Life Groups, the Backbone of the Church
Our Life Groups meet mid-week, usually on Wednesdays at 7.30pm, in members' homes. They are where the real business of being "built together" and encouraging one another in following Jesus happens. If you are new to Waterfront and want to know what we are really about, or want to become a member, belonging to one of our Life Groups is an indispensible starting point.
Our Life Group Leaders are:
- Ed Houlton & Ben Mumford
- Andy & Sue Wooldridge
- Benji & Elaine Rogers
- Jason & Dawn doidge
- Grant & Suz Van Schalkwyk
- Matt & Jo Whitmore
Please contact the office for more details / locations of Life Groups
LIFE GROUPS - exploring life together
- You will understand the Bible better in a small group.
If you’ve ever listened to a preacher and wanted to say “But what about..? Or, “I don’t understand!”, then a Life Group is for you! Here the emphasis is more on personal application through sharing and questioning so that what you hear on Sundays can be worked out in life.
- You will really begin to feel like part of God’s family.
Most people who have been part of such a small group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop. Here we “explore life” together and that involves so much more than simply having meetings. You will share socially and spiritually as part of a caring community in which you will discover that your needs and problems are not unique and that we’re all on the same adventure of faith. You will be encouraged and become an encourager. More than fifty times in the New Testament the phrase, “one another” is used to describe our relationships with each other in the church. We are instructed to love, pray for and accept one another. We are called to bear one another’s burdens and build each other up. We are not meant to “go it alone” and really need one another. That’s what Life Groups are all about.
- Prayer will become more meaningful to you.
Many are hesitant to pray in front of large groups. In a group of between 6 –12 you will learn to participate in prayer, sharing in its power and joy. This will revolutionize your walk with God and deepen your faith.
- You will handle the stresses and pressures of life better.
Life groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change and stress. You will have a sense of stability and security knowing that there are people around you who really care and are committed to standing with you by providing meals in times of need, babysitting, practical advice and a strong pair of hands etc. so many are able to testify to the amazing support of their group.
- You will have a natural way to share Christ with as yet unbelieving friends, relatives and work associates.
So many have such preconceived ideas and prejudices that they wouldn’t be seen dead in church, (don’t take that as a universal rule though!), but those same people will probably be open to an invitation to one of the regular social gatherings of your group. That leads to greater opportunities for you to raise spiritual issues with them and leads to them joining in other group times where they can ask their own questions and express their own doubts without being “put on the spot”. When your friends see the love, warmth and honesty of the group it can lead to them being so much more receptive to the Good News of Jesus.
- You will develop skills you never knew you had!
The Bible tells us that every believer is gifted by God for the good of others. Sadly so many believers remain spectators, especially on Sundays, but in a group you will learn to receive and develop God’s gifts and become a confident participator. This will bless you and others in every area of life.
- You will deepen your understanding of worship.
Many mistakenly believe that worship can only happen in the “bigger” setting with a band etc. This is so wrong, the exact opposite in fact being true. Unless praise, prayer and adoration are meaningful and significant personally it is inevitably unreal in its corporate expression. God’s intent is that worship should glorify Him and, through the various gifts He gives, transform and build each of us up into a truly spiritual community that expresses His Kingdom. To this purpose the Life Group is a half way house where we can encourage each other towards deeper and more meaningful personal worship. It’s where we begin to discover, receive and use spiritual gifts. As such it is a learning platform for the larger setting.
- You will be a New Testament Christian!
The following verses show that the smaller group, usually centred on the home, was a vitally important core component of the local church functioning alongside the larger gatherings. It was here that life together was worked out and ministry received applied.
Consider:
“They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. All the believers were together holding all things in common. Every day they continued to meet together in the
“Day after day in the
teaching and proclaiming the Good News”, Ac 5:42
“Greet also the church that meets at their house”. Rom 16:5 (1 Cor 16:19;
Also check out 1 Cor 12:1—14:30
The Leadership team is excited about the incredible potential of the network of small groups we are growing in Waterfront, they truly are the backbone of the church. They have so many benefits that no believer can afford to pass up. If you are not yet participating in one, why not join one this week? See one of the Leaders, a Group Leader or call the church office on 01752 667700.
“SO….GET CONNECTED!”