Life Groups

Although we live in a culture that encourages us to look out only for ourselves, it is clear that we were not created to be self-centered and isolated. Community is a necessity of life that can only be found in investing our lives with other people. What is community? My house is located in a Appleton, yet I live within another community, a small neighborhood. My home comprises yet another community of five individuals: me, my wife and three children. Hope Fellowship represents yet another community in my life. In the family of the local church, the leadership team must be committed to a spiritual growth process that develops community within the context of a small group. Here at Hope Fellowship we have shifted the terminology from small groups to "Life Groups."

Life Groups are based on the concept of biblical community found in the Word of God. Jesus spoke to the masses, but had close relationships with His 12 disciples. The early church in Acts 2 met together in their homes for fellowship and for worship (Acts 2:46-47 says that they met every day). Now, I'm not suggesting that we should meet together every day. The demands in our schedules for balance are often challenged by work, family, relaxation, and yes, even church involvement. However, life groups need to be a priority for individuals and families who attend the local church. The Bible speaks about the church by calling it "the body of Christ." A body is one unit, with many parts. Each part has a function as it lives, moves, grows, and serves. If you are a Christ-follower, you are a part of that body. And you cannot grow without being spiritually connected to the other parts of the body...

At Hope Fellowship we have created one single minded vision, mission and process: CONNECT, GROW, and ENGAGE. The GROW part of our process is carried out through Life Groups.