Doing life together
Why 'Life Groups'?
Life Groups are a place to get involved where someone will know you and care about you.
They help you to take steps in your spiritual journey, whether that is staring to look at the existence of a spiritual being, being able to value and love others, praying for people or maybe just learning to commit to coming to the group regularly. In our Life Groups we: Encourage one another to worship God in everyday life Equip one another to live life as followers of Jesus Express love and compassion in practical ways to those in our community These all occur in the context of community. Life is truly ‘Better Together’. We are not supposed to live life on our own, we are social beings. Life Groups are designed to help people connect with one another and become the people God has called them to be. Our desire is that even those who may reject ‘church’ or ‘religion’ will step into relationship with Jesus and grow spiritually through these Life Groups. “They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:46-47 |
A Brief Overview
Each Life Group last for approximately 12 weeks (one term). This means that everyone is new to the group at the beginning of each term.
We encourage the whole church to sign up for groups during the beginning of each term, as it is one of the main ways we provide pastoral care in Coventry Vineyard. We recognise that people connect in different ways. Therefore we offer a wide range of Life Groups. Groups may be formed around: PEOPLE - forming around a certain people group or life stage (eg women's group, Noah's Ark, Youth groups, Student groups etc) PASSION - forming around a common interest or goal (eg fitness/activity groups) PLACE - forming around a certain location or geographic area. These are the main type of group and are based around postcodes- allowing people to connect with others in their area and invite friends and neighbours who live nearby. For this term's Life Groups... |
|
The goal is growth.
Our life groups exist to help people grow. As we do life together we encourage and challenge one another to become the people we are meant to be. Spiritual Growth or Spiritual Formation is for everyone. "Just as there is an "outer you" that is being formed and shaped all the time, like it or not, by accident or on purpose, so there is an "inner you." You have a spirit. And it's constantly being shaped and tugged at: by what you hear and watch and say and read and think and experience. Everyone is being spiritually formed all the time. Whether they want to or not. Whether they're Christian or not. The question isn't if someone will sign up for spiritual formation; it's just who and what our spirits will be formed by." - John Ortberg. |
A different way of thinking about how you are growing is by asking yourself:
"Am I becoming more like Jesus?" "Am I growing less or more easily discouraged these days?" "Am I growing less or more easily irritated these days? |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join a Life Group?
Joining a Life Group is really quick and very easy. The best way is to sign up online, which gets you signed up to your choice of group instantly. Start by looking through this term's Life Groups then, when you've chosen one, click the group's button to go to their signup page. Enter your contact details, submit, and you're done! Your group leaders will send you a welcome message shortly with all the details you need. Alternatively, you can sign up to Life Groups at our Sunday Morning Gathering - simply visit the Life Groups stand in the cafe.
How long do they last?
Each group generally runs for up to 12 weeks, following the academic terms.
What do I do when there is no Life Group happening?
We hope that you have made some great friends in your group, and it would be great if you meet up with these friends outside the group. We would also recommend that you meet up with neighbours, other friends and family during this time.
If you have a pastoral issue during this time, contact your previous Life Group leaders.
How many groups can I join?
If you have time, you can go to more than one group, but it is better to go to one group regularly than two groups inconsistently.
I can’t make my group regularly because of shifts, what can I do?
We all understand that shifts make it difficult to regularly commit to a specific group. If this is the case, just let us know in the comments box when you sign up for your group.
Joining a Life Group is really quick and very easy. The best way is to sign up online, which gets you signed up to your choice of group instantly. Start by looking through this term's Life Groups then, when you've chosen one, click the group's button to go to their signup page. Enter your contact details, submit, and you're done! Your group leaders will send you a welcome message shortly with all the details you need. Alternatively, you can sign up to Life Groups at our Sunday Morning Gathering - simply visit the Life Groups stand in the cafe.
How long do they last?
Each group generally runs for up to 12 weeks, following the academic terms.
What do I do when there is no Life Group happening?
We hope that you have made some great friends in your group, and it would be great if you meet up with these friends outside the group. We would also recommend that you meet up with neighbours, other friends and family during this time.
If you have a pastoral issue during this time, contact your previous Life Group leaders.
How many groups can I join?
If you have time, you can go to more than one group, but it is better to go to one group regularly than two groups inconsistently.
I can’t make my group regularly because of shifts, what can I do?
We all understand that shifts make it difficult to regularly commit to a specific group. If this is the case, just let us know in the comments box when you sign up for your group.
