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	What are Life Groups? We define Life Groups as small communities, within New Life Church, characterized by Gospel, Relationship, and Mission. Gospel in Life Groups. These small Christian communities provide opportunities for followers of Jesus to experience His presence and power through His Word (the Bible), prayer, and worship. The gospel shapes these groups by making Christ central. Relationship in Life Groups. As small communities within New Life Church, Life Groups provide an environment to develop relationships that challenge, support, and encourage Life Group Members to live gospel-shaped and Christ-centered lives. Led by a trained and approved Life Group Leader and under the oversight of New Life’s elders, Life Groups serve as the primary place for pastoral care at New Life Church. Mission in Life Groups. Life Groups take seriously Jesus' commission to “go and make disciples.” To this end they serve and love people in their sphere of influence taking every opportunity to present them with the gospel in culturally appropriate ways. The group encourages each Life Group Member to have a missional plan and participate personal evangelism. Why do Life Groups exist? Life Groups exist to experience the presence and power of Jesus (Gospel) within intentional Christian community (Relational) where Christian disciples mature and unbelievers are converted (Missional). Different Types of Small Groups New Life Church desires each member to be involved in a Life Group. However, we recognize two other types of small groups that people may be a part of in addition to Life Groups: Training Groups and Ministry Teams. Life Groups are relationally oriented groups that are gospel-shaped and mission inclusive. Individual members intentionally build relationships with each other both during meetings/events and outside them. The group incorporates worship, Bible-study, prayer, sharing, and mission/service as each member develops their spiritual life. A Training Group or Ministry Team that is gospel-shaped and incorporates intentional relationships and missional purposes can be a Life Group. Training Groups such as Bible studies, parenting groups, Sunday School classes, etc. are gospel based groups designed to help the individual members increase a specific knowledge or skill. Training Groups are not Life Groups unless the people within the group intentionally develop meaningful relationships with one another and the group has an outward focussed compontent (mission/evangelism). For more information on Training Groups look under "Ministries." Ministry Teams such as the Elders Team, Youth Ministry Team, Coffee Cart, etc. are service or mission oriented groups. They are designed to bring people together to meet a specific need. Ministry Teams are not Life Groups unless the people within the group intentionally develop meaningful relationships with one another and the group is gospel-centered. How do I get involved? If you would like to be a part of a Life Group check out the Schedule page or contact Dale Austen (503-631-72060) for a Robinwood group, Bill Kramer (503-650-6899) for a men’s group, or Travis Tadema (503-656-8600) for any other group or general questions.
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