Life Group F.A.Q.  (Frequently Asked Questions)

 How do you define a life group?

Life groups are consistent gatherings of approximately six married couples or eight individuals that meet weekly in someone's home for fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and accountability.  They are for adults of all ages, stages of life, and spiritual maturity.  

 Why does Oasis do life groups?

We believe that it is in the context of intentional relationships where significant life change takes place best.

Life groups are the place where real life and real issues are discussed.  This is the environment to celebrate the successes and good times of life and comfort one another in the tough and disappointing times.  It is a place to be encouraged, equipped and challenged to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ.  For more reasons click here to read Why Life Groups.

 When do life groups meet?

Each life group decides when and where it wants to meet.  Most groups meet at least 3 times a month.  As individuals seek to join a life group, we help them find people that are meeting on a particular night and in a certain area of the city.  All of our life groups meet in group members' homes.

 How long does a life group last?

Each group determines the duration of time that they will meet – we recommend that they spend between twelve to twenty-four months together.

 What is your process for connecting people into life groups?

Once a request to join a group has been made a staff member or volunteer connects the individual with an existing or new group based on the details they included in their sign up.

 What criteria do you use to place people in life groups?

Typically people looking to connect to a new life group for the first time use the following criteria:

Stage of life (i.e., married with kids, married with no kids, married empty nesters, single males or single females)

Area of town, Day/Night of the week, Group's start and end date.

 How do groups choose curriculum?

Oasis makes its own curriculum each week and supplies it via DVD to the group leader.  Each week's topic connects with the topic from the previous Sunday morning - so what you hear about on Sunday you will have a chance to talk about during the week.  This approach builds momentum and leads to positive life-change.

 If a member drops out of a group, do your groups add additional members?

During the first six months of the group's twelve to twenty-four month life cycle, members are added to fill the group to capacity.  After that, it is the group's decision whether to add any additional members.  If the group is planning to multiply within six months, we recommend they don't add new people.

 How do groups add additional group members?

We encourage group members to look at their existing relationships first.

 What is the purpose of the Group Covenant and is it really necessary?

The covenant is a tool used by the group members to help establish expectations and manage the group for the duration of its life cycle.  Its use is essential because most problems that groups face are due to unmet expectations.

 How is childcare provided for small groups?

Parents arrange for childcare during their small group, often group members with children bring their kids together and get one babysitter.

 Do you recommend groups meet outside of their weekly meeting times?

Yes!  We recommend groups have regularly scheduled ‘planned interruptions.’  A planned interruption can be a social event, a community service project, or even an overnight retreat.

 How do I sign up?

You can sign up online – click here.  Also, at any Oasis gathering brochures are available at Oasis Central for Life Group sign up.

 Life Group Leader Resources