The Word of God is explicit in its description of the quality of "the Christ-life" we are to demonstrate in our relationships. We are to encourage one another (Heb. 10:24), to be concerned for each other's interests (Phil. 2:4), and to pray and rejoice with one another (I Thes. 5:16-17).

The church in the book of Acts met in the temple (their ''church building") and from "house-to-house" (Acts 2:26, 5:42, 20:20). These first-century believers continued steadfastly in four things: The apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers (Acts 2:42). Most contemporary churches only practice two of these four disciplines in their times of meeting. They hear the apostles' doctrine and they pray together. But, in most scheduled church gatherings there is little or no opportunity for quality fellowship or for the breaking of bread.

LIFE groups at Valley Victory Church will provide a vehicle for the establishment of the quality of life that the New Testament encourages. Believers will be nurtured from "house-to-house" through our LIFE group ministry. These LIFE groups will also provide a natural vehicle for outreach and evangelism to the unchurched neighborhoods that surround each CARE group location.

Pastors David and Jackie Beaulieu have always been concerned with the spiritual care of those who attend VVC. Their desire is to see each individual fed, established, and cared for within the local church setting. This will only be accomplished as the "Pastor's Heart" that has characterized this organization from its inception is transferred to each and every LIFE group leader who serves the Lord under the Victory banner.

"THE NEED FOR LIFE GROUPS"

DEFINITION OF A LIFE GROUP

A LIFE group is a regular gathering of 5-20 believers in a home (or some other neutral location) for the purpose of mutual spiritual edification and evangelism. It follows the Biblical pattern of the New Testament Church when they met "in the temple ... and from house-to-house" (Acts 2:46). By means of these small groups, the early church was successful in building close relationships and winning souls to Jesus Christ.

Our Purpose Is Clear:

God is raising us up to be an army of Disciples who will affect this generation for Him through our worship of God, our witness to the world and our caring ministry to each other. The implementation of this purpose is extremely difficult to accomplish, however, since our life-styles and schedules keep us largely separated from each other.

THE NEED FOR LIFE GROUPS

We live in a world that is characterized by individualism and isolation! The breakdown of supportive relationships in our society (including our neighbors, family and co-workers) is producing people that are independent, lonely and isolated. Because of this, people appear to "have it all together" on the outside, while in reality they are hurting inside and in desperate need of healthy, supportive relationships.

The world and the forces of evil are daily bombarding us in an effort to pull us apart from each other and away from God. This only adds to the problem of ungodly and broken relationships. Healthy, supportive, life-giving relationships are not the norm in this world. But, the church ought to be the one place in this world where life-giving relationships are developed, because that is one of the purposes of the church. But, all too often, the church mirrors the problems of our society rather than being qualitatively different.

LIFE groups provide a vehicle for life-giving relationships to be developed. In a LIFE group, people develop committed and trusting relationships with each other (as well as with the Lord) as they share their lives and minister to one another's needs.

There will be no better environment in which to invite your unsaved friends, than the warm, accepting, loving circle of believers in your LIFE group.

THE BIBLICAL MANDATE FOR CARE GROUPS

The church's primary goal is to unite people together with God. Being in relationship with fellow-believers is not optional for the Christian. Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to (and is related to His people through) relationships. The New Testament provides us with the theological reasons for having LIFE groups in the church.

First of all, LIFE groups are essential because of the quality of life we are called to. Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another". If we are to truly love one another, we must get to know each other on a deeper level than the congregational gathering will allow. To develop this quality of life together, we need "heart-to-heart" relationships.

Secondly, we need LIFE groups because of the essential nature of spiritual growth, which is character change (or, being transformed into His image). Spiritual growth (character development) is best accomplished through association with other Christians who, in a loving and supportive atmosphere, study the Word of God and help each other to live it out.

Thirdly, LIFE groups are important because we are not saved in an isolated and individualistic fashion. Rather, we are called to live out the Christian life in ''community". We are called into a special relationship with each other. This relationship has both privileges and responsibilities (Gal. 6:10,1 Cor. 16:1,Col.3:12-17).

Finally, LIFE groups are necessary to equip Christians for a life of witness and service to the Lord. Each Christian has a gift - a special ability from God - and is called to exercise it for the common good (Heb. 10:24, 1 Cor. 12-14). CARE groups provide an opportunity for this mutuality of ministry to be both shared and developed.

For all of these reasons, the LIFE group is the vehicle that will enable us to be the church that God intends for us to be. In no other way can the functions of the local church be so fully carried out. In no other context can the Word of God be communicated with so much impact on individuals' lives. The church today, as the church of the New Testament, needs the "church in the house". We need CARE groups!

A CALL TO ACTION

The Lord has given us a clear and distinct call to impact our generation for the Kingdom of God. We must develop strong leaders to guide, disciple and nurture the thousands that God will send to our Victory Churches. How will this be done? Through LIFE groups!

LIFE groups provide the means for effective evangelism and increased pastoral care! As we commit our­selves to the CARE group ministry, we will see God move in our generation. We will affect our nation and our world for Jesus Christ!