TOGETHER, you will understand the Bible better. If you've ever listened to a Bible teacher or preacher and wanted to stop them and ask, ``But what about ...?'' or ``I don't understand!'' then a LIFEgroup is for you. Preaching and teaching is one-way communication. You listen while the speaker speaks. It's fine for imparting knowledge but not as effective for personal application as a small group. In a LIFEgroup, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the text, and hear other insights and illustrations of truth. Applying the Bible to your own personal situations happens best in LIFEgroups.TOGETHER, you will experience being the part of God's family. Most people who have been a part of a LIFEgroup say the greatest benefit is the close relationships that develop. They will frequently telephone each other during the week to share an urgent prayer request or an encouraging answer. You'll discover that your needs and problems are not unique. It helps to know that others are facing the same difficulties, or have lived through them and learned spiritual principles in the process. The phrase ``one another'' is used over 50 times in the New Testament to describe our relationship to other believers. We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another's burdens, and build up one another. The only way we can obey these commands is in a LIFEgroup. God never meant for us to go it alone in the Christian life.TOGETHER, prayer becomes more meaningful. Many folks are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large worship service. In a LIFEgroup of 6-12 you learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you'll be able to pray sentence prayers and join in. There are many promises in the Bible related to group prayer. In praying together with a few others, we are drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives.TOGETHER, you will be able to handle stress and pressure better. LIFEgroups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You'll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care about you and are committed to standing with you. When someone loses a job, or a family member has an extended illness, or a mother needs a babysitter - LIFEgroups naturally provide support. Small groups coordinate the sharing of hot meals when a family is in need. Many Christians testify that they would not have made it through a difficult time without the support of their LIFEgroup.

TOGETHER, you will have a natural place to share Christ with friends, relatives, and work associates. It may be that some of your friends never attend church. Just the thought of going to a formal church service makes them nervous and defensive. But many of these same people are open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home or office setting. In a LIFEgroup your friend can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling ``put on the spot''. When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty of your group, it will make them more receptive to the good news.TOGETHER, you will develop leadership skills you never knew you had! The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents or ``gifts'' to benefit others in the family of God. Unfortunately many Christians remain as Sunday morning spectators all their lives because large group meetings are primarily ``sit and listen'' situations. As you share and participate in a relaxed LIFEgroup setting, you'll discover your confidence and self-esteem rising. This will help you at work, at church, and in every other relationship.TOGETHER, you will deepen your understanding of worship. Many Christians mistakenly believe that worship only happens on Sunday morning in a large group with a sermon, some Christian music, a prayer, and an offering. Worship happens any time we focus on God. Sometimes worship happens best in a LIFEgroup.TOGETHER, you will be New Testament Christian. The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for us to grow in relationship to our Lord and each other. We can never hire enough professional pastors to meet the individual needs in our church family and the surrounding community. God never intended for it to be that way.

(by Pastor Tim Isbell, New Life Church, Cupertino, CA which was adapted from Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Community Church of El Toro, CA)