In the busyness of life, over time our daily activities seem to get out of alignment with our true values. We do not mean for it to happen, it just somehow does. The things that seem urgent at the moment crowd out the things that are important. When we stop to take a personal inventory, we realize we have stopped growing in our understanding and application of our faith. The beginning of a New Year is a great time to reflect on what is truly important and reset our priorities.

Spiritually, each of us is a work in progress, desiring to become more like Jesus. However, the type of life transformation that results in lives that seek the Lord and bless the world is not natural; it is not our ‘default setting’. It is particularly difficult to do by ourselves. On our own we are like a coal that is removed from the fire, and soon dies out. Lasting and meaningful life transformation does happen, and happens best in personal relationships. One of the places these deep personal relationships are formed, in the context of discipleship, is in LIFE Groups.

A LIFE Group is not a class or a program; it is the pursuit of a lifestyle. LIFE Groups support all of the other ministry and personal growth opportunities at Fifth and beyond. Joining a LIFE Group simply means starting right where you are on your personal journey to join together with 10 to 15 other people to become more intentional about seeking the Lord and blessing the world. You don’t have come to every meeting and you certainly don’t have to be a ministry rock star. You need only a desire to grow.

The idea is to have some fun and encourage one another in:

Loving God with heart, mind, soul and strength
Integrating faith into lifestyle and action
Following God’s Call to develop your personal gifts and passions
Engaging others around us: neighbors, coworkers and old and new friends


As the New Year begins, all existing LIFE Groups are welcoming new comers and new groups are forming. Groups meet at various times of the week and although the groups typically get together weekly, most participants attend two or three times per month. You are welcome to attend when you can; no need to be there every week. To give a LIFE Group a try or just learn more, get in touch with John & Holli Leegwater, Jim & Jackie Henderson, or anyone currently in a LIFE group. John & Holli can be reached at 452-2754 or leegh2o@iserv.net ; Jim & Jackie can be reached at 706-4794 or jjhende@gmail.com