Why Small Groups?
To provide an opportunity for people affiliated with Living Hope Church to experience friendship, fellowship and accountability in their personal walk of faith in an informal setting as they become transformed into fully devoted followers of Christ.

Friendship - How does one develop friendships? Spending time with others, learning about their interests, how they live their lives, what is important to them, how they spend their day off, what makes them laugh and cry . . .

Fellowship - As a body of believers, fellowship is friendship at a deeper level. It involves sharing that moves closer to the heart - what brings joy, what causes pain, where are there needs for care and prayer?

Accountability - How we put what we know to be true into practice. It’s how we apply the principles of faith to the circumstances of every day living. The emphasis in small groups is not acquiring more Biblical knowledge, but in applying the truths all the time.

Benefits of a Small Group

*Having Fun	*Belonging	*Laughing	*Understanding	*Valuing
*Caring	*Deciding	*Growing	*Learning	*Healing
*Affirming	*Ministering	*Reproducing	*Transforming

Application-styled questions . . .
What tends to pull you away from God?
How would you tangibly reassure someone who is struggling spiritually?
Can you share an example from your own experience when you've fallen into the trap of serving Jesus to win acclaim?
Reflect on the fact that God is trusting you: What might God be trusting you with right now? Finances? Home? How might I open up and share more easily?
In what ways have my treasures shaped my heart? Positively? Negatively?

Additional Issues for Church Functions . . .
Knowing that LHC ministers to a wide range of people, it is not uncommon to find those who struggle with substance abuse. It is the policy of Living Hope Church that no alcohol be served at any function that is an extension of LHC ministries. This policy must include events held at your home when these events are an extension of your ministry with LHC, including not only the small group ministry, but pot-luck dinners, camping trips, etc.

Getting Plugged In
Several small groups are up and running at Living Hope Church. Are you looking for a group? Would you like to host a group? Please contact the office at 375-4414.

Current groups:

• Monday evening: Intercessory Prayer group
• Monday evening: Young adults group (LIFE Ministries; contact Josh Johnson)
• Wednesday late morning: Godly Gals (contact Anne Pickens)
• Thursday morning: Men in business (contact Richard Rudisill)
• Thursday evening: Women's study
• Friday morning: Golden Girls Coffee Hour
• Friday evening at the Rakoczys'
• Friday evening at the Sliters'
• Friday evening at the Weeks'