Life Groups

A Life Group is one of the best ways to connect with others. Take it from the wisest man on earth, who said, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Three are even better, for a chord of three strands is not easily broken.”
- Solomon in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
 
Living interconnected lives in a way that fosters spiritual progress is vitally important for everyone who desires to follow Christ. And since the kind of life-connections we need normally don’t happen casually, we need to be intentional about creating an environment where we can do life together in a meaningful way.

Living life “in community” means being a part of something that matters, having face-to-face interaction with others, knowing others, and being known.

Click here to learn more about what's happening with Community Life Groups at Riv.

Click here to download the document "Tips for Overcoming Common Life Group Stress Points."

There are a few ways to get involved in a life group:

RivLink

First, you can attend RivLink. This is an event where people meet and connect with others to start a group. Think of it as “speed dating” for Life Groups. These events usually take place the third weekend of the month after the 7:00ish pm Saturday service and the 11:30ish am Sunday service in the lobby at Riv's Holt Venue.

At RivLink, you’ll get the opportunity to join a Starter Group. As the name suggests, Starter Groups meet for an initial eight-week period with a set curriculum, and then have the options of continuing, disbanding, or reassembling at another RivLink to get to know some more people in another starter group.

Groups consist of eight to twelve people, are made up of singles and/or married couples, and are a combination of people from diverse life stages, locations, and interests. When you leave RivLink, you’ll have all the details for your first meeting planned out.

If a Starter Group opts to continue, it simply transitions into a Life Group. Groups are encouraged to use the weekly Message Notes, which expand and explore on the weekend messages. Each group has a Life Group coach who provides help and support for the group.

Join an Age-Specific Group

If you are a middle school, high school, or college student, there’s a age-specific ministry at Riv that exists to help you get connected in a Life Group.

• For middle school students, that’s Chaos.
• For high schoolers, there’s The Element.
• And for the college crowd, there are Chapters and Life Groups on Campus at MSU

Start Your Own Life Group

You can also form your own Life Group. If you already know people you would like to start a group with, go for it! Determine how and when to meet, and Riv will help you get started and provide support, along with a Life Group coach.

For more info about RivLink, or if you are interested in forming your own Life Group, email Betsy.G@RivChurch.com or Paul@RivChurch.com.

Life Group Leaders

Do you lead a Life Group? Be sure to check out the next Life Group Leader Equip. Childcare will be provided as long as you sign up in advance. Please click here to register.

Email Betsy.G@RivChurch.com with any questions.

RivLink FAQs

What is RivLink?
RivLink is an event where people meet and connect with others in their area or stage of life to start a Life Group. By the end of RivLink, you will have the opportunity to be in a group.

When and where is RivLink?
RivLink usually happens once a month after a Saturday 7:00ish pm service and the next day's Sunday 11:30ish am service at the Holt Venue. Click here to see when the next RivLink is happening.

What happens when I attend a RivLink?
You'll make a name tag, have some refreshments, and get to know others. After a short introduction about Life Groups, you'll have the opportunity to form Starter Groups, which have a set curriculum for an eight-week period.

How are Starter Groups formed?
They can be formed based on location, life-stage, or interests.

What is the commitment?
We ask for an eight-week commitment with your Starter Group. After that time, you have the options of continuing as a Life Group, disbanding, or finding a group that's a better fit by attending another RivLink.

How many people will be in my group?
Starter Groups have between eight and twelve members. They are closed to new members during the eight-week period, unless the group agrees to expand during that time.

Who will lead/facilitate the group?
Each group will need a facilitator, who will help the group determine when and where it will meet, organize purchasing the curriculum, and facilitate the meetings.

Who will help our group get started?
Each group will be assigned a coach, who will help you get started, check-in with you during the eight weeks, answer any questions you might have, and help you make the transition into a Life Group.

What is a Life Group?
A Life Group is the next phase of a Starter Group, when the group has chosen to continue after the initial eight weeks with a designated leader. Life Groups meet for 18-24 months with a group agreement and then are encouraged to multiply. Life Groups use the weekly Life Group Notes prepared by Riverview, which expand on and explore each weekend’s message. They also have a Life Group coach who mentors and helps that group succeed.

What if I can’t find a group that fits me?
You can start a group with others who share your interests, or try to connect through our age-specific ministries. Just email Paul@RivChurch.com if you need some help.