Life Groups

Life Groups at Good Shepherd are transformative communities that foster genuine connections, encourage spiritual growth, and provide a sense of belonging for individuals seeking to navigate life together.

 

What are Life groups?

Be part of a life-giving group of friends to do life with.

Life Groups create a space for people to intentionally share their lives with others, grow spiritually together, and encourage each other through the highs and lows of life. Life Groups gather for 10-week sessions in homes, coffee shops, and other places where people love to connect and consist of 10-16 people.

 

Our Latest Series
An Unexpected Christmas

Discover the wonder of "An Unexpected Christmas" this December at Good Shepherd. Together, we’ll explore the surprising ways God’s plan unfolded in the story of Christ’s birth. From an unexpected genealogy and birthplace to perfect timing and reshaped expectations, each week reveals how God works in unexpected ways to bring hope and redemption to the world. Join us for this Advent journey of reflection and anticipation.

FAQs

  • Our Life Groups meet for 10-12 week quarters in the Fall, Winter and Spring. Before each Life Group quarter begins there are two ways to sign up for a group – online or at our weekend services. During the weekend services, visit the Events Table to complete the Interest Form and have any questions answered.

    We also offer “Life Group Lite” which runs during the same quarters as Life Groups. These groups are designed for people new to Life Groups who would like to find out how they work and what they are all about. Meetings take place on Sundays from 9:10 to 9:45 am in Discovery Room in the Preschool Building.

  • The majority of Life Groups meet on various nights of the week in homes throughout Irvine and beyond. Group meeting times vary.

    By request, some Life Groups meet on our Church Campus. Contact Stephanie McArthur at stephanie@gslcirvine.org to learn more.

  • Joining a Life Group requires an 8-10 week commitment to attend weekly meetings and view the previous Sunday’s sermon ahead of time. This commitment is the key to a strong Life Group. If you sign up for a group and decide it’s not a good fit for you, let us know and we’ll help you find another one for the next session!

  • Our Life Group gatherings are based on the previous weekend’s sermon. In each Sunday bulletin, you are given a set of Life Notes to follow along with the sermon and a set of Life Group questions to engage in your weekly meeting.

    In case you miss a Sunday Service, come back to this webpage to download the Life Notes and view the sermon recording on our YouTube channel.

  • If you’re leading a LifeGroup that meets in-person with kids, it’s helpful to have a conversation with your group to learn what childcare options might work best. Consider talking with another Life Group Leader who has kids in their group and learn what’s worked well for them.

    There will probably be days when it feels crazy and chaotic having kids around while you’re trying to grow closer to those in your Life Group. But remember that you’re modeling the importance of community to a group of kids who may not have it modeled any other time. You’re showing them what it looks like to prioritize godly relationships and giving them the opportunity to have their own community, too!

  • Yes, our Jr. High and High School students gather in small groups as part of our Sunday evening Youth Group. Although these groups are not included under the Life Group umbrella, they are very important to our church.

    Click here to learn more about our Youth Ministry.

  • Contact our Family Ministry Director, Stephanie McArthur, at stephanie@gslcirvine.org or leave her a voicemail at (949) 398-5180.