A LIFE Group Experience!

Two years ago, our church started referring to our small groups as "LIFE Groups." The title "Sunday School" brings connotations of little children sitting in desks, boring lectures, and interaction that is limited to Sundays only. Our church is trying to help our folks understand that life takes place seven days per week and we as believers should be "doing life together," sharing our experiences, praying for each other, and supporting one another. We are strongly encouraging interaction between Sundays and some of our groups are really getting it. I understand that small groups are often difficult for the older generation or traditionalists to grasp, but when they do.... they never want to go back!

This past weekend, my wife and I had the privilege of spending some time with a group in our church that has REALLY caught the concept of what LIFE Groups can be. Six couples spent the weekend at a beach house, sharing meals, playing golf, shopping, playing games, putting together puzzles (ladies had 500 pieces, while the men had 14 pieces), engaging in Bible study, and more! We even took time to watch a portion of the Florida Gators beating Alabama. (I'm a Miami fan, but I'm always for whoever is playing Alabama!) The weekend was GREAT, or as my kids would say... AWESOME! We weren't drunk, there were no illegal drugs, everyone kept their clothes on, our conversation was clean --- and we had a GREAT time! Our common bonds were Jesus Christ and a LIFE Group at Emmanuel.

The people in this LIFE Group are developing friendships and building bonds that will last a lifetime. Is it any wonder that this group is growing and people want to be part of it? Think about it... would you rather sit in a large class of acquaintances that meet on Sundays only to hear someone lecture; or would you rather add extreme fun, deep friendships, and great fellowship, and intense Bible study to your Christian walk?

LIFE Groups are really the "life lines" for congregational care at Emmanuel. Class members should be calling and visiting absentees, visiting class members in the hospitals, sitting with family members during surgeries, preparing meals, hosting bridal showers, comforting the bereaved, celebrating, playing, praying, and serving -- together! We believe that every member should be a minister. "LIFE Groups" care for one another, while "dying groups" expect the pastor to do all the caring for them.

Ultimately, the choice whether to attend a class that is dead or alive is up to you, and Emmanuel has both types of classes available. If you're in a dead class, be a catalyst for change and bring it to life. If you're in a dead class, consider moving into a different group. My personal prayer is that EVERY class at EBC will become a LIFE Group!