Why Groups?
We believe growth happens in the context of relationships. Our small groups here at Real Life are called “Life Groups” and they have one simple purpose: to Bring people together. God created us to live in community with others, and it is only when we do that we experience the abundant life He intends for us.
Simple fact: When we do life together, our problems become smaller as God uses others to bring support and encouragement to our lives.
Life Groups become a place where others don’t just know your name but care about what is happening in your life and want to support you in your spiritual journey.
Our groups have the following components:
Share Together – groups share as they walk through life with friends.
Study Together – discussion of God’s Word is an important part of the group life.
Pray Together – prayer for those in and others outside the group is the heartbeat of group life.
Serve Together – each of our groups is challenged to serve others as a group.
Eat & Play Together – sharing a meal or enjoying social activities add a special touch to group life.
Study Together – discussion of God’s Word is an important part of the group life.
Pray Together – prayer for those in and others outside the group is the heartbeat of group life.
Serve Together – each of our groups is challenged to serve others as a group.
Eat & Play Together – sharing a meal or enjoying social activities add a special touch to group life.
Our groups have the following rhythm:
Gather Weekly – Fellowship, Prayer, & Bible Study
Party Monthly – Have Fun, celebrate together what God is doing in the group.
Serve Quarterly – Get out of the walls of your group and serve the Hollister/Branson community.
Current Groups
On Campus Life Groups:
These groups meet during CONNECT HOUR 9:15-10:15am nursery, kids, and students classes are available
Women’s Group: led by Shirley Griswold
•Shirley uses the Lifeway Bible Study for Life curriculum. Looking Forward to Christmas by Matt Tullos (6 sessions) Be reminded that Christmas is, first and foremost, a celebration of Christ’s coming to earth. Because of Him, we can look forward to hope, peace, joy, and love. The Heart of Worship by Mike Harland (6 sessions) Discover how we are drawn into a deeper walk with God when we approach Him in worship that is genuine and appropriate. Treasuring Who God Treasures by Jeff Shultz (special focus session) Better understand the sanctity of human life and see that God can do great things through those whom society casts aside. Bible Studies for Life: Adult Personal Study Guide – CSB® helps engage participants in Bible study before and during the group meeting, challenging them to live out their faith right where they are. It features:
Mixed Adults I: led by Tom Arnold
•Tom uses the Lifeway Bible Study for Life curriculum. Looking Forward to Christmas by Matt Tullos (6 sessions) Be reminded that Christmas is, first and foremost, a celebration of Christ’s coming to earth. Because of Him, we can look forward to hope, peace, joy, and love. The Heart of Worship by Mike Harland (6 sessions) Discover how we are drawn into a deeper walk with God when we approach Him in worship that is genuine and appropriate. Treasuring Who God Treasures by Jeff Shultz (special focus session) Better understand the sanctity of human life and see that God can do great things through those whom society casts aside. Bible Studies for Life: Adult Personal Study Guide – CSB® helps engage participants in Bible study before and during the group meeting, challenging them to live out their faith right where they are. It features:
Journey Together: led by Phil Morgan and Randy Reddell
•Phil and Randy use an expository teaching style. They are currently going through 2 Peter.
Mixed Adults II: to led by Lex Bell
•Lex uses Master Works. The summer studies for Master Works include:
Holiness by J. C. Ryle (9 sessions)
We know we are to be holy, but we often feel we never get there. J. C. Ryle leads us through the “Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots” of holiness to help us on our journey.
Suffering Is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot (4 sessions)
All people suffer. While asking why leads nowhere, we can and should ask ourselves how we will respond when suffering comes. Elisabeth Elliot leads us through some of her insights to equip us for our next time of suffering.
Off Campus Life Group:
Young Adult Group: led by Justin Jewell ~ This group meets Sunday evenings at 6:00. Justin does expository teaching style through the books of the Bible. They are currently studying the book of Lamentations. There is childcare available.
Growing in Grace: led by Jeff Struik ~ This group meets Monday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00. Jeff does expository teaching style through the books of the Bible. They are currently studying the book of John. There is childcare available.
More information is available in person or upon request. There is room for you, we hope to see you soon.