Our relationship to God is certainly a very personal matter but it was never meant to be private. God's nature is Community and He made us in His image. If we try to live our lives apart from community we will not grow into the people God intended us to be.
Three Purposes of Group Life.
Experience Connection by joining the Northside family and building relationships with other believers in Christ.
Experience Discovery by enriching each other's relationship with God through Bible study and life experience.
Experience Action by meeting each other's needs, inviting new members into the group, serving in the many aspects of Northside's ministry, and thousands of other possibilities.
Our relationship to God.
Jesus, through the community of a small group, modeled how we do life together. He connected with the disciples through life experience, further discovery through teaching, and action as they served the needs of others. Therefore here at Northside we desire for every follower of Christ to be connected in some way to a life group.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
What Happens in Life Groups?
In a word, Love...God's Love. God shows His love to us through His people and there is no better way to experience this than through life groups. In life groups, you can share with one another, learn about each other, and grow together as a community of believers. As you explore God's word together, pray for one another and challenge one another to serve; you will find a closer connection to Christ.
What is a Life Group?
It is a gathering of 8 to 12 people committed to meeting together, on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for the purpose of living out God's Word.
Why Should I Join a Life Group?
Like the Cheers theme song says, you want to be where everyone knows your name. In a church like Northside, life groups fulfill that longing to be connected. A group is one place where you will truly have a sense of belonging; it's a place to have fun, to feel love and express love, to know you are cared for, and a place where you can deepen your faith and walk with God.
What Do You Study?
We have several life group studies in our growing library. Each of these curriculums are video and discussion driven. Many groups usually study a book of the Bible or do a topical study. Also, all groups come together once a year to go through a study based on a sermon series.
How Are Groups Formed?
They are formed based upon affinity, location, need, purpose, etc. Every group will be different, but what is sure is that there is a group for you.
Who Leads Life Groups?
Home groups are facilitated by those who long to see others connected.
Being a facilitator means:
You're a member of Northside.
You're willing to open your home for group meetings.
You'll attend a training session.
You'll attend quarterly update events.
You'll work with your group to choose a curriculum of study.
You'll facilitate group discussion and keep others informed of group updates.
Facilitators Home Life Group Resources
If you are interested in viewing our Facilitators Resource Web Site, please follow this link: www.mynorthside.com/resources.
If you would like to explore joining a life group or feel led to become a group facilitator, please stop by the Groups Booth in the main lobby. For additional information please contact Jim Veihl @ 542-4021, Andy Clark @ 542-4007, or Tammy Baylor @ 542-4031.