GROUPS FAQ

How many of us have significant relationships where we can let down our guard with each other? How many of us can have a Jesus centered discussion with those same people? Groups exists to promote these significant relationships with each other and Jesus. Imagine what is possible when you encourage one another to keep going, serve one another, and share life together. Let the Bible inspire you to join as well…Romans 1:11-12, Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47.

Most groups take place for 1½ hours. The first 15 minutes are about connecting; you talk with other people in the group and get to know them. There will be light refreshments or a dinner shared, depending on what group you’re in. The leader of the group will facilitate discussion based on the previous Sunday message at Open Life. The leader will end the discussion time by asking if there are prayer requests. The group will take time to pray for these requests. The remaining time is devoted to additional connect time and sharing life together.

Here at Open Life, Groups are the place where the personal ministry of the church naturally takes place. People leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus, while significantly connecting, serving and sharing our lives with one another. We believe that meeting together on a regular basis is time well spent. Our goal each year is to have at least 80% of our adults involved on a weekly basis.

Groups meet on different days and times of the week, three seasons of the year. Whatever works best for those who participate. Find one HERE.

All groups meet weekly and last 10 to 12 weeks (except for student groups). We follow the school calendar and with fall, winter and spring sessions of groups.

We ask that you come prepared to participate in as many meetings as your schedule allows within the season. Groups are about promoting significant relationships with each other and Jesus. The growth potential is directly connected to your ability to prioritize being present. If you would like to grow in both areas, we ask you make the group you signed up for a priority for the entire session, give or take a vacation or sickness of course.

The discussions will be inspired by the previous Sunday talk at Open Life. The handouts within the worship guides on Sunday will contain material for you to process before coming to your group. We will make these available online as well, in case you miss the service or don’t attend Open Life currently. This will allow you to flesh out the application of the talks and come prepared with content to discuss together. Reviewing the previous week’s talk allows for greater comprehension and generates multiple questions that can be shared and discussed within your group. Yay for no awkward silence!

Signing up for a group is free. The only cost to you is prioritizing the block of time in your weekly schedule for a season. Depending on your groups there might be very minimal child care/sitter fee, as well, if your group decides to rotate refreshment/snack responsibilities.

All children are welcome to attend any group unless the group’s details specify it’s for adults only. The first night the groups will decide if hiring a babysitter each week is a viable option. If there are multiple children in the group the leader will recommend a sitter, as we want everyone attending the group to get the most of the experience whether they have children or not.

Choose a group that works for your friends, schedule and lifestyle. You will be more likely to attend a group on a regular basis if you choose a night of the week that is mainly free, or that you could free from conflict for 10 weeks. Whatever group you choose, be consistent, you will personally gain from your choice. Try the group of your choice, if it doesn’t fit after three weeks, you are free to go with no questions asked.

See what group works for your schedule and click the link to sign up. It is pretty simple from there. HERE is the link to our groups.

Absolutely! Being a student is a "season in life" group, so check out the Student Life Group at the base of the "Find a Group" page HERE.