What is a life group? 

A life group is a group of 8-12 people gathering in an environment where they Share their lives, Study the Bible, Support each other, and Serve together.  

1. Share - do life together

2. Study - Discuss the Bible together

3. Support - Care for each other

4. Serve - Identify needs in your group, circle of influence, church, etc. and meet those needs together. 

How important are life groups? 

At Crossview, Life Groups are our primary way to get people connected and growing in Christ together. This is what we want to see happen in our Life Groups because the Christian life is best lived and experienced in community. There is a spiritual growth that comes from being in a safe environment with other people, interacting with Scripture, that we cannot get from just being alone with God. Having Christian friends who love us enough to share the truth with us in a way we can accept it is critical to our growth as Christians.

When and where do they meet?

The majority of Life Groups meet on various nights of the week in homes. 

How long do they last?

Each Life Group session is around 10 weeks. We have Fall, Winter and Spring sessions. At the end of each session, you will have a choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group or taking a break. Most groups will stay together throughout the entire year. Most Life Groups meet 1.5 – 2 hours. Life Groups do not meet mid-June through August.

What is the required commitment?

Joining a Life Group requires a 10-week commitment. Allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts and other special events. This commitment is the key to a strong Life Group. After ten weeks, if it is not a good fit, then you can feel free to stop attending and sign-up for a different group or simply take a break, no problem. 

What will we study? 

Our Life Groups are called "sermon-based" Life Groups. The study is based on the previous weekend's message. There are many reasons we chose to have "sermon-based" Life Groups, but the primary reason is for church unity. Imagine everyone in the church listening to and learning the same teaching content through the sermon, taking notes, and answering some questions; then, getting together in small groups to discuss and apply what God is teaching them from the Word of God. This process moves information to application, which ultimately leads to transformation.

What is the cost?

Few things in life are free and Life Groups are no exception. Though there isn’t a monetary cost, when you join a Life Group, you attend, prepare each week, and sometimes serve together. It is this commitment that makes Life Groups work. We realize it is a big commitment, but it only lasts for about 10 weeks. At the end of each session, you have the choice of recommitting for another session, signing up for a new group or taking a break, no problem. 

Can I bring my children to group?

Life Groups are designed for adults. The structure for young family groups is unique and looks a little different for each group, but we know that adults connect best without little ears listening in, haha. How childcare is handled is determined by each group   

How do I choose a group?

When selecting a group, we recommend picking a group based on what you think is best for you, rather than its location. Over the years, we’ve found that groups do best when members share a common Station-in-Life and other interests with their leaders, hosts and other group members. In the end, you’ll find it’s worth the drive.

Remember, these Station-in-Life groupings are intentionally kept fuzzy and are meant to help you self-select an appropriate group for you. They are not intended to box you in. To learn more about each Station-in-Life, check out our page on choosing a group.

If you have any questions (especially if you are new to Crossview Church), please don’t hesitate to call Jed Haas at (920) 205-3602 or email lifegroups@crossviewrapids.org, and he will gladly assist you. Keep in mind that it might take two or three groups before you find your fit, but don’t worry, you’ll find it.

How do I sign up for a Life Group?

Before each Life Group session begins, there are two ways to sign up for a group – online or at our weekend services. During the weekend services, Life Group Leaders and staff members are available at sign-up booths to help you choose a group and answer any questions. There are two sign-up weekends before the beginning of our Fall session in September, and two sign-up weekends before our Winter session in January and our Spring session in March.

If you need assistance in finding and signing up for a group, or if you have any questions, you can contact Jed Haas by phone at (920) 205-3602 or by email at lifegroups@crossviewrapids.org.