Life Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Dale, Dave, and Tim � Woodbury Shepherds

Why are we starting life groups?

Because we believe it is a great way to help us grow in our love for God and for others.  As we grow in size as a congregation it becomes increasingly difficult for us to stay connected with one another.  Even at our current size it is very difficult for three shepherds to keep up with the spiritual needs of each individual in this congregation.  Increasingly, it seems, individuals and families are �falling between the cracks� at Woodbury, in some cases leaving because they feel disconnected.  We believe small groups are vital for our growth as a congregation of God�s people.  Life groups are an outgrowth of the feedback we got from all the flocks a year or so ago when the shepherds visited each flock for input. Flocks have served us well, but we think it is important to make some changes in order to help us be more effective in serving all who are in this church.

What is the difference between flocks and life groups?

Flocks and life groups are quite similar in many ways.  Both are based on the idea that small groups will help us grow spiritually as a congregation.  Both involve meeting times and encourage involvement in each other�s lives between group meetings.  There are a number of differences, however.  1) Life groups are intended to stay relatively small, with the goal of branching into two groups as it grows in size. 2) Because of this, we expect there will be a larger number of life groups than the number of flocks we currently have.  3) Life groups will disband at the beginning of summer and will have a fresh start each fall, with everyone having an opportunity to be in a new group.  4) There will be a greater consistency across the life groups, because each group will meet weekly using a common curriculum.  Finally, although connecting with other group members on a regular basis between group meetings was part of the flock concept, it is a central component of life groups.  Our hope is that life groups will serve as a way for every person in our congregation to stay connected to the body. 

How will life groups be formed?

On Sunday, October 5^th everyone will have an opportunity to sign up for a life group.  To ensure that groups stay at a manageable size, the number of slots for each group will be limited.  If someone does not get their first choice, there will be plenty of other choices.  Group leaders will be identified on sign-up sheets along with a general location of the group (for example, Woodbury, Cottage Grove, St. Paul area, etc.).  In some cases, group leaders will host the groups, in other cases another family may serve as host. 

Will the groups always meet at the same location?

That is up to the group.  We anticipate that most groups will meet in the same location each week to alleviate confusion, but there may be exceptions to this.  We do plan to list all the groups in the bulletin on a weekly basis as a way of making it easier for newcomers to connect with a group.

When will the life groups meet?

Our intention is that life groups meet weekly.  We expect that many will meet Sunday evening, since that is when most of the flock groups met, but some groups may meet at other times, such as Sunday afternoon or another time during  the week.

Who will lead the groups?

Each group will have a leader. In most cases this will be a couple.  These are people who have been asked by the shepherds to take on this responsibility.  In some cases, life group leaders were also flock leaders.   Each of the shepherds and Kevin will be responsible for checking in with a set of group leaders in order to stay abreast of special needs arising from the life groups.  Two of our deacons � Ron Charpentier and Kris James � have taken on the responsibility of overseeing the administrative portion of the life groups including leader training, evaluation, and incorporation of new members.

How many life groups will there be?

At this point we don�t know exactly.  We are preparing to begin with as many as 16 groups. 

How big will the life groups be?

We are aiming for a group size of 8-16 adults.  Groups approaching the upper end of this range will be encouraged to branch into two groups, with a leader for the new group coming from within the life group.  Initial groups will likely include 8-12 adults to allow room for growth.

Will there be groups for specific groups such as teens and singles?

There certainly could be.  At this point there are no plans for any such groups, but it would be possible if a need arose and if there was enough desire to start such a group. Remember, one purpose of life groups is to increase connections with others in the congregation.  If specific groups help us achieve this goal, that would be great.

What will happen with small children in life groups?

That depends on the specific group.  We expect that some groups will have families with small children and others will not.  Each group with small kids will need to determine how best to accommodate their needs.

Will there be a set curriculum for the groups?

We will be asking each of the life groups to study the same thing each week.  This will be a further exploration of the sermon topic for that morning (scripture references, major points, life application, questions for discussion).  However, the life groups are intended to stand alone, so that anyone who did not hear the sermon (including guests) will not feel at a disadvantage.  In addition, life groups will have the flexibility to meet needs specific to that group.  In addition to Bible study, life group meeting times can also serve as a time for prayer and fellowship.

Are life groups solely for outreach?

No.  Nor are they solely for taking care of our own needs as a congregation.  Our hope is that life groups will serve as a vehicle for helping us increase in our love for God and for others.  This includes creating closer connections with others in our church family.  It also includes a unique opportunity for inviting friends, neighbors, and family members to get to know us and the Lord we serve.

How will we measure success?

We have asked Kris and Ron to develop a plan to help us evaluate how well life groups are working.  One measure is likely to be the number of people actively participating in life groups, but there will be other measures that will evaluate how well they are serving their purpose.

What if someone does not want to be part of a life group?

Since we have chosen life groups as a primary method and approach that will be used to achieve our objective of Loving God and Loving Others, it is difficult for us to imagine that people will be able to abundantly serve, work, grow, be supported and shepherded effectively outside of this approach.  But, make no mistake, we will ALWAYS welcome EVERYONE to our church family, regardless of whether or not they are a part of life groups. They will still be as valued a part of our church family as anyone else.  It is God�s church; we are shepherds, not wardens.  However, we will continue to pray that each one will see how important our small group focus is and will want to give them a try!

How can we encourage participation in life groups?

By inviting those who are hesitant to become part of life groups to give it a try.  We will certainly be doing that as shepherds of this congregation, but we want to encourage everyone who is part of a life group to do the same.  The best way to let someone know they belong is to invite people one-on-one, particularly if you already have a relationship with them.  Sometimes, people need to be invited more than once!

With the emphasis being placed on life groups, what will happen to the other ministries in this congregation?

They will continue.  All of the ministries in this congregation are important and we want to continue to support them.  In placing a special focus on life groups we do not intend to cut or reduce other areas of ministry.

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