LifeGroup Guidelines

Apr 24, 2022 | by Mike Prah

Clear Purpose

To grow healthy spiritual lives by building a healthy small group community.

“Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.” PHILIPPIANS 2:2 (NLT)

Group Attendance

To give priority to the group meeting, call, text or e-mail the group leader or fellow small group member if I won’t be present for a meeting.

“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” MATTHEW 5:33-37 (NIV)

Safe Environment

To create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved (no quick answers, snap judgements, or simple fixes, no politics, no controversial topics, no selling products or services to other members).

“For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. ‘And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye, ‘ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hyprocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” MATTHEW 7:2-5 (NIV)

Be Confidential

To keep strict confidentiality, what is shared in the group stays in the group.

“Don’t betray another person’s secret. Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation.” PROVERBS 25:9-10 (NLT)

Conflict Resolution

To avoid gossip and resolve any concerns, endeavor to follow the principles of Matthew 18:15-17 which begins with going directly to the person with whom you have an issue.

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.” MATTHEW 18:15-17 (NLT)

Spiritual Health

To give group members the opportunity to support my spiritual growth to help me live a healthy, balanced life that is pleasing to God. Please take what you need and is helpful from the group discussions, consistent with the Word of God. Not every comment is biblical, so don't be offended by unbiblical opinions. Stick with what is biblical.

“There is safety in having many advisers.” PROVERBS 11:14 (NLT)

E - ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
S - SHARE & DISCUSS SCRIPTURE
P - PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER

Limit Our Freedoms

To limit our freedom to avoid causing a weaker believer to stumble. For example, no serving alcohol at LifeGroup meetings or not going to worldly events for LifeGroup events.

“So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.” ROMANS 14:19-21 (NLT)

Welcome Newcomers

To invite our friends who might benefit from this study and warmly welcome newcomers.

“Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” ROMANS 15:7 (NLT)

Build Relationships

To get to know other members of the group and pray for them regularly.

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” ROMANS 12:10 (NLT)

Serve Motivated

To work towards understanding how our group can effectively support the needy in our community—e.g. homeless shelter, Foodbank, Police Station, Nursing Home, etc, or individuals outside of our church to meet a need and share the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ with them.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 PETER 4:10 (NLT)

Shared Responsibility

Every member of the small group can help share in the responsibilities of the group’s study (e.g, Facilitate discussions, host or co-host meetings, next steps, ministry needs, etc)

“Jesus told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” MARK 16:15 (NLT)