Co-leadership
Co-leadership is two or more individuals who share in the responsibilities of leading a group. They partner together helping to create an irresistible group environment where people can connect relationally while growing spiritually.
Community Group
Community Groups are small groups of adults that meet weekly in homes for 12-24 months for connection and spiritual growth. Community Groups are the ideal environment for groups to continue together in the discipleship rhythms experienced in Rooted. We believe that life is better connected and spiritual growth occurs best within the context of community. Community Groups are a place where friends can become like family.
Group Formation Season
Group Formation Season is the time of year where we invite people to move beyond the rows of our weekend experience into circles, forming Community Groups. This season occurs twice a year; in January and September. During this time, all available groups will be posted online where group seekers can choose which one they would like to join.
Growth Groups
Growth Groups are designed for those who have recently experienced Rooted within 24 months of the current Group Formation Season. Now, individuals have an option for a new or continued group experience which will be a 9-month intentional focus on using our lives to help others experience Jesus. Growth Groups will not restart with Rooted but launch (or relaunch) with Life In Rhythm – A 10-week curriculum designed to empower individuals to establish healthy rhythms of discipleship and live out God’s design in the two spheres in which we spend most of our time—work and family. Groups will continue on in the remaining months using a curated list of books and studies to be challenged to grow into disciple-makers. Growth Groups wrap up with a collective celebration with all of the graduating Growth Groups of the season. Our hope is to see Growth Groups inspire and produce future leaders for our various ministry environments.
Interest Groups
Interest Groups are groups that form seasonally around a common interest or activity (ie. running, softball, hiking, cycling, motorcycles, etc…). These groups are short-term in nature (3-10 weeks) and focus more on relational connection than spiritual growth. They are designed as an early step toward following Jesus more closely. Interest Groups also provide some entry level leadership opportunities for volunteers.
Landing the Plane
At the end of 12-24 months Community Groups may take a pause in order to release members of their existing group to start new groups. If the Origin Group wants to stay together, they may do so while fulfilling the open spots in the group through Open Enrollment. In some cases, the Origin Group will experience a transfer of leadership. This is the case when after landing the plane, one or more of the Origin Group’s leaders move on to launch a new Related Group or take a sabbath period from leading. This is an integral part of our multiplication strategy.
Multiplication
As we continue to invite and lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, we want to also be inviting people into Community Groups. Because of this, our ability to fulfill our mission is directly connected to the amount of safe Community Group environments we can create. This is why we invite all group leaders and group members to partner with us in our missional multiplication strategy by embracing the strategic seasons of GroupLife. Community Groups will meet together for 12-24 months and along the way be preparing to send off 2-4 members of the group who can partner together to create a new group environment. At the same time, the Origin Group will be preparing to receive 2-4 new members through Open Enrollment if they wish to continue on together into the next strategic season of GroupLife.
Open Enrollment
During our Open Enrollment seasons, existing groups may open up available spots to receive new members who have previously been through Rooted. This period of time correlates with our early and late year Group Formation Seasons and adds a mid-season opportunity as well. Open Enrollment happens in January, May, and September.
Origin Groups
Origin Groups are created during Group Formation Season. This is the original group established that goes through Rooted together and continues on to meet for 12-24 months before landing the plane and releasing members and/or adding new members.
Related Groups
When groups multiply, the connections do not end there. We want to celebrate next steps, growth, and all that God is doing by maintaining connections throughout GroupLife. The primary connections will be experienced between groups which are related through members of common Origin Groups. These connections are experienced through collaborations in activities such as serving projects, summer socials, leadership collaborations, trainings, cross-group prayer, stories, celebration..etc. Our belief and hope is that Related Groups maintaining ongoing relationships will further establish a growing sense of connectedness throughout GroupLife and multiply our potential for impacting our world.
ReLaunch
ReLaunch is a 10-week period of time after a group has landed the plane where they are preparing to take off again. They have sent out a few existing members to lead new groups and added a few new members to the existing group. During this new takeoff period, groups will want to lean more into connecting relationally than growing spiritually. For a short time, groups are encouraged to invest in sharing stories, enjoying social events and participating in other low-intensity activities (such as volunteering with local compassion) which are helpful for the establishment of relational connection. There are helpful resources for your group’s ReLaunch period available at Insidejourneyrva.com.
Rooted
Rooted is an 11-week catalytic experience that will jump start or deepen a person’s faith and their impact in the world. We’ve made Rooted the front door to our Community Groups environment, meaning each new one that forms will start first with Rooted. We believe Rooted is the best way for a new group to begin to connect relationally in order to grow spiritually. The Rooted experience will deepen your connection with God, His church, and your purpose in God’s epic story. Together, in a group of 10-15 people from all walks of life, you’ll explore the Bible, engage in prayer and serve experiences, share stories, and practice rhythms essential to a healthy spiritual life. We will provide you with a facilitator who is trained to come alongside your group to help you get the most out of the experience. We offer Rooted twice a year during Group Formation Season.
Short-Term Groups
Short-Term Groups are like Community Groups, but meet weekly for a short term (3-6 weeks) here at the Journey campus to explore one topic. They are meant to provide a glimpse into what our long-term Community Groups are like. In a Short-Term Group, those who attend will interact with the same people each week to connect relationally while also growing spiritually by discussing the topic and serving the community together. Short-Term Groups are offered twice a year; April and July.
Starting Point
Starting Point is a conversational environment where people can explore faith and experience community. Starting Point groups are a safe place for people with questions about faith as well as those who want to learn about the Bible and Christianity. Groups meet here at the Journey campus for 5 weeks and explore the Bible’s story while helping one another find their place in it. Starting Point is offered three times a year; March, August, and November.
Transfer of Leadership
Every 12-24 months Groups will temporarily land the plane, sending out several members to establish new groups. In the event that those outgoing members were the leaders of the Origin Group, there would arise a need for a transfer of leadership. This process will be guided by the GroupLife staff team and resources will be made available for the onboarding of new leaders ensuring a smooth transition into the next season of the group.