How to Write Your LifeGroup Vision and Plan

As a LifeGroup Leader, you create a space for people to come just as they are—to share lives with one another, grow spiritually together, and encourage one another through the highs and lows of life.

One of the best parts about the LifeGroups/LifeMissions ministry is that you get to choose what your LifeGroup looks like. You’re responsible for determining why you’re meeting, what content or resources you might use when you’re together, and how you’ll ultimately grow to know God and one another better.

If any of that feels outside of your comfort zone, don’t worry. Remember, you aren’t leading this LifeGroup on your own. You have the support of your Coach and your local LifeGroups/LifeMissions Pastors to answer questions, provide insight, and guide you as you’re leading others.

You can also use this LifeGroup Vision and Plan tool to determine what your LifeGroup will look like. If you’ve already had some of these conversations with your Coach, consider this an opportunity to write down and remember what you talked about together. And if you haven’t talked about this with your Coach, share what you discover with them. This will help them identify how they can best support you.

Here are three things to keep in mind as you get started.

1. Consider what you’re passionate about. There’s a reason you started your LifeGroup, even if it isn’t super clear. Maybe there wasn’t an existing LifeGroup that worked for your schedule, or perhaps what you were looking for didn’t exist. Maybe you have an interest that you want to use to connect with others, like a shared hobby or season of life. Maybe you started your LifeGroup because you felt like that was what God was calling you to do next.All these reasons are common, which is why it can be helpful to consider the things you’re passionate about. When you know what you’re passionate about, you’ll be able to identify the qualities that will make your LifeGroup unique.
2. Determine what you’ll do when your LifeGroup meets. Once you’ve identified your passions—the fuel for why you meet—you’ll want to decide on content and curriculum resources. When you meet, you might discuss the weekend message, share a meal, or serve together in your local community. Whatever you want to do, make sure you write it down. This not only holds you accountable, but it will also help you remember what resources and tools are available to you. Spend some time learning more about free LifeGroup content options, and ask your Coach about the resources at your local campus.
3. Think through meeting logistics. You’ve probably already thought about this, but you’ll want to determine when and where your LifeGroup will regularly meet. This could be your home, a coffee shop or restaurant, or on a video call. As your LifeGroup gets started, you might notice that these details need to be tweaked or changed, and that’s okay. Just make sure you’re connecting with your Coach so they can help you update that information.

Are you leading a Neighbor Group or a Mentoring Group? If so, we’ve created a vision and plan tool just for you! Check out the Neighbor Group planning tool here and the Mentoring Group planning tool here. 

Next Steps

It’s going to take some time to write your LifeGroup Vision and Plan. Take time to pray about your passions and the unique experiences you’re bringing to your LifeGroup. Then, talk about your LifeGroup Vision and Plan with your Coach. They’ll be excited to hear about it and ready to support you as you get started.