What are Life Groups
What is a Life Group?
An MHCC Life Group is a small group of people who meet regularly for the purpose of growing together as thriving disciples of Christ—loving God, loving others, and reaching out.
How do I join a Life Group?
- Check out our Life Groups on-line and sign up there.
- Pick up a Life Groups Directory at the Life Groups table on Sunday and contact a group leader to sign up or to learn more about their group.
- Contact Lisa Espinoza with questions or for more information about MHCC Life Groups ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; 949.278.5958).
Feel free to visit any of our Life Groups before deciding which group you’d like to settle into. Simply contact the group leader prior to your visit to let them know you’ll be coming.
Why participate in a Life Group?
The foundation of life in the early church was relationship with God and with one another (Acts 2:42-47).
Jesus himself modeled for us the power of doing life in a small group—a Life Group. Mark 3:13-15 “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve---designating them apostles---that they might be with Him.”
Formation into Christ-likeness happens in small groups where we can pray for, challenge, encourage, care for and learn from one another. This kind of face-to-face sharing of life cannot happen in large groups.
How do Life Groups fulfill our purposes of loving God, loving others and reaching out?
There are four key ways we fulfill these purposes. We intentionally seek to:
Connect
Create opportunities to develop meaningful relationships—with Christ, with one another and with the Mission Hills faith community.
Grow
Cultivate maturity as devoted followers of Christ.
Serve
Mobilize our faith and talents to address needs both within and outside our faith community.
Care
Support and encourage one another in the seasons and struggles of life.
What does a Life Group look like?
No two groups look just alike. Some focus on a book or Bible study while others enjoy a common interest such as fitness or home entertaining. Some are based on common life experience, others on a common passion for service or outreach. Many meet weekly or biweekly and some once a month. Meetings take place in a variety of settings---running trails, homes, on the MHCC campus, and coffee shops to name a few. Currently there are six basic types of groups at MHCC:
Interest Groups:
These groups center on a shared passion, interest or activity such as quilting, sharing a meal and fellowship, fitness or raising awareness of social justice issues. These groups often act as a bridge for those who are not part of a faith community.
Support/Recovery Groups:
These groups meet around a common need for support and healing due to painful life circumstances such as mental illness, addiction or loss.
Prayer & Fellowship Groups:
These groups focus on fellowship, and group members support and encourage one another through an extended time of prayer.
Study Groups:
These groups study the Bible or topics related to Christian living. Groups typically meet in homes and include a time of fellowship and refreshments (sometimes even dinner!), discussion and prayer. Study Groups use a variety of resources such as sermon outlines, Bible studies, DVD teaching, discussion questions and book studies with the intention of growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Service Groups:
Service Groups meet for the specific purpose of providing a service that meets needs within the MHCC congregation or the community. This could include delivering meals, ministering to the elderly in our community, or planning and executing a missions trip.
Spiritual Formation Groups:
Groups meet weekly or biweekly and encourage one another as they engage in spiritual habits (such as prayer, study, meditation on the Word of God, etc.) that help us develop a balanced life of discipleship and growing love for Christ. We recommend A Spiritual Formation Workbook by James Bryan Smith as an 8- week introductory study for those interested in starting a spiritual formation group.
How do I start a group?
- Fill out a leadership application (click here to download an application).
- Attend an MHCC Group Leader Orientation or interview with MHCC staff member.
- Fill out a Group Directory Form to be included in the on-line and hard copy group listings (click here to download directory form).