Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have a home that can host a group?

You do not have to lead or host a Life Group alone. Throughout Scripture, God brought people together as co-laborers and partners in ministry (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10; Luke 10:1; Romans 16:3–5; Philippians 1:3–5).

Invite a few friends to coffee, share your desire to start a group, and ask whether one of them would be willing to open their home. You can share the responsibilities—one person may host while another facilitates the discussion, coordinates meals, or helps organize the weekly gathering.

God often accomplishes His work through people who are willing to serve together.

What if I don’t know enough people to start a group?

Begin by praying and asking God to bring a few people to mind. Consider friends, neighbors, coworkers, family members, or people you already know from church. Your group does not need to begin with 8–12 people. Jesus taught that even a small gathering centered on Him has great significance (Matthew 18:20).

Start by inviting two or three people to coffee or a meal and sharing your desire to grow together. Healthy groups often begin with one simple invitation.

Do I need to be a Bible expert to start a Life Group?

No. Life Group facilitators are not expected to have all the answers. Your responsibility is to help create an environment where people can open Scripture, ask honest questions, pray together, and encourage one another.

God uses willing and teachable people, not only those who feel fully prepared (1 Corinthians 1:26–29; 2 Corinthians 3:5–6). Zúme will also provide practical tools to help you guide your group with confidence.

Do I have to lead the group by myself?

No. We encourage shared leadership. Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs, and the early church regularly served through teams (Luke 10:1; Acts 13:2–3).

One person may host, another may guide the conversation, and others can help with meals, communication, prayer, or caring for group members. A healthy group gives everyone opportunities to participate and serve.

What is Zúme?

Zúme is the training we use to help new Life Groups begin with a healthy foundation. It introduces practical tools for prayer, discipleship, spiritual conversations, group health, and helping others follow Jesus.

After registering, you will receive information about accessing Zúme and beginning the training with your group.

Do we complete Zúme before we begin meeting?

You can begin gathering your group before completing the training. Once you have assembled your group, we encourage you to work through Zúme together as the first stage of your Life Group journey.

The training is designed to help your group develop healthy rhythms and establish a shared vision for doing life and following Jesus together.

How often should our Life Group meet?

We encourage Life Groups to gather weekly whenever possible. Consistency allows trust, friendship, prayer, and spiritual growth to develop over time (Acts 2:42–47; Hebrews 10:24–25).

Groups may occasionally adjust their schedule because of holidays, travel, or other responsibilities, but a regular weekly rhythm is the goal.

What should we do when we meet?

After completing Zúme, groups are encouraged to share a meal, pray together, discuss the questions in the Prayer & Discipleship Journal, and talk honestly about how God is working in their lives.

The weekly gathering is not the entire purpose of the group. It should become a springboard for encouraging, serving, and caring for one another throughout the week.

How many people should be in a Life Group?

We recommend groups of approximately 8–12 people. This size is usually large enough to provide a variety of relationships and perspectives while remaining small enough for everyone to be known, heard, and cared for.

You do not need 8–12 people before you begin. Start with the people God has placed in front of you and allow the group to grow naturally.

Can children attend our Life Group?

Each group can decide together how to include or provide care for children. Some groups welcome children for the meal and part of the gathering, while others arrange childcare or rotate responsibility among group members.

The goal is to choose an approach that supports both the children and the adults without placing the entire responsibility on one family.

What if someone wants to join our group later?

Groups are encouraged to remain welcoming while also considering the health, size, and season of the group. Talk together and pray before adding new members.

When a group begins to grow beyond a size where people can be meaningfully known and cared for, it may be time to help launch another group (2 Timothy 2:2).

What if our group experiences conflict?

Conflict is a normal part of sharing life with others. The goal is not to avoid every disagreement but to respond with humility, honesty, forgiveness, and love (Matthew 18:15; Ephesians 4:1–3, 31–32; Colossians 3:12–14).

Address concerns directly and graciously rather than allowing frustration to grow. Church leaders are also available to help when a group needs additional wisdom or support.

What if our group is not working well?

Not every group will continue forever, and every group will experience different seasons. Begin by having an honest conversation about what is not working and whether expectations, responsibilities, or meeting rhythms need to be adjusted.

If the group continues to struggle, contact the church. We would be glad to help you evaluate the situation and determine the healthiest next step.

Does the church provide Bible study material?

Yes. After completing Zúme, groups will receive access to recommended Bible study resources and yearly study options. Groups are also encouraged to use the discussion questions provided in the Prayer & Discipleship Journal.

These resources help our groups remain connected to the broader spiritual direction of the church while creating space for meaningful conversation and application.

Can an existing group register?

Yes. Existing groups are welcome to register and complete Zúme together. Even established groups can benefit from reviewing the biblical principles and practical tools that help groups remain healthy, purposeful, and focused on making disciples.

What if I would rather join a group than start one?

We believe many of the strongest Life Groups grow out of existing relationships. Begin by considering the people you already know and inviting them to pursue Jesus with you.

You are also personally invited to join one of our on-campus studies. Options include Marriage Mondays, Tuesday Night Bible Study, Celebrate Recovery on Wednesday nights, and Bible Study Fellowship on Thursday mornings.

These ministries are designed to help you grow spiritually, build meaningful relationships, and get connected through short-term groups and ongoing programs. Many Life Groups are eventually formed through friendships that begin in these on-campus environments.