I confess that I do not want to change up the LIFE Groups. Our group has been wonderful and the friendships that have deepened will always be a blessing, BUT to continue to grow and better equip one another as servants of Jesus Christ it is time to "mix things up" again. There is a clearly defined life-cycle to groups in all the research literature. Part of the analysis indicates that groups either need to birth a new group or be shuffled every two years to continue to be healthy. The consequence of not birthing or not shuffling is that the group excludes newcomers and new leadership does not develop because everyone is comfortable and invested in their existing group.

The body of Christians in Great Falls has supported our LIFE Groups tremendously. When I share with other church leaders that we have averaged 77% of our Sunday morning attendance at LIFE Groups they are AMAZED! Your dedication to the Lord and to His people is a fantastic example and a great encouragement. To continue to be healthy it is time to step out in faith and take on some new ministries. Your family should have received ministry descriptions and a LIFE Group Survey this morning. It is very important that you fill one of these out as we select the next set of LIFE Groups that will begin on September 28, 2008.

Please pray about the ministry areas that the Lord is calling you to fulfill and pray for the LIFE Groups in general. It will be vital for you to return your surveys as soon as possible and no later than July 27, so that we can have as much information as possible in prepping the new LIFE Groups.

I know that change is difficult for all of us, but I also know that we will not grow and allow individuals and families to grow into new roles of leadership if we do not provided opportunities. The new LIFE Groups are a critical "new opportunity" venue for us as a church. I’m looking forward to a great response first to the Lord and then to His people.

May the Lord bless each of you.

In Christ's love,

Scott Laird