Why Life Groups
To get started, let’s look at the Big Picture first. Why do we even do Life Groups, anyway?! One of the primary reasons for Life Groups at The Crossing is that we believe spiritual formation, or life change, happens best in the context of community. Simply stated, groups of people gathering together for spiritual refreshment provide a highly attractive relational connecting process for newcomers, as well as a natural environment for discipleship and pastoral care. Healthy vibrant Life Groups provide both challenge and encouragement for the spiritual journey – something everyone desires! In our fast paced transient culture, there’s just something life changing about connecting with other Christ followers, where it’s a safe place to know and be known, love and be loved and serve and be served. Beyond their obvious relevancy today, LifeGroups were originally God’s big idea!
Life Groups are Biblical: Community is a theme we see throughout Scripture. God has always been setting apart a people for Himself! From the Old Testament Jews who gathered in synagogues, to the 12 disciples who shared life with Jesus for three years, to the Early Church who gathered in homes to worship, study the scriptures, share their belongings with one another and exercise their spiritual gifts. Throughout the New Testament, Small Groups were vibrant, life-giving communities, where relational evangelism was natural. Small Groups built up the church and were instrumental in reaching a lost world for Christ then, and they still do today!
Life Groups are Relational: God created us to crave a relationship with Himself and with others in community. He just wired us that way! And when we gather together in Life Groups, we discover strength to weather the storms, wisdom to aid our tough life decisions, assurance that God is with us and encouragement with accountability to stay the course.
Life Groups are Organizational: As churches accomplish God’s work, organization becomes a necessity to ensure that intentional, personal spiritual investment is occurring across the Body of Christ. Life Groups ensure that this is done in a life-giving manner, so that everyone is cared for, yet no single person is carrying the burden of care for too many.
Life Groups are Transformational: Life Groups encourage us to grow spiritually while in relationship with others. They are a place to learn and apply the Word; to be cared for and to care for others; and to reflect the love, acceptance and forgiveness of Christ. When we do life together in the trenches, receiving the love, support and encouragement of other Christians, we are changed from the inside out.
Doty Life Group: 1464 @ Old Richmond area
Contact person: Cheryl Doty
281-725-7415
cddoty85@yahoo.com
Coutouzis Life Group: Mission Bend area
Contact: Pastor Steve
281-382-2451
scoutouzis@juno.com
Carr Life Group: Eldridge @ Bellaire area
Contact: Brandon Carr
832-573-1236
bwsmcarr07@gmail.com
O’Brien Life Group: Greatwood area
Contact: Anne O’Brien
Women only
281-352-2558
ruthanneobrien@aol.com
Hagos Life Group: Beechnut @ Synott area
Contact: Tracey Hord
832-687-5432
the412youth@yahoo.com
Golfman Life Group: West Oaks area
Contact: Leonard Golfman
713-898-3645
lgolfman@yahoo.ca
