By: Alli Wiseman

You want your LifeGroup to be a safe space for people. A space where people can be honest about what’s going on in their life. A space where you can laugh together, serve together, pray together, and live life together. But what happens when life gets busy or LifeGroup starts feeling like white noise?

Here’s the good news: Your LifeGroup time can be a refreshing, energizing part of everyone’s week. Now, remember that we’re all human. Sometimes life is busy, and in those busy seasons, we may need to take stock of where everyone is and see if you need to meet less frequently. And that’s perfectly okay! That doesn’t make you a failure—it actually makes you a solid leader who cares about the health of your LifeGroup.

Moments don’t have to be monumental to be meaningful.

But, sometimes the best way to improve your LIfeGroup health is by creating meaningful moments. And don’t panic. Moments don’t have to be monumental to be meaningful. There are small things you can do to make sure your LifeGroup creates meaningful moments together. Here are four examples, but have some fun with this and find your own new ways as a LifeGroup!

1. Ask good questions. (Then, really listen.) As leaders, we all crave those deep conversations that leave us feeling encouraged that we’re doing something meaningful. But how do you get there? How can you move conversation from surface level topics to deeper ones? With great questions! And here’s the kicker—listen well. You don’t have to fill every second of silence with an answer if no one jumps in. Let your question linger (even if there’s an awkward or uncomfortable pause) to give people time to process. And once someone opens up, listen! Don’t interrupt. Reassure them and thank them for sharing. And sometimes? You’ve got to give the gift of going second. It only takes one person to be vulnerable to set the tone for others to follow suit. So ask deep, thought-provoking questions like, “Share about a time when you’ve had to depend on God.” You could even encourage one another with questions like, “What is something you like best about everyone in the group?”
2. Mix it up. It’s great to have a consistent routine for your LifeGroup so that everyone knows what to expect. But sometimes, the best way to make a moment is to mix things up! Have an impromptu ice cream outing. Make a gingerbread house together. Play a game of Heads Up or host a game night. Watch funny YouTube videos together, have crazy snacks, or just plan a couple of nights dedicated solely to having fun—however that looks for your LifeGroup. You know your LifeGroup best, but having fun with them is a great way to bond. You’ll be amazed at what it can do for your group dynamic!
3. Pray together—out loud. Some of the people in your LifeGroup may not have anyone else praying for them. It’s one thing to say, “I’m praying for you,” but it’s another thing to show it. It’s a worthy endeavor to dedicate a night to taking prayer requests and then bringing them before God together. Show your LifeGroup you love them by the way you talk about them to their Heavenly Father.
4. Get a late dessert after LifeGroup. Maybe for special occasions like a birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc. you go out after LifeGroup and hang out at an informal setting together. It’s a later night, but it’s a fun, social way to actually start becoming friends with your LifeGroup.

Hopefully those suggestions kick off your own brainstorm of fun ways to make the most of your LifeGroup because creating meaningful moments together doesn’t have to be stressful but can absolutely be game-changing. You’ve got this!