Life Groups- A Place to Belong
by Barry Thomas

Did you know that we have 50 different Life Groups that meet in homes on a weekly basis? What is a Life Group you ask? It is a group of adults and/or families that get together for fellowship, spiritual growth and for service. They usually meet in the casual atmosphere of people’s homes.

Why should I get into a Life Group?

Life Groups are the best way to get connected at GCR. It is difficult to get to know people on Sunday mornings in a church this large. Through Life Groups, people have a place to belong, a place to be cared for and a place to love and be loved. Whenever a person in Life Group has a physical need or is ill or has some form of crisis, the Life Group is usually the first ones to respond.

Recently there was a woman who received some bad news from her doctor. The test results came back. It was cancer. That very evening her Life Group came to the house to be with her. They wept, they prayed, they worshiped. This Life Group had become her family and they were there to love and support her in very real ways.

As I look around the auditorium on Sunday mornings, what I observe is that many of the connections and relationships people have built in this church over the years have come through being in Life Group together. I have a connection with people I was in Life Group with 15 years ago. Even though we are not in the same group now, there is a bond that we have because we shared life together through Life Group.

How do I get into a Life Group?

Right now, the best way to get into a Life Group is by contacting the church office and asking for me. In the near future, the best way to get into a group will be to go to an information booth in the south rotunda. One of the booths will be converted to Connections Central.

We need leaders.

There are many people at GCR who are not connected very well. New groups are needed to connect unconnected people. We cannot start new groups if we do not have new leaders. If you are interested in starting a new group, please contact me at the church office.

GCR has had small groups for over 25 years. They are the glue that holds this church together. Now that summer is over, include small groups into your routine. Let belonging be regular part of your rhythm and life. Get in a Life Group.