Life Groups at Westover Hills UMC

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a Life Group?

A Life Group is a group of 6-12 people who meet regularly to get to know each other, to support one another, and to encourage each other as they love God and love their neighbors.

 

When and where does a Life Group meet?

The members of each group decide on a day of the week and time that works well for the members of the group.  Groups don’t meet each week, but will meet approximately 8 times in a 12 week period.  Meetings last about an hour and 15 minutes. 

 

When will Life Groups begin?

We will begin Life Groups in January 2024, and will add more groups periodically.

 

How much do I need to know about the Bible to participate?

You don’t need to know anything about the Bible in order to be part of a Life Group. Each week will focus on one short Bible passage.   Most of the time spent together will be spent in discussion, with guiding questions that help us to dig a little deeper into our lives.

 

Is there homework?  What if I miss a week?

There is no preparation required outside of group time.  We use a relationship-based lesson plan that is accessible to adults of any age or faith experience.  If you miss a week, your group leader can send you that week’s lesson so that you can read it if you like.  Each weekly meeting has its own stand-alone topic/lesson, so missing a week won’t leave you lost.

 

How long a commitment am I being asked to make?

We encourage you to commit to the first “segment” of group meetings, which will be eight meetings between January 8 and March 31.  There are three segments during the first year. We think you will find the group such a wonderful, fulfilling experience that you will want to continue to semesters two and three.  Remember, groups choose their own schedule, so if there is a busy time for group members, we simply skip a week or two.

 

Where will my group meet?

We encourage groups to meet at the church. There are available times during the day or evening nearly every day of the week.  On Thursday evenings or Sunday afternoons, we are prepared to provide childcare for groups whose members have young children.  Meeting in homes is always an option, but we don’t want anyone to feel like they have to be the host.  Meeting at church takes the pressure off a host to prepare their home and removes distractions (pets, children, etc.).

 

Why should I try a Life Group?

We think being part of a Life Group will enrich your life and strengthen your faith. We recently asked our existing adult small group to try this new way of doing things.  Here is what they said:

“We found ourselves talking more and sharing more deeply.”

“We like that we didn’t have to read a chapter in a book before coming to the group. Having no homework is a plus for busy people like me.”

“The discussion really gets us thinking.” 

“We are learning more about each other, even though we have been together as a group for years!”