Community / Group Life
LifeLearning's Community Life connects you to others through purposeful relationships. Affinity groups can be formed by life stages, age-grouping, need association, or shared interests.
"I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you." -- Romans 1:12 NCV
Community Life is an important part of your growth as a Christian.
At Portland Christian Center we would encourage you to expand your Sunday morning experience by participating in a class, small group, or mentoring relationship. In addition to the type of group experience you can select, you can also select a venue: class on campus, home group, restaurant or office setting.
How long does each group meeting last?
Each Community Life Group picks the length of time they will meet. However, most groups meet for an hour and a half to two hours. You can read in the group description if the group is ongoing or only offered for a limited number of weeks.
What goes on at a group meeting?
Though each group differs in how they do things, many groups have a social time in the beginning, then they transition to a time where they discuss the book, topic or activity they are studying and pray for each other. Groups form for lots of reasons; as a place to belong, grow, serve, reach out, and/or worship. Whatever group is formed the foundation of that group is to provide an atmosphere for the participant’s to grow in Christ.
What does it mean when a group "ends" or "multiplies"?
During the term of the group, the group leader will train an apprentice to be the leader of the next group. At the end of the group, the leader will take half the current group, and the apprentice (after becoming an approved leader) will take the other half of the group. Then they will both add more members to their respective new groups, therefore allowing others to join groups with seasoned leaders.
What do groups study?
Each group picks their own curriculum to study with the help of the Pastor that has oversight of your particular group. Because group life is such an important part of our spiritual growth each Pastor is encouraged to form smaller groups within their ministries. All of our Pastors function under the same group model, but with independent purposes and/or affinity groups.
How do I join a community life group?
Sort through the variety of offers we provide in Find a Group. You may enjoy a particular topic, teacher, facilitator, or learning setting. We have offered several ways to sort through our group options until you find the right spot for you. Once you decide which group you are interested in, click on “Join This Group.” The ministry leader will contact you with more information. If you are interested in starting a new group, please do not hesitate to contact Linda Noah, Pastor of Spiritual Formation at New groups are starting all the time.