 Life Groups at First Presbyterian Church
Life Groups are an indispensable part of our strategy to fulfill God’s call to renew minds and redeem lives with the steadfast love of Jesus Christ. Our strategy to achieve this mission as a church is to worship regularly, grow intentionally, and serve generously. Life Groups unite these three elements as we seek to develop genuine Christian community that goes beyond just Sundays.
Life Groups are currently on hiatus for the summer but will resume again the week of September 15, 2010. Watch for more details.
WHAT DO LIFE GROUPS DO?
Life groups are founded on four pillars:
1. Study the Sunday Scripture passage for deeper understanding and life application.
2. Support each person’s relationship with Jesus Christ by being a caring and loving community.
3. Pray weekly for each other and for our ministry partners in San Antonio and around the world.
4. Serve by participating in an outreach project beyond the walls of First Presbyterian, hopefully at least once a semester.
WHY DO LIFE GROUPS STUDY THE SUNDAY SCRIPTURE PASSAGE?
Scripture is of primary importance at First Presbyterian. As each Life Group studies the same passage, a church-wide conversation can begin to emerge. Digging deeper into the Sunday Scripture facilitates greater understanding and application to life.
WHY ARE SMALLER COMMUNITIES NEEDED?
Life in community is the heartbeat of a local church, a critical place where God molds and forms us. God develops our faith through relationships with other people. A Life Group is an ideal and safe environment where grace and truth are extended to each person and where people can be supported and challenged in their faith. A Life Group is also a catalyst for missional impact on our community as well as the world.
WHAT KINDS OF LIFE GROUPS ARE THERE?
There is a wide variety of Life Groups that include groups based on gender, occupation, geography, or age. Other groups are intergenerational or open to whosoever...the options are unlimited.
HOW MANY ARE IN A LIFE GROUP AND WHEN DO THEY MEET?
A Life Group ideally consists of roughly eight to 12 people (this number may vary) who agree to meet weekly for eight to 10 weeks in homes, in the church or in the community for up to two hours a week. Life Group members have the choice at the end of each eight to 10 week session of remaining in the same group, joining a new group, or opting out of Life Groups. Life Groups meet on different days, at different times, and in different places.
HOW DO LIFE GROUPS STRENGTHEN THE PRAYER MINISTRY AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN?
Life Groups bolster our prayer ministry in three ways. A portion of the time that a Life Group meets each week is devoted to prayer. We are united in prayer as we highlight and pray for different local and global missionaries or concerns each week. We are more effective in praying for one another by providing a safe environment where people can share their true needs and concerns.
HOW DO LIFE GROUPS STRENGTHEN OUR OUTREACH?
Life Groups increase the number of people who participate in hands-on outreach since each person who joins a group commits to serving once a semester together with their group. Serving together with friends is more enjoyable and less intimidating than serving alone.
WHAT ABOUT CHILDCARE?
There are several options for childcare.
1. You may use the childcare provided on Wednesday evenings at the church from 5-8:30 p.m.
2. Each family is free to work out individual arrangements.
3. Families may want to share a sitter or swap taking care of children with someone whose group meets at an alternate time.
WHO LEADS A LIFE GROUP?
Life Groups are led by members of First Presbyterian who are called facilitators. Most facilitators have participated as a member of a Life Group for at least one semester, and they have received training for this role.
WHAT DO LIFE GROUP FACILITATORS DO?
Facilitators fulfill several practical functions in a Life Group. They remind the group of their call to be outwardly focused and pray for group members throughout the week. Facilitators pray with the group about who God wants to add to their Life Group, and they promote Life Groups to members, visitors, and others both inside and outside of First Presbyterian. Facilitators maintain and hold the group to strict confidentiality. Facilitators are not teachers; they facilitate discussion and keep the group on course regarding the study and group goals.
WHAT ABOUT STUDY QUESTIONS?
Study questions are posted on the Church website a few days before the sermon and eventually will be included in the Sunday order of worship. These questions, written by the pastoral staff, are sensitive to our theological heritage and our particular mission vision components.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC EXPECTATIONS FOR BEING A LIFE GROUP?
There are several characteristics that distinguish a Life Group. A Life Group has at least one designated facilitator (though two are highly preferred). A Life Group normally has a minimum of four people and a maximum of 14 (research indicates that eight to 12 members is ideal). The Life Group study is based on the Sunday Scripture passage. A Life Group prays together as a group weekly. A Life Group plans and participates in at least one outreach project per semester. Finally, Life Group members are given the opportunity to leave the group at the end of each semester.
HOW DO I GET INTO A LIFE GROUP?
All-church signups happen at least twice a year. Many groups remain open throughout each semester for new members to join, so you can contact us at any time for assistance in finding a Life Group by phone: 210.226.0215, or e-mail:
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Download Weekly Questions
Questions are typically posted the Friday before the Sunday upon which the Scripture passage is preached.
| Date |
Scripture Verse |
| June 13 |
Revelation 22:1-7 |
|
