What are LIFE Groups?

LIFE Groups are small gatherings of people that meet on a regular basis for:

• Learning...by studying the Bible and applying it to life.
• Intercession...by praying for each other and common causes.
• Friendship...by sharing real life together and caring for each other.
• Evangelism...by inviting friends to join the group and serve in Jesus' name.

LIFE Groups most often meet in homes but can meet at the Westgate building or elsewhere.  The groups are facilitated by members at Westgate.  Most of the groups do an in-depth study of the morning lesson in our assembly while others may choose another curriculum tailored for small groups.

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  What happens in LIFE Groups?

• Sharing...our experience of life together
• Caring...bearing each other's burdens
• Prayer...that lifts up life's challenges and celebrates life's joys
• Growth...personal and spiritual
• Discipleship...building each other up in love
• Friendship...having fun and growing deeper relationships
• Learning...with each other

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 What is the role of LIFE Groups?

As Christians we are all called to be in relationship with Jesus and with one another.  The Bible teaches that Christians "grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ" (Ephesians 4:15).  And Christians are to be part of a fellowship in which every member is "joined and held together" (Ephesians 4:16) into one body.

At Westgate we believe the fundamental way we develop this multidimensional relationship is through the ministry of LIFE Groups.  We strongly encourage everyone desiring to be a part of this church body to join a LIFE Group.

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Why join a LIFE Group?

In our fast-paced, highly mobile, impersonal society, many of us deeply desire to belong to a true community - one where we develop meaningful friendships and give support to one another as we grow in our walk with Christ.  We also seek a safe, stable place where in the face of life's daily challenges and struggles, we can explore fundamental questions about Christianity and the meaning it has for our lives.

LIFE Groups are designed to meet these important needs.  At Westgate, we believe that along with worship and service, participation in a LIFE Group is a meaningful way to be involved in the body of Christ.  Your involvement and sense of belonging to this church will be greatly enhanced by your active involvement in a LIFE Group.

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What about children?

Great question.  First, we offer age-appropriate LIFE groups for Middle School age (6th grade) and up.  For those children in 5th grade and under our groups share the childcare reponsibilities.  Each week a different group hosts our kids at the building for PEW Packers.  Here's what happens:

• Beginning at 5:30 the kids bring a sack lunch and eat a meal together in the small kitchen supervised by the designated LIFE Group.
• At 6 PM the kids are divided into age appropriate groups.
• Kids participate with their group in a lesson, songs, arts and crafts.
• At 7 PM all of the children are taken to the gym for supervised "free-play" while they await their parents who are returning from their LIFE group. 
• All kids are picked up by 7:30 PM.