FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About Life Groups

What is a Life Group?

A Life Group is a small gathering of people from all stages of life and spiritual maturity who regularly meet to love and encourage one another. It is a community that seeks the presence of Jesus, grows spiritually together, prays and  devotes themselves to scripture, serves others, and encourages new leaders.

When and where do groups meet?

Every night of the week there is a Life Group meeting in the Abilene area, with most favoring Sunday evenings. The  majority of groups meet in a constant location (the home of a group member), though some prefer to take turns meeting  in different members' homes.

How often do Life Groups meet?

Most groups meet weekly. Some groups meet for three weeks out of the month and either take off the fourth week or do a social activity together. Due to vacation schedules, groups will often meet less often or not at all during the summer.

How long does a Life Group last?

Members of each group are asked to commit to one year with the group. After that one year period, a group may multiply and produce other groups with new members or remain intact and renew their commitment for another year. The typical life cycle of a Life Group is about 18-24 months.

How long does each group meeting last?

Each Life Group picks the length of time they will meet. However, most groups meet for an hour and a half to two hours.

What goes on at a meeting?

Though each group differs in how they do things, all groups are encouraged to worship in some capacity, to intentionally study God's Word, to pray together, and to spend time fostering relationships. Outside of specific meeting times, groups often gather to assist particular ministries of the church and/or to serve the surrounding community.

Is Childcare provided for each group meeting?

Childcare is not provided. Each group is charged to care for the children within their own group, and there are several options:

• Beginning a rotation of adults within your group who will not just watch kids but intentionally lead them in meaningful, spiritually-focused activities.
• Hiring a childcare person (with the group sharing the expense) who is able to facilitate meaningful, 
  spiritually-focused activities.  For all Life Groups with children, a list of qualified childcare workers is available to group leaders by contacting Renee Morrow at the Beltway Park Offices.
  
• Finding a sister group that will care for your group's children one night in return for the care of their group's children another night.

What does it mean when a group "multiplies"?

During the life cycle of a group, a Life Group leader is encouraged to train an apprentice that is equipped to launch  their own group at the appropriate time. By doing this, both the existing group and the new group can add members, allowing others to join groups with seasoned leaders.

What do Life Groups study?

Each group picks their own curriculum to study with the help of the Life Group pastoral staff. Groups that form at  GroupLink are given a initial study povided by Beltway Park called "Community" that helps build foundational relationships within the group.

How do I join a Life Group?

The primary way to join a group at Beltway Park is to participate in a GroupLink event. GroupLink is a specific,  two hour event in which those who are trying to find a Life Group can come and connect to a group. Existing Life Group leaders are present at the event that either want to start a brand new group altogether - a leader that has been raised up within another Life Group - or who simply want to add to their existing group. Those seeking a group are given time to find leaders during the GroupLink event with whom they have a natural connection and chemistry.