LIFE Groups

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

So what exactly is a LIFE Group?

A LIFE Group is simply a type of small group. Like any small group, it is meant to be a safe place for you to grow your faith with other followers of Christ. A paraphrase of Proverbs 27:17 states "Let iron sharpen iron, and so let a person sharpen his friend." Being in a LIFE Group is about living life together: the ups and downs. LIFE is not just a play on words, it actually stands for something: L=Learning, I=Intercessory Prayer, F=Fellowship, E=Evangelism. These are what the LIFE Groups are made to do.

How often does a LIFE Group meet?

LIFE Groups can meet as often as they like, but are expected to meet at least twice per month. We will not have LIFE Group police checking up on you. It's just that any less than twice per month makes it difficult to build lasting relationships. By the way, we have found that the best approach is to meet for eight consecutive weeks to do the first study book and then go to twice per month. Therefore, all LIFE Groups will start by meeting for eight weeks straight.

What will we be doing when we meet?

Here is the standard schedule for a LIFE group meeting: 1) sharing a meal or dessert together, 2) catching up around the table, 3) lesson and study, 4) prayer time and 5) Lord's Supper (if requested and arranged with the Church Office). The time can be adjusted as necessary, but it usually take 2.5 hours from beginning to end.

What will we be doing for the study time?

The study will initially center around well regarded resources from the Willow Creek community. The initial four books match up with our Discipleship Pathway components of Gather, Grow, Gifts and Give. The first book focuses on gathering and is called "Groups: The Life-giving Power of Community." The other books are: "Growth: Training vs. Trying," "Gifts: The Joy of Serving God," and "Giving: Unlocking the Heart of Good Stewardship." After the group has worked through all four books, they will be guided to select other available resources.

Where will these groups meet?

Like the house churches of the early church, LIFE Groups will typically meet at private homes. We really want the groups to meet at homes since that venue provides the most significant level of spiritual intimacy. Of course, the Church can be booked for LIFE Group meetings with advance notice if that is deemed necessary by the group.

Will there be childcare for my children?

Absolutely. Free childcare is available upon request, at either the Church or the residence where the LIFE Group is meeting. Just let your LIFE Group leader know that you need childcare.

Who will be leading these LIFE Groups?

We are blessed to have several LIFE Group "leader units" that were personally trained by Pastor Craig. You can see a full listing of LIFE Group leaders and meeting times below. A hard copy of this list is also available at the Office Table on Sunday mornings.

Is there any cost for being in a LIFE Group?

There are no registration fees collected by the Church. There is a $10.00 material fee to purchase the study guides you will be using. This is paid directly to your LIFE Group leader. Certain LIFE Groups may have extra costs like food, going out for dinner or admission to plays, outings, etc. There costs are assessed by the individual LIFE Groups as needed and determined by the participants.

How many LIFE Groups can I be in at the same time?

Only one.

Can I move LIFE Groups if I am unhappy in my current group?

Absolutely. You are not locked into any one LIFE group. Sometimes the group is just a poor fit, or there are personality conflicts. Just contact Pastor Russ to be placed. We will do our best to place you based on availability at the time.

Isn’t a LIFE Group really just a fellowship group?

Not so. It is true that LIFE Groups do share some common features with a fellowship group, including the intention to build friendships. Like fellowship groups, LIFE Groups are also meant to provide care and support for the participants. It is expected that people in LIFE Groups together will form close bonds and support each other through the tough times. But that is really where the similarity ends. The central focus of a LIFE group is spiritual growth, not fellowship. Also, LIFE Groups are expected to meet more frequently: at least twice per month. Finally, fellowship groups are largely independent from the Church. LIFE Groups will be autonomous, but resourced by the Church.

I am ready to get started! How can I join a LIFE Group?

LIFE Group registration is already underway. You can check the status and openings for any group by scrolling down. Once you are ready to sign-up, you can do it by any of the following methods: 1) Call the Church Office at (949) 837-2941, or 2) stop by the Office Table on the patio on Sunday morning. There are a limited number of spaces, so please be sure to sign up as soon as you can.

Registration Information

All Groups will initially meet for 8 weeks straight. After that, each LIFE Group will self select a meeting frequency, but no less often than twice per month. Meeting arrangements during the summer will be up to each Group. The meeting location shown is the initial meeting location. Future meeting locations will move around as other LIFE Group members host.

Summary of Life Groups by Day:

• Sundays at 5:00 p.m.: Godbey
• Sundays at 6:00 p.m.: Riggs
• Sundays at 6:00 p.m.: Carter
• Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.: Lichty

REV. JERRY & JUDA CARTER (FULL)

• Group Name: To be determined
• Meeting Time: Sundays at 6:00 p.m.
• Meeting Frequency: Monthly
• Meeting Location: Carter residence, Lake Forest

1. Jerry Carter
2. Juda Carter
3. Alicia Riding
4. 4Jim Riding
5. Jeff Koller
6. Luann Koller
7. Art Green
8. Iva Green
9. Jim Turner
10. Pam Turner
11. Kris Andreasen
12. Elizabeth Schoettger

PHIL & VICKI GODBEY (FULL)

• Group Name: To be determined
• Meeting Time: Sundays at 5:00 p.m.
• Meeting Frequency: At least twice per month.
• Meeting Location: Godbey residence, Laguna Woods

1. Phil Godbey
2. Vicki Godbey
3. Camille Giamara
4. Charlie Keller
5. Janet Keller
6. Gregg Puckett
7. Linda Puckett
8. Margo Tessier
9. Phil Tessier
10. Dave Lindahl
11. Glenda Lindahl
12. Fern Trausch

PASTOR BILL & MARCIA LICHTY

• Group Name: To be determined
• Meeting Time: Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
• Meeting Frequency: At least twice per month.
• Meeting Location: Lichty residence, Mission Viejo

1. Bill Lichty
2. Bev Lohmeyer
3. Don Lohmeyer
4. Adam Bricker
5. Cindy Bricker
6. Bob Menzies
7. Frances Menzies
8. Pam Slykhous
9. Cindy Marshall
10. Kent Marshall

FRED & JEAN RIGGS (FULL)

• Group Name: The Baker's Dozen
• Meeting Time: Sundays at 6:00 p.m.
• Meeting Frequency: At least twice per month.
• Meeting Location: Riggs residence, Mission Viejo

1. Fred Riggs
2. Jean Riggs
3. Beverly Coker Jones
4. John Martin
5. Teri Martin
6. John Witczak
7. Laura Witczak
8. Suzanne Davis
9. Ginger Hooper
10. Steve Hooper
11. Diana Annett
12. Rick Annett
13. Terrie McComb

Last updated: 05/05/11 at 5:18 p.m.