New Adventure- Leading a Life Group

This weekend marked an especially exciting time for the Jeanne and I and for the James River family. September 23 was the launching of our very first Life-Groups, our new small group ministry. We want to encourage everyone to get involved in a Life Group.
The 2nd and 4th Sunday nights Life-Groups will meet and as you know our life group meets at 6:00. It would be great if you could help us spread the word about the new Sunday evening schedule, and encourage those who aren’t already involved in a Life-Group to sign up for this amazing opportunity to grow in their walk with God and in relationship with a group of wonderful people. Jeanne and I will be looking forward to leading this Life-Group and coming to know each of you.
Sunday was also the starting of a new Sunday night service schedule. The 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday nights of each month JRA will continue the dynamic evening services.

Life-Groups will help us accomplish the following core values...
1. Reaching the lost
2. Expositional Preaching
3. Discipleship
4. Atmosphere of Encouragement and Relationship
Life Groups serve as a vehicle to help us accomplish what God has called us to do!

Life-Group Mission
To provide a predictable environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth.

Predictable in…Membership—Life Groups are closed groups. Once we begin the Groups will consist of the same people for a period of 18-24 months. This allows intimate relationships to be formed.
Format—Group time will consist of building relationships, Bible study, and prayer.

Authentic in…· Accountability· Belonging· Care

• Spiritual Growth leading…· Upward in Worship—By growing closer to God.·
• Inward in Commitment—By deepening our commitments to one another and the body of Christ.
• Outward in Evangelism—By reaching the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Life Group Values
Relationships

While prayer and discussion of curriculum are important aspects of group life, the driving force behind the group is the building of relationships within and outside of the church.

Authenticity

The atmosphere of a Life-Group should encourage openness and transparency among members. This is an environment where people should feel free to be open and honest.

Confidentiality

For authenticity to occur, members must be able to trust that issues discussed within the group will not be shared outside of the group.

Respect

Group members should never say anything that will embarrass their spouse or other group members. In our Life-Group we will observe kindness and respect to each person.

Availability

By joining the Life-Group, members are making a commitment to meet regularly. This requires a willingness to be available to meet on a consistent basis. This first six sessions of Life-Group is a little like dating. If you feel that this is not the right group for you then after the sixth session you are free to commit to the group or seek another group that fits your needs.

Multiplication

Group members recognize that one of the goals of the group is to start a new group within 18-24 months. This allows others to experience Life-Groups at JRA.