Groups use a variety of resources such as sermon outlines, Bible studies, DVD teaching, discussion questions and book studies with the intention of growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Formation Groups:
These groups consist of 2-7 people who meet regularly for the purpose of intentional discipleship. Members encourage one another as they engage in spiritual habits for the purpose of developing a balanced spirituality and ever deepening relationship with Christ. These groups typically form on their own without any formal connection strategy. Just find a friend or two with a desire to grow deeper in Christ, decide on a regular time and place to meet, and you’ve got your spiritual formation group.
We recommend A Spiritual Formation Workbook by James Bryan Smith as an 8- week introductory study for those interested in starting a spiritual formation group. This workbook provides guidelines for your time together and resource ideas for your group.
How do I start a group?
1) Fill out a leadership application
2) Attend an MHCC Group Leader Orientation or interview with MHCC staff member
3) Fill out a Group Directory to be included in the on-line and hard copy group listings
To find out more, give me a call at 949.278.5958 or e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .