FAQ

We have on-line sign up occurring throughout most of the year. CLICK TO REGISTER You can also contact our office if you have any questions or specific concerns. Many members invited people directly into their group, which is totally fine with us. We just ask that someone from the group inform us so we can update our record of the group’s member list.

On average, most of our group start up in September, run till the Christmas holidays, then resume and meet through the winter till April or May. Most groups meet weekly, but some groups opt to meet every other week, and a few meet 3x a month instead.

Typically, our groups meet in members’ homes each week in the fall, winter, and spring. They will spend time each evening getting to know one another, then studying and discussing the Bible and praying for each other. Some also plan a few social events outside of group time to give members’ a chance to further their friendships with each other. Many groups also look for any service opportunities they can be involved in as a group at different time during the year.

We designate our groups in two ways: demographics (people) and spiritual journey. Check out our Group Types.

For a few people, for whatever reason, things just don’t work out in their group. While we hope this is never your experience, it is completely understandable. You do not have to feel locked in with the group you are a part of if you find yourself in this situation. If you feel like you would like to pursue other opportunities for fellowship or growth, please contact us so we can help you take a good next step. We will honor your confidentiality in this matter.

Involvement in biblical community is critical to your spiritual journey with Christ. God designed us to be in significant relationships with others where we experience love, security, encouragement, and more. The best in life is often found in the company of good friends who are committed to loving you all the time (no matter what), who will be there for you in the tough times, and who can speak truth to you when you need it most.

Our small groups offer you the opportunity to belong, connect, and grow in your life with Christ. We have a variety of groups to help meet the most important needs of your relationships with Christ and with others: groups for men, women, couples, and mixed audiences, as well as groups emphasizing different aspects of a healthy community: relate, learn, encounter, and serve.

Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, we have a place for you in a small group!

We’re all on a spiritual journey together, although we may be at different places in that journey. We need a community that provides for the diversity of those needs, while keeping us on the same track of seeking and enjoying an intimate relationship with Christ. At Living Word, we have such an approach to address these challenges to community. It’s called the Four Cores.
The Four Cores represent the four key actions in a small group that help you grow spiritually. These four actions are at the core of healthy small groups, reflecting the kind of community God desires:

• Relate: meaningfully connected with others
• Encounter: more intimate with Jesus through prayer and meditation
• Serve: giving away the blessings of God to others
• Learn: increasing our understanding of God and the Christian life
Practicing these four actions in your small group will provide an environment that fosters transformation over time.

We designate our groups based on our model of healthy community called the Four Cores. These four essential areas represent the essence of community life at LW, and also the four different styles of groups at Living Word. Groups will emphasize one area, while still practicing the other three, in order to best meet people where they are at on their journey.

 

	Groups with a relate emphasis will focus on the importance of healthy connections with others while studying scripture and seeking God through prayer. All of our adult small groups that meet in homes are “R” Groups.
	Groups with a learn emphasis will underscore the need to build your knowledge of God and the spiritual life while still connecting relationally with others. Our “L” Groups meet on Tuesday nights at the church as part of the Journey with Jesus series.
	Groups with an encounter focus will explore what it means to be intimate with Jesus by using a spiritually formative process to nurture transformation. (This type of group is in the beginning stages of development. Please contact the Growth Group Office for more information.)
	Groups with a serve emphasis will seek to be actively working on ways to bless others in a practical way while still staying connected to each other and praying for each other. (This type of group is in the beginning stages and is based on tasks that may vary. Please contact the Growth Group Office for more information.)

You are welcome to investigate which of these types of groups is the next best step in your spiritual journey!