Life Groups

LIFE GROUPS

“We’re better together!” We tend to say that a lot around here. And, we say it because it’s true. God created us to live in community with one another. The purpose of Hope’s Life Groups ministry is to bring people together in growing, Christ-centered relationships. Life Groups at Hope are small groups of people who meet regularly to pray together, connect in Christ-centered relationships, grow in their relationship with God, and serve the world around them.

Join a Life Group

Here at Hope, we have five main ways for people to join a Life Group. We encourage you to check out one of the options below:

• Participate in Group Launch – a class offered to kickstart Life Groups, where participants are encouraged to continuing meeting once the class has ended.
• Take the Alpha – a 10-week class offered throughout the year. This is a great way to get connected with a group of people, and then choose to continue to meet as a Life Group once the class has finished.
• Take the Apprentice Series – in these three series classes, you’ll be placed into a small group where you’ll pray, read, discuss, and participate in weekly spiritual exercises to help you engage with the chapter.
• Take CORE – a great next step for those who have taken Alpha or the Apprentice Series.
• Join an existing Life Group
  • Request to join an existing group and we’ll do our best to match you with a group.
  • Looking to join or start a Life Group outside of the Des Moines Metro? Click here to see where groups are currently meeting, or to get started on creating one near you today!
• Join an interest-based group that gathers regularly around a common interest or activity.

Start a Life Group

A Life Group is fairly easy to get started. If you’re interested in starting a group on your own, simply follow the five short steps below and you’ll be all ready to go!

1. Invite 2 or 3 other people
   The Bible says that “where two or three gather” in Jesus’ name, He is with them. (Matt. 18:20) Ask some people around you if they’d be interested in starting a Life Group…I think you’ll be surprised how many people will say yes!
    
2. Schedule a regular meeting time
   We encourage every Life Groups to meet at least twice per month and to make their meeting time consistent (ex: every other Tuesday). This makes it easy for group members to plan and make the group time a priority.
    
3. Pick a group study
   Part of being in a Life Group is growing in your relationships with God. As a group, select a sermon, book, or Bible study to go through together. We recommend that new groups check out “Community” by Andy Stanley to get started. You can borrow resources from our Library.
   
   » Sermon-based Study
    
4. Select a leader (or 2)
   A leader is a person who helps the group go where God is calling them to go. But that doesn’t have to be intimidating! Once you fill out the Life Group information form in step 5, a staff member be in touch with the leader to help them lead well.
   
   Also, many groups find it helpful to discuss and agree upon the Life Group Covenant. This is not required, but often helps groups stay focused and committed to the purpose of their group.
    

5. Submit Life Group info
   Once you’ve selected a group leader, have them fill out our Life Group info form with your new group’s info. A staff member will then be in touch with you shortly. They’ll be able to support your group in becoming all that God’s calling your group to be. Leaders will receive a monthly email that will provide them tips, resources and information for leading the group well.

Grow your Life Group

• Sermon-based Study
• Life Group Resource Library
• Local Serving Opportunities
• Hope Volunteer Sign-up

Add New Group Members

If you already have a Life Group, but would like to add more people for any reason, consider taking or re-taking one of our group-focused classes. Register for one of the following classes together and invite people from class to continue meeting with you and your Life Group.

• Group Launch
• Alpha
• Apprentice Series
• CORE
• Submit open group form
   

Other Resources

• Recommended resources