Pastor’s Bible Study (alternate Thursdays 7:00 - 8:15 pm)

Go deeper into the scriptures by studying some of the most familiar teachings of Jesus from his Sermon on the Mount.  The Beatitudes, the Lord's prayer, Jesus' teaching on money, divorce, love for enemies and much more. The group, beginning January 22nd and led by Pastor Jeff, will use the Life guide Bible Study by John Stott with weekly assignments.  The group will then meet every other week for teaching and discussion.  If you are interested in this study or would like additional information, please This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Prayer Study - "Love to Pray" (various days &times)

From January 25th until Easter, we will have a church-wide emphasis on Prayer.  Most of our small groups during this time will be doing a study called "Love to Pray" by Alvin Van der Griend.  Groups will meet twice a month (every other week), for a total of 6 sessions.  This study will help you discover how to become devoted to prayer as a way of life.  Learn about topics such as: what good is prayer?, how to pray for others, claiming God's riches, and model prayers of the Bible.   Choose from one of the following 5 class times.   Sign up at the Life Group Table, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday  6:30 p.m.

Thursday 7:00 p.m.

Friday 7:00 p.m

1.  Why should I join a Life Group?

The church is supposed to be like an extended family, and it’s hard to be family with folks you don’t know!  So, one reason to join a Life Group is to get connected to some other people who are interested in spending time the same way you are.  We are also called to become disciples of Jesus, which means learning to follow Him more and more closely.  Thus, another reason to join a Life Group is to help you grow in your faith journey, whether that’s learning more about the Bible, getting answers to your basic faith questions, learning to pray, learning to have a God-centered marriage, or learning to manage your finances in a God-pleasing way.  

 

2.  Are all Life Groups the same?

No.  At The Harvest, the diversity of our groups matches the diversity of our people and their interests.  We have men’s groups and women’s groups and mixed groups.   We have pure Bible Studies and we have Home Teams, which combine fellowship and study.  We have fellowship-oriented groups like a golfing group and a scrapbooking group.  Some of our ministry teams are a Life Group because they meet regularly to serve together.  The possibilities for Life Groups are endless.

 

 

 3.  How often do Life Groups meet?  

Some of our groups meet weekly (e.g. most Bible studies and accountability groups).  Some groups, such as Home Teams, meet every other week, and some groups meet monthly (especially some of our fellowship-focused groups). 

 

4.  How long does a typical Life Group stay together?

Life Groups form three times per year (January, May & September) and last for 4 months.  However, some groups choose to continue from one season to the next and can last for a year or more, but January, May, and September are the ideal times to enter or exit a group.  

 

5.   How do I join a Group?

There are several options:

1. Sign up at church during one of the three promotional times of year.  Or mark the connect card in the bulletin for more information.
2. Contact the Life Group Leader directly to ask about joining their group.
3. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or call the church office (281-778-2434) and we will have someone follow up with you to discuss options.

6.  Can I join a group mid-season?

In many cases you can!  Check with the group facilitator or contact our disciplelship program leader to find out.  There are some cases, like Disciple Bible Study, where it is important to begin at the beginning and see it through to the end, but there are other cases, like the men’s breakfast group or Home Teams, where you can join anytime.

 

7.  Is childcare available?

Each group handles this situation differently, depending primarily on where the group is meeting, how many children need childcare and whether the location can accommodate that.  Some of our Home Teams are kid-friendly so that families can participate together.  Check with the group’s facilitator to find out more.

 

8.  I’d like to join a study, but I don’t want to be put on the spot to read or pray.

Life Groups are a place to grow and explore.   We recognize that each of us is at a different place on our spiritual journey.  Our goal is to provide a safe and trusting place for you to grow as God’s Spirit leads you, thus you will not be pressured to participate in ways that are uncomfortable to you.   If you’d like help choosing a group that you’ll be most comfortable with, contact our Life Group Administrator.

 

9.  I’m new at all of this.   Where should I start?

If your goal is primarily to build relationships, then start with either a Home Team or one of our fellowship-focused Life Groups.  If your goal is primarily to learn more about Christianity or the Bible, then start with a Home Team or our Alpha Class, which is offered every Fall.

 

10.  What exactly happens in a Home Team?

Home Teams are gatherings of 8 – 12 people every 2 weeks in someone's home.  Meetings last 1.5 hours.  The time is equally divided between fellowship and Bible Study.   Relationships are built as the group gathers over snacks or a meal, then a passage from the Bible is read and discussed by participants.  No advanced preparation is required.  Through the discussion, participants learn from one another’s viewpoints and grow in their understanding of scripture.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens the wits of another.”   Proverbs 27:17