What are Hope Groups?

A Hope Group is a smaller group of people within our church who meet regularly to establish a sense of authentic community to live out the reality of the Christian life on a day-to-day basis.  We desire to create and grow Christ-centered communities through loving accountable and caring relationships. Lives are changed, healing occurs, walls come down and the love of Christ is experienced as we encounter one another in small-groups of 10-20.

What is so beneficial about small groups?

The benefits of participating in our Hope Groups are far reaching.  In the context of this smaller "spiritual family" you will be able to establish deeper relationships in a warm and safe environment.  You will be accepted for who you are while at the same time encouraged to reach your full potential in God.  This small group will be a care-giving community as well as a place to grow in areas of serving others.  The Body will learn how to grow up into the fullness of Christ as we see the Lord at work in and through each other. Given the exciting growth of Living Hope, Hope Groups are the primary place to connect with others in meaningful and special ways.  Any other ministries or studies are all meant to be a compliment to Hope Groups and not a substitute.

How are Hope Groups structured?

The exact structure and nature of what takes place within the groups will vary depending upon the personality, availability and gifts of the leaders.  We need to respect and make room for the various ways in which the Holy Spirit will work in each group.  Although the purpose of the Hope Group is to provide a context for developing relationships, encouraging people in their faith, and assisting in the meeting of needs, we are careful not to allow them to become exclusivistic in nature.  Ultimately, we want to to see more people reached and new Groups started all the time. 

Who should participate?

We expect every member at Living Hope to get involved in a Hope Group so they can be served and serve in accountable, loving relationships.  We also strongly encourage people who regularly attend Living Hope to join a Group.  Church membership is not a requirement for participation.  Families are encouraged to bring their children.  Our guests and curiosity-seekers are always welcome. Our goal is to one day have Hope Groups every day of the week so that every person's schedule will allow them to get connected in authentic community.  Even if you have to leave early at times, or have to miss meetings on occassion, having people who know you and miss you is a beautiful way of protecting your self from isolation.

Do you have age-specific Hope Groups?

No!  Our Hope Groups are intergenerational because we need to be connected with people of all seasons of life.  Rather than being isolated with people our own age and station of life (we still connect with those people anyway), we have learned to respect and cherish real relationships with people of all ages.  It has honestly become one of the most exciting aspects of our Hope Groups as we help one another navigate the stages and struggles of life. By learning and being reminded about the stages of life, we help and inspire one another to live by faith and for something beyond ourselves. Informal and formal mentoring and teaching has become a part of this ministry as a normal overflow of living life together. With the help of our Deacons, we are learning how to more effectively pursue one another for the glory of God.  We need each other!

Why don't Hope Groups meet during the summer?

Actually, some do meet!  But you're probably wanting to know why all of our groups aren't meeting.  So here's the answer - we love our members!  For those who are new to Living Hope, we have several Hope Groups going throughout the summer to help you build some great relationships.  Of course this is not the only area to do that.  As you serve with the body, you will get to know many more people and will most likely end up enjoying a meal at someone else's home.  Fun!  As for the rest of our members, we're working on putting into practice everything we have learned in our Hope Groups in the Fall and Spring.  We're being intentional about relationships and are looking for people we don't know to join us in ministry, meals, and anything else we can think of.  In other words, the summer is the application of everything we have learned by getting involved in each others lives.  So go find someone you don't know and invite yourself to their house - really!

If you have more questions, please e-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .  For locations, times and schedule of current Hope Groups, click on the link below.

Click here to see the entire list of Hope Groups offered at LH.