Westside has developed four (4) principle “LifeGroup Stages” that are designed to assist you in seeking where your group is on this journey and also help you progress toward the goal, which is to make disciples (Matt. 28:18-20).  The four (4) stages of LifeGroup are patterned after separate places within a given household and will make it easier for you to grasp these.  Below is a brief explanation of each stage.

-Foyer

-Living Room

-Kitchen

-Patio

• Foyer (“Connection Stage”, 1-3 Months):  The goal during the first 2 – 3 months of the LifeGroup start is to build relational capital.  If you desire the LifeGroup to be a place where spiritual transformation takes place, then authentic relationships must be established.  Unless there are previously established relationships, at this beginning stage there is usually not much personal information that is shared, because trust has not yet been established.  The majority of the conversation is surface level as everyone gets to know each other and grow in trust and respect for each other.  As leaders we want to try and facilitate relationships among ALL members as well as modeling openness and open discussion.  This is also the time that you lay down the vision that God has provided for you for the group.

Studies during this stage should be short in length (no more than 4-5 weeks long, spending between only 30 - 45 minutes per meeting in study).  Here are some suggested studies that will help your group begin to cultivate their relationships, while also sharing and discussing in a small group environment. 

Suggested Foyer Stage Studies:

1. Title: Doing Life Together- Connecting with God’s Family

Authors: Brett & Dee Eastman, Todd & Denise Wendorff, & Karen Lee-Thorp

2. Title: Groups – The Life Giving Power of Community

Author: John Ortberg, Laurie Pederson, & Judson Poling

3. Title: The Purpose Driven Life

Author: Rick Warren

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• Living Room (“Association Stage”, 3-6 months):  After approximately three (3) months hopefully your group is moving towards the next level.  Now after a few months your relationships are being solidified and trust is being built.  Members are starting to open up about some personal issues and struggles, but not in depth just yet.  Our job as leaders is three fold (3), create a safe place for everyone to open up more, model doing life together inside and outside of the group meeting time, and to identify a potential apprentice as you get to know each of the members. 

Studies during this stage can be longer (5-7 weeks in length, with up to 45 minutes to an hour spent in study per meeting), and should address topical issues that are concerns for the group members.  However, the group might not be ready yet for a deeply theological or deeply spiritual study that will challenge their mind and their heart.  Here are some suggested studies for this pivotal stage in the group.

Suggested Foyer Stage Studies:

1. Title: God's Big Picture

Author: Vaughn Roberts

2. Title: Sacred Pathways

Author: Gary Thomas

3. Title: The Best Question Ever (Book, Study Guide & DVD)

Author: Andy Stanley

4. Title: Basic Christianity

Author: John R. W. Stott

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• Kitchen (“Transformation Stage”, 7-17 [maximum 23] months):  Around seven (7) months or so, as your relationships progress, your group will move past surface level, into a season of intimate disclosure.  As everyone progresses in his or her walk with Christ, you can lead to deeper understandings of Scriptural truth and more relational accountability in which to apply that truth.  We should be challenging previous beliefs, behaviors, attitudes, and habits and confronting them with truth.  As a leader, you also want to give the apprentice the chance to grow and lead in this safe environment.

Studies during this stage can be as deep as the people in the group can go.  Topical studies related to marriage and relationships, and studies related to the spiritual disciplines are good for this stage.  This is also the stage where you will try a book of the Bible.  Here are some suggested studies that help your group move toward transformation.

Suggested Kitchen Stage Studies:

1. Title: The Life You've Always Wanted

Author: John Ortberg

2. Title: Don’t Waste Your Life

Author: John Piper

3. Title: The Names of God

Author: Ken Hemphill

4. Title: Making Room for Life

Author: Randy Frazee

5. Title: Personal Bible Study Methods

Author: Rick Warren

6. Title: Your Heritage – How to be intentional about the legacy you

leave