Life Group Ministry Overview

Jesus Christ called His disciples to develop a new community of believers and they learned from the Master Teacher the meaning of true discipleship.  They learned how important it is to pray and take real-life examples from the Bible and apply them to everyday life.

As we experience or “do life” together as a group, we learn how important it is to have relationships with others who want to seek God.  Doing life together is what Life Groups are all about.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…in their homes, and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.  And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Acts 2:42-47

Life Group FAQs

Life Groups exist to provide a safe, loving, nurturing environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth.

What is a Life Group?

A Life Group is a small group of 8 to 15 people of similar ages and life stages who gather together for Bible study, growth in friendships and growth in their relationships with God.

Why should I get involved in a Life Group?

Everyone needs relationships (friends) and everyone needs someone to pick them up when they fall.  Life Groups provide a place where you can "do life" together with others and a place where you can belong during your life’s journey.

Who attends a Life Group?

Everyone! Adults who are married, single, in college, with children, without children, or "empty-nesters"… Fishhawk Fellowship has a Life Group for every age group, no matter if you are new to Fishhawk Fellowship or have been attending for awhile.  These groups are open to receive new friends.

When do Life Groups meet?

Life Groups meet any day of the week at any time.  For more information about groups currently meeting, please visit the Welcome Desk in the Worship Center Lobby, or check the list of current groups online at: Current Studies.

Where do Life Groups meet?

They can meet in the home of the group leader or in the home of another group member, in restaurants, club houses, or on the church campus.

How long does a Life Group last?

The total duration of a typical Life Group is between 8-13 weeks.  After that, group members can decide if they want to continue meeting together for the next semester.  The group will then “multiply” into new Life Groups at the end of this semester.

Life Groups are set up on semester system where groups meet for three months and then take 3-4 weeks off.  During this time, sign-up begins for new groups.  We believe that Scripture teaches that there is a time to work and there is a need to have a time to rest.

• Fall semester - September, October, November, December
• Spring semester - January, February, March, April
• Summer semester - June, July, August

What is the length of each Life Group gathering?

Groups typically meet for 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

What do Life Groups study?

Curriculum is selected by the pastoral leadership of our church and is based on our Mission Values of Biblical Truth, Fervent Prayer, Compassionate Outreach, Authentic Relationships, and Humble Service.

We offer many different types of curricula such as Experiencing God, MasterLife, The Truth Project, Crown Financial, various Bible book studies, and many others.

What is the format of a Life Group?

Though each group will differ in how they do things, group time consists of Bible Study, building relationships, discussion, and prayer.  Many groups also fellowship around snacks or light refreshments.

Is childcare provided for each Life Group?

Childcare is not provided, but there are options available.  The best solution is to empower each Life Group to be responsible for its own childcare needs.

Here are some creative and workable choices:

Option #1: Everyone in the group who has children contributes financially to hire a babysitter or two every week.  If all the parents give a little, the cost is surprisingly minimal.

Option #2: Set up a rotation where a different couple in the group cares for the children each week, making sure no one has to serve more that once or twice during the semester.

Option #3: Create a child-friendly Life Group where parents are encouraged to bring their children.   Babies or younger toddlers could stay with their parents; for other children, the host home could provide a play or video room with a sitter or an adult who could teach a Bible story.  Or, a group could even meet during children’s or students’ activities that are already scheduled.

Option #4: Parents can line up an adult from another Life Group, a relative, or babysitter; most parents use childcare for a date night or work function and already have several options.

Option #5: For parents who cannot afford childcare, the church will provide vouchers to help with the expenses.

When can I join a Life Group?

Anytime! That’s right... you can join a group any time you want.

Our Senior Pastor leads a group called “FishHawk 101” that meets one afternoon at least once per quarter.  It is for those who would like to join our church or just know more about us.

Or, if there is a home Life Group you’re interested in, you can join it at any time, too… just let us know.

• Come to the Welcome Desk in the lobby of the worship center, or
• Email us at lifegroups@fishhawkfellowship.org, or
• Call the church office (813-655-7431).  We’ll have a Life Group Leader contact you with the meeting details so you can get started.

After our Life Group has completed the semester, can our group stay together for the next semester?

Yes!  At the conclusion of each semester, each Life Group participant will be given an opportunity for early registration in which you can sign up for the current group that you’re in to take a new study.  Or, if you’d like to participate in another study, you can do that at the regular enrollment time.

How does someone join a Life Group?

Life Groups can be joined in any one of these ways:

• Sign up at the Life Group Information Booth in the Worship Center Lobby.
• Check on the Connection Card (in Sunday’s worship guide) and place it in the offering plate to receive info about Life Groups.
• Sign up online at www.fishhawkfc.org; click on “Connect” and choose “Life Groups”.
• Email your questions to lifegroups@fishhawkfellowship.org or call the church office: (813) 655-7431.

You can also join a group at the personal invitation of the Leader beginning a new Life Group.  Or, you could start a new group by becoming a Life Group Leader yourself.  Pick up a Leader Application and Information Booklet at the Welcome Desk in the Worship Center Lobby.