If you have any questions not answered below, or just want more information, Ike Reeser and Brent Wiseman would be happy to help direct you toward engagement with this important ministry at Northlake.
Q: How will LIFE Groups at Northlake be different this fall?
A: In the past, LIFE Groups have been focused on fellowship, Bible study, and reflection. This fall, in keeping with the church-wide emphasis on “Learning the Way of Jesus” we’ll be moving toward a model more oriented towards spiritual formation. The objective is to help all of us adopt a more Jesus-like lifestyle that carries over into every aspect of our lives.
Q: Will LIFE Groups follow a curriculum?
A: Yes, James Bryan Smith’s Apprentice series, which includes The Good and Beautiful God, The Good and Beautiful Life, and The Good and Beautiful Community will guide our study.
Q: How will you organize Northlake into LIFE Groups?
A: We’ve planned a church-wide kickoff / organizational night for Sunday, Sept. 11 at 6 pm in the auditorium. We’re asking all members of all groups at Northlake to be present that night, whether they plan on meeting at the building or not. Those who are already part of a group can affirm their commitment to the group that night, or choose another. Those not already committed to a group will be organized into groups of 10-12 people.
Q: Can I be in a LIFE Group with my good friends?
A: Yes! Just let us know of your plans ahead of time if possible, and plan to be present on September 11 to firm things up.
Q: I can’t meet on Sunday nights. Can I still be part of a LIFE Group?
A: Absolutely. We anticipate a number of LIFE Groups meeting on other nights of the week, including Wednesdays. Some may meet in homes or restaurants in order to accommodate busy people. Parents with children may wish to plan their times around Northlake’s excellent kids’ programs on Sunday and Wednesday nights. The plan is to offer a wide variety of LIFE Groups in order to make it convenient for everyone to participate.
Q: I’m already in a good Bible class at Northlake, and I participate in several other ministries. Do I really need to join a LIFE Group?
A: Well… no one can really tell you what you have to do! But we can tell you this: LIFE Groups go beyond anything we’re currently offering in our Bible classes. The focus is less on knowing, more on being and doing. As a church, the emphasis this fall is on lovingly encouraging one another to live out the claims of Christ on our lives– and the vision is for our groups to become cornerstones for putting that into practice. We see LIFE groups as integral to what Northlake is attempting to become as a church, and we really hope no one has to miss out.
Q: I’m interested in becoming a LIFE Group leader, or at least learning how.
A: Small group facilitation is a valuable skill, one that is useful even outside church life. Because what we’re doing this fall is so different from the past, it’s important that those who will be leading a group this fall– or would like to– be part one of two Small Group Leadership Training Seminars. These will happen on Sunday, August 21 or August 28 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in Room 205. To reserve your place, Email Ike Reeser (ike@northlake.org). Leading a small group does not require a big weekly time commitment, but rather a desire to lead others by example.
Q: How do I sign up for LIFE Groups?
A: Please fill out the online form below to indicate your interest and availability. Even if you are currently involved with a LIFE Group, we would appreciate it if you could complete the form. Please select Submit once you are finished with the form. If you would like to print a copy of the LIFE Group Registration Form and return it to Ike, you can download that form here. There will also be copies available in the Gallery at Northlake.
Thank youso much for your participation in this process!
