Life Groups
What is a LIFE GROUP?
A LIFE Group is a group of about 8-12 people that meet together on a regular basis for the purpose of GROWTH (personal transformation through community for multiplication). These groups can be short-term or long-term.
What’s a short-term group?
These groups are generally about 6-8 weeks long and have a specific theme & focus to address a discipleship issues emerging in the church.
If you are new to Bethel, or new to a LIFE-group experience, than a short-term group is the first place to get plugged in! This is a great way for you to get to know us and who we are, and for us to get to know you!
When do short-term groups run?
Late September, January and April/May. We encourage participants to start the study and stick with it, as it makes it hard when people join later on. (We also understand that shift-work and life happens, so don’t write yourself off because your schedule doesn’t fit!)
How do I find out about short-terms groups?
- Click here for our Fall 2018 Short-Term Life Groups
- Pay attention to Sunday announcements and the bulletin
- Email keri[at]bethelkingston.com
Attributes of a Life Group
Prayerfully Engaged | Actively pursuing growth in spiritual intimacy with God through prayer together
Word-Centered/Biblically Measured | Groups are doing studies that bring deeper understanding of the Word & live under its’ authority
Community Gathered | Creating safe conversational spaces and providing practical application in areas of growth in the life of group members
Community Scattered | Serving outside of the church. This can be done as a group, or as individuals.
What’s a long-term group?
These are groups of individuals who have committed to growth & apprenticeship together first, and out of that commitment they decide as a group their study plan. These groups meet in a variety homes across the city throughout the week.
How do I get in a long-term group?
By first getting in a short-term group! This lets us get to know you, and you get to know us. Sometimes people who meet in short-term groups will commit to a long-term group with those who they connected with in short-term groups.
How does a LIFE Group work?
At Bethel, LIFE Groups are committed to BEING together to become Christ-like in all areas of life. Ideally a group is pursuing all areas simultaneously, but there may be certain seasons or groups where the focus is on one particular value. There are 4 values of our LIFE Group community:
What if I don’t feel I’m ready for a LIFE Group?
Jesus’ disciples weren’t called by Him because they were ready – the process of discipleship was getting them ready! There is no pre-requisites for you to try out a short-term group, we only ask that you come committed to respecting others, doing the preparation work (if applicable) and to participate. The only way to “get ready” is to get involved!
What if I am not certain about this whole “Jesus & church” thing?
That’s fine! We are all in our own journey but the best journey is one in community. We would encourage you to check out one of our seeker or foundations short-term groups so you can explore your questions in the context of a study-group that will help you. If that’s too much for you, maybe plug in through volunteering as a first start.