Vineyard Church Northwest
Life Groups
Life Group Finder
We at the Vineyard believe that community is basic and that life happens best in a small group.
The Bible teaches that once we accept Christ, we become friends with God and also with other believers. These friendships are basic to what it means to be a Christian. (Romans 12:4,5)
Unfortunately, it's hard to experience real friendship or community at our weekend worship services. Meeting "face-to-back-of-head" once a week for seventy minutes with a few hundred people in a large group is not what the writers of the New Testament had in mind when they wrote about community. While our worship services are a very important part of our church life, it's at our small group meetings we can experience and build lasting friendships. We call our groups Life Groups.
Being in relationship with other Christians is vital to your spiritual health and growth. If you are not yet involved in a Life Group, we would urge you to make time for this in your life. Here is some helpful information to get you started and answer some of your questions.
How do I choose a group that's right for me?
A Life Group Finder can be found in the church lobby. It contains up-to-date information about our different Life Groups, such as when and where they meet, who is the group leader and what the focus of the group is. Life Groups meet throughout the week at various times and all around the area. You should be able to find something that fits your need and situation.
What goes on at a Life Group meeting and how long is it?
The average Life Group meeting lasts about two hours. For part of that time, the group is focused on their relationship with God. There will be worship, group discussion over truths from the Bible and then members will pray for each other. The rest of the time is spent in building friendships over coffee, snacks and conversation. Outside group meetings, group members form meaningful relationships with others through fun activities. In community we care for one another while going through difficult times.
Do I have to be invited first before I can attend a Life Group meeting?
Absolutely not! All of our groups are open to anyone who would like to visit and "check them out."
What will happen if I just "show up" at a Life Group meeting?
You will be warmly welcomed and invited to participate to the degree you feel comfortable. All of our groups are accustomed to visitors and new people. We do advise, however, that you phone the leader in advance to make sure the group is still meeting at the same time and place. Leaders' phone numbers are listed on the Life Group Finder in the lobby.
Do I have to make a long-term commitment to a particular Life Group?
Although it is our goal for everyone at the Vineyard to be vitally connected to a Life Group for the long term, just visiting a group does not obligate you in any way. You are free to visit as many groups as you like, and to attend a group for as short or long a period of time as you want. We do recommend, however, you select a group and stick with it for a while. That will give you a chance to really get a feel for the group as well as to form meaningful relationships with others.
Church and Christianity are both very new to me. Should I wait until I become more familiar with the Bible before going to a Life Group?
Absolutely not! Life Group involvement is the best way to grow in your knowledge and understanding of spiritual things.
Can I bring my kids with me to the Life Group meeting?
Some groups do provide supervision for children either at the place of meeting or nearby but most do not. It is best to check in advance by calling the leader or host of the group you are interested in.
For More Information
Please contact the church by calling 513.385.4888 if you have any other questions or concerns about Life Groups.
Life Group Finder
Vineyard Church NW
9165 Round Top Rd • Cincinnati, OH 45251
T: (513) 385-4888 F: (513) 385-4854
W: www.vcnw.org
E: info@vcnw.org