Because God has wired us to experience life with each other and the best support comes from those that know you best.

“My measurement for the church’s health is attachment. You need to belong to some people that will care for you. Stay in God’s Word and get in community. It’s the place where real life change happens.” ~John

Lifegroups are small groups that meet regularly to build relationships, encourage each other and grow together.In Lifegroups, people with common interests and who are in similar phases of life build friendships that help them move closer to Christ and reach out to others. Friendships are built as trust is established though the connection.

“Every weekend is outstanding and the friends I have made in my Lifegroup are phenomenal. They mean so much to me and I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t taken the risk and if they hadn’t opened their homes and hearts and involved me in their Lifegroup.” ~Sarah

Belonging is central to our goal of helping people become Full “e” devoted Christ Followers. As people from the community join us on the weekend, it is important for them to “Get Connected” with others that are heading in the same direction in life. Life change happens best through the unfolding discovery of God, ourselves and each other in connected moments led by the Holy Spirit. This type of connection often causes us to say yes to God more than before.

Lifegroups are vital for everything we do at Living Hope.

Whether you get connected with others through one of our Lifefocus events or through serving, a Lifegroup is the destination we desire for everyone at Living Hope.

We are told in several verses in the Bible that we are destined to become a new person. That is something that only God can do but we also need others in the process.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2

To change the way that we think, we need the encouragement and examples of other Christ followers that have become our friends.

Contact the Lifegroup Staff:

Pastor Joe Goldsby, or his assistant, Pam Plotner, can answer your questions and give you more information.Contact them at 360-944-3905 or e-mail them at joeg@livinghopechurch.com or pamp@livinghopechurch.com.

Attend a connection event:

A Lifegroup connection event is a time to connect with others at Living Hope as well as meet many of our Lifegroup Leaders. There are also regularly scheduled Lifefocus events were we together take a closer look at the Bible, marriage, parenting and finances, as well as other aspects of life that affect us everyday. These Lifefocus events have become the most effective opportunities for people to get plugged in to a Lifegroup that fits.

Lead a Group:

This involves facilitating the group in times of discussion and prayer. Each week our Lifegroup team writes a series of questions based on the weekend sermons that will help you ignite conversation. We also provide training and resources. Please contact Pam Plotner at pamp@livinghopechurch.com to sign up for the next Lifegroup Leadership Training.

Host a Group:

A host opens up their house for the weekly Lifegroup meeting.This frees the leader up to spend time in preparation for the group and relieves the amount of work that needs to be done for everyone.

Attend a Group:

As mentioned above, the most obvious way to get involved in a Lifegroup is to attend one.Our goal is to have 100% participation in Lifegroups to ensure that everyone is connected and nobody has to stand alone. This is especially critical as God continues to bless us and more and more people begin to attend our church. Please watch your bulletin for regularly scheduled connection nights or events at your campus and mark your communication card.

Volunteer:

We always have an opportunity for people that are willing to help with phone calls, assist with event preparation, etc. If this is something you would like to do, give Pam a call at 360-944-3905 or e-mail her at pamp@livinghopechurch.com.

What if I try out a group and it’s just not a right fit for me?

We’ll help you to find another one! It might take a couple of tries to find a group that you can connect with and thrive in. We recommend that you give the group at least 4-6 weeks in order to see if it’s going to work. If it doesn’t, simply express your concerns to your leader with love and try again.

Are all of the groups required to study the same thing?

Not at all! Although most groups utilize the questions taken from the weekend sermons, a number of groups are currently doing a separate study. We would simply ask that leaders run this by the Lifegroup staff to ensure that the material is biblical.

There isn’t a group in my area. What should I do?

Don’t be discouraged! New groups are beginning each week. As we continue to grow, there are new groups forming all over the place. Chances are very good that in a short time a group will be forming in your area.

I can’t find a group that fits me. What should I do?

Start one! At Living Hope, we always wait for the right person with passion to lead specific groups. We have training available and will do everything in our power to support and encourage you.

Do you have any recovery groups I could join?

Every Tuesday night from 6:45PM - 9:00PM we have Living Free, which is our recovery ministry here at the church. Each week there is worship and teaching in a large group setting followed by a time of small groups. The groups deal with everything from finances to drug addiction, divorce to depression. For more information contact Erik Anderson at 360-944-3905, or e-mail him at erika@livinghopechurch.com.

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."
Hebrews 10:24 & 25

"My Lifegroup has become an extended family to me and a family that will only grow more and more in God's love.  If you want to really experience God's love, I say join a group.  There is that perfect little family just waiting for you to come through the door so, as the saying goes....JUST DO IT!"   ~ Maria

"The last year has been truly awesome, accepting Christ (in a Lifegroup) and getting to know Him, meeting new people that I can talk to when I am struggling.  I can pray out loud and lead my family and friends in prayer without a feeling of awkwardness.  I can TRUST in GOD.  I know I would not be where I am today without the relationships that I found in the small groups at Living Hope!"   ~ Rob Hurst

"Living Hope is my home church.  The ladies in my Lifegroup, they are my people.  They laugh, cry, share, confront, and live life with me.  My burden is so much lighter because of them.  When I think of them, I know I am being prayed for.  Lifegroups became a lifeline in my journey as a Christ Follower."  ~God Bless You, Tami Crombie

"Every weekend is outstanding, but I tell you, the friends I've made from doing life together are phenomenal.  I praise the Lord to have Ann, Bobbie, Annette and Deborah in my life.  They mean so much to me and I wouldn't be where I am if I didn't take the risk and they didn't open their homes and hearts and involve me in their Lifegroup."  ~ Thank you Living Hope, Sarah Townsend