Vanguard Church Life Group FAQ’s

1. What are Life Groups?
Life Groups are the main vehicle Vanguard uses to express Biblical community and care.  With venues and times varying from homes to coffee shops, weekend to mid-week, Life Groups are connecting the men and women of Vanguard to couples, singles, specific age groups, and beyond through long term relationships in a Christ focused setting.  The purpose is to engage one another in relationships that are real and significant. Be prepared to make lasting friendships and grow spiritually as you share life experiences through Life Groups.

2. What is the general format of Life Groups?
Life Groups discuss the message from the previous weekend and process the way that it applies in our daily lives and experiences. They share meals together, pray for and encourage each other, serve the various needs in the group and in the process build deeper relationships and share life’s real experiences together.



(Click above to get connected to a Life Group)

3. How are the Life Groups structured?

• How many people in each group?  We recommend group have between 6-14 people (children not included).  While they may not fall exactly within this scope, we've found this to be a good target for a Life Group to be effective in caring for each other withouting getting so large that it becomes impersonal.
• What role does the leader play?  Life Group Leaders play an essential role within the group.  They do not need to host the group every week, but should make sure that the administrative tasks are covered like ensuring people know where to meet, facilitating group discussion, recording attendance and being available to the Life Group Deacons.
• When do they meet?  To be effective, Life Groups should meet at least bi-weekly.  Life is hectic for many, but we strongly believe that building into this community is an integral part of living out our missions as Christians.

4. What are the meeting time frames? (Long-term and short term)
Life Group meetings typically last about 2 hours, but this is ultimately decided by each individual groups needs and desires.  You are encouraged to meet year round and long term.  Openings in the group can be filled as the group sees fit.

5. What type of curriculum is used?
Groups will discuss 3-5 questions that are based on Kelly’s message from that week.  These questions will be written by a Vanguard Pastor and emailed to everyone involved in Life Groups each Sunday by 2pm. The objective is to take the message and process it in the context of people’s daily lives.  The curriculum is not the focal point of gathering.  It is simply a tool for getting people to share their lives and relate to each other.

6. Is this a Bible Study?
It is important to know that formal biblical training is not required of Life Group participants. The objective is to simply present questions and promote open and honest discussion. Life Groups are not designed to be Bible Studies, however they still accomplish many of the same goals.

7. How long do I need to commit to being in a group?
Commitment should be to a single group and the length should be at least a year though we hope it will last long beyond that.  Life Groups are focused on creating long lasting relationship and impact.  Simply put, jumping between groups or a short term commitment diminishes your ability to effectively engage in relationships and impact the community (think church hopping).  Before you commit to a group though, feel free to contact multiple leaders and even visit with a few groups to find a good fit.  We know relationships don't just fall into our laps most of the time, but once you find a group we really want you to embrace it fully.

8. How do I get connected?
You can get connected several ways.

• Fill out a Connected Community card at one of our services (or online).
• Join an existing group (search online or join one with people you already know).
• Attending the Vanguard Steps of Faith - Membership class.
• Continue on to the Vanguard Steps of Faith - Discipleship class.
• Start and Host your own group (contact the Life Group Support team for help and support)