New Life Community Church

What are connection groups?

They are small groups built around relationships and common interests. The goal is to connect everyone in our church to at least one group.

How long will a group last?

Some groups will be open ended, and some will be for a ‘season’. (IE: a Sunday School group is open ended, and weight loss group will end when everyone is skinny. At a minimum they will last a semester, following a school calendar.

Why should I join a group?

Connecting Fact is people ALREADY connect with others - naturally. We want to channel these natural communities into intentional discipleship making efforts. Connecting is building relationships with people that you like both inside AND outside of church, people that have the same common interests as you do.
Sharing life and faith: Sometimes the best ministry does not come from the stage on Sunday, but comes from walking hand in hand with someone else through trials, hardships, discoveries, etc
Accountability: Small group relationships naturally help us stay on the right track!
Life Support: Connection groups will afford the ability for you to pray for each other and support / carry each others burdens in trying times of life.

What types of groups are there?

Discovery Groups: Discovery groups will revolve around a common interest of a particular group. They can be in a home, or as an existing Sunday School Class.
Ministry Groups: Ministry groups would revolve around a common interest of teaming with others for the purpose of ministry or tasks. The choir or a drama team would be ministry connection groups.
Shared Interest Groups: This new type of group will focus around a new concept, building groups around our natural shared life interests. They offer the best opportunity for inviting friends and sharing faith in a gentle setting.

· Arts and crafts etc. Game Nights in homes

· Investing and finance Recreation and sports

· Recovery and Technology
addiction groups

· Health: nutrition and
exercise and weight loss

What else will the connection groups be responsible for?

Each group will be responsible for the care of the other members in the group. All prayer and meals and visitation of its members will be coordinated through the connection group. If you choose not to join a group, you are forfeiting the personal care benefit that comes from the group.

Can I start group?

Yes! And not only can you, we need you to! And this is a key… we want to you to be turned loose to shepherd the people in your world, people that you ALREADY have something in common with. Think outside the walls of the church. Who can start a group? If you are a member of New Life Community Church and understand our small group coordinators guide, you can start a group. Interested? see Stacy for a group leaders guide sheet.

Can I be part of more than one group?

Yes, and many people who are active in church will be a part of more than one connection group. Our goal is to have everyone connected to at least one group.

Can I change groups?

Yes, anytime you want – what is most important is that you are active in at least one group. We will have 2 formal periods during the year when you can change groups.

How often will my connection group meet?

Most groups will meet weekly, twice a month or monthly at the very least. It will depend on your group. .

How do I get to know people outside my connection group?

Every 5th Sunday, your group will meet 2-3 other groups and share a meal. A deacon will coordinate this. There meetings will be called a "cluster meeting."

Who will lead the connection group?

Each group will have a coordinator who will look after the direction of your group.

How many groups will New Life have?

How big is a group?

What is a cluster?

How do I get started?

The easiest way to get started is to visit the information desk in the church and discuss what groups are available on a night that works for you.
Or you can call the church office at 749-0220
Emai office@newlifeirmo.com Also our connection coordinator can assist you.