Living Out God’s Word Together
We thought it would be helpful to write a short piece explaining the purpose of Life Groups at Christchurch and detailing their focus around three key elements; study, community and mission.
Purpose of Life groups
We meet in Life Groups to experience the gospel in ways we can’t individually. Life Groups are a place to wrestle with the truths of the Bible, love one another, serve the community and participate in the mission of God. Life Groups also create an effective environment for discipleship.
Study — Time to work out what the Bible is saying
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Acts 17:11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
We want Life Groups to provide an opportunity for study:
- To dig a little deeper into Sunday’s sermon
- Working out what this teaching looks like in our lives practically
- Working out how this affects us as a church, not just individually
Community — Time to invest in relationships
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, that you love one another.
Acts 4:44–45 All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
We want Life Groups to provide an opportunity for community:
- Creating environments for people to belong in church
- Growth of friendships — getting beyond the weather chat!
- Sharing in Gospel work, encouraging Christ-likeness
- Discipling and caring for each other
Mission — A mini community of God’s people working together for the gospel
Matthew 28:18–20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- Where the rubber hits the road — putting what the Bible says into action and intentionally trying to reach people in our area
- Life Groups can encourage us to have purposeful contact, and share our faith, with those not connected to the church
- They provide a good opportunity to organise small-scale social events which are welcoming to people from outside the group or church
If you’re not already connected to a Life Group we’d love for you to come along to one! Please contact lifegroups@xchurch.org.uk for more info.
