Creative Community

Using an agricultural analogy, the ideal process for LIFEgroup formation looks like this: 1 -- Germination. A group of people decide they would like to partner together for spiritual growth. They determine together to launch a new LIFEgroup. 2 -- Formation. Having determined how they plan to be formative, caring, and missional together; they invite a few people to join them. At a given time, they launch their group. 3 -- Invitation. Once the group is moving, they are careful to not lose sight of the ongoing need to expand their relationships to include others in the group. Living missionally will mean people are regularly being invited to and added to the group. 4 -- Multiplication. Eventually a group will grow in two ways. They will grow numerically and reach a point where they can no longer foster the same type of relationships. They will also grow spiritually, and some group members will discover and develop the necessary gifts to launch and lead a new LIF...

What would you be willing to give up for one million dollars? - a year of chocolate? - food for a week? - the ability to talk for 48 hours? What is the greatest sacrifice you have made in the past few years? Why did you make it? Was it worth it? What factors do you consider when deciding whether or not to make a sacrifice? Read Hebrews 11:17 and as a group discuss the details of the story about Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac (found in Genesis 22). Often, the longer you wait for something, the more precious it is when you finally receive it. Have you ever seen new parents who are over-protective? Why do you think first time parents are so protective of their children? Since they waited so long for Isaac, do you think Abraham and Sarah were protective of him? Why do you think God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? What is the one thing you would not want God to ask you to give up for him? Why? How can our children and families sometimes become "idols" to us? What might we do to ...

If you could restore something in your house to it's "new" state, what would you choose? Why? If you could have a new start for today, what would you do differently? What is an activity you once loved, but no longer do? Why did you stop? Read Hebrews 8:6-9. What are your first thoughts when you hear the word "covenant?" How would you describe the "old covenant" God once made with Israel? How many of the laws and promises of the old covenant can you name? Perhaps the most well known portion of the old covenant is the 10 commandments. What is the value of the 10 commandments? Can someone earn eternal life by following the 10 commandments? Why or why not? Read Hebrews 8:10-12. Which part of these verses do you most like? What questions do you have about these verses? In your own words, describe the "new covenant" God is making? What is the main point of verse 12? Why is this good news? How have you experienced God's mercy in your lif...

LIFEgroup 1.0 is a four week experience designed to introduce people to the Calvary's “Greenhouse Approach” to church small groups. LIFEgroup 1.0 is designed for people who lead existing LIFEgroups, participate in a LIFEgroup, are starting a new LIFEgroup, want to find a LIFEgroup, are interested in alternative methods for growing community, or anyone who just wants to hear more about LIFEgroups. LIFEgroup 1.0 begins October 24 at 9am

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by Rick Warren It’s the classroom for learning how to get along in God’s family. It’s a lab for practicing unselfish, sympathetic love. You learn to care about others and share the experiences of others: “If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part of our body is honored, all the other parts share its honor” (1 Cor. 12:26 NCV). Only in regular contact with ordinary, imperfect believers can we learn real fellowship and experience the connection God intends for us to have (Eph. 4:16, Rom. 12:4–5, Col. 2:19, 1 Cor. 12:25). REAL fellowship is being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ: “Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16). This is the kind of sacrificial love God expects you to show other believers—loving them in the same way Jesus loves you. A small group helps me develop spiritual muscle. You’ll never grow to maturity just by attending worship services and being ...

Talk about a relationship (family, friend, coworkers, etc.) of someone you've observed that you would like to imitate? Why does these people's relationship appeal to you? Read Colossians 3:18-25. List the different types of people Paul addresses in this passage. Which categories describe you? In your own words, summarize Paul's instructions for husbands and wives. Why do you think some wives might struggle with this command? Why do you think some husbands struggle to show love to their wives? How are love and submission connected to one another? Give an example of how both spouses might both be loving and submitting to one another? What things can parents do to make obedience easier for their children? How might a father (or mother) provoke his children? How do you walk the line between demanding obedience and provoking or discouraging your child? How might love and submission contribute to the parent/child relationship? Is it ever appropriate for a parent to su...

When you pray for someone else, what kinds of things do you pray? How do you decide for whom you are going to pray? Read Paul's prayer for the Colossians in Colossians 1:9-14. Which part of this prayer do you most appreciate? Which part of this prayer raises questions in your mind? (give the group a chance to discuss these questions) Are any parts of this prayer convicting for you? Why? Paul says he has not stopped praying for the people in Colosse. What do you think he means by that? How would your relationship with someone change if you prayed for them every day? For what kinds of people should you be praying every day? Here are some of the things Paul prayed for the Colossians: increased knowledge of God's will spiritual wisdom and understanding a life that honors and pleases God the fruit of good works a growing knowledge of God strength, endurance, and patience joy Which of these prayer items do you most need? Take a minute as a group and have everyone pray silently f...

Not every small group needs to be identical. In fact, most groups should be unique and should grow to reflect the personalities of their members. However, here are five "I-Words" that describe traits every group should strive to develop: Inclusive -- No one should ever feel unwanted at a healthy small group gathering Intentional -- Always know why you are doing what you are doing (even the informal times) Inviting -- A group should be a place you can invite people to come and meet Jesus Inspiring -- People should leave your group gatherings motivated to some life-changing action Interactive -- Group is a team-activity. Make sure everyone has opportunity to participate