Life is better together
Authentic community > Independent living
Life Groups are where you’ll find real community, grow in your faith, and discover your purpose. It’s more than Sunday mornings. It’s about doing life with people who actually know your story.
This is where you find your “2 AM friends.” These are the people you call when a pipe bursts in the middle of the night, when you get devastating news and your world falls apart, or when you just need someone who knows your story to pray with you. These aren’t just acquaintances you see on Sundays; they’re the people who show up when life gets real.
What is a Life Group?
What is a Life Group?
More than a bible study
A Life Group is exactly what it sounds like: a group of people who live life together.
Life Groups are the primary tool for discipleship at Immanuel. They’re small communities where you’ll study God’s Word, pray for each other, serve together, and build relationships that go deeper than casual Sunday morning conversations.
Whether you’ve never been in a small group, tried one that wasn’t the right fit, or used to be in one but life got busy, Life Groups are where you’ll find the community and growth you’re looking for.
Explore Life groups
There's a group for everyone
What to expect in a life group
We Study God's Word Together
We don’t just read the Bible – we learn how to actually study it together using inductive Bible study methods. When we dig deeper into God’s Word as a group, we sharpen each other and grow in ways we never could alone. You’ll walk away knowing how to study Scripture on your own and with others.
We Do Life Together
Life Groups are where you have real conversations and actually get to know each other’s stories. We show up for each other when life gets messy, celebrate the good times, and create friendships that extend far beyond group meetings.
We Pray Together
We bring our real problems and pray real prayers for each other. You’ll have people who know what’s actually going on in your life and will support you through it. Prayer isn’t just an agenda item – it’s how we care for one another.
We Serve Together
Life Groups don’t just meet and talk – we serve together in the church and our community. Whether it’s serving at your campus on Sundays, reaching out to neighbors, or going on mission trips together, this is where you discover your purpose and grow into who God made you to be.
Where Life Groups Meet
Life Groups meet all over. Some meet on our campuses. Many meet throughout the community in homes, dorms, coffee shops, and anywhere else that works for the group. The beauty of Life Groups is their flexibility in finding what works best for each group’s members and schedules.
What about kids?
Many Life Groups welcome families and have plans for children. Some groups arrange childcare, others incorporate kids into the group activities, and some are specifically designed for parents while kids play.
At the Corbin Campus, we have children’s programming at 9:30am on Sundays and 6:30pm on Wednesdays, so Life Groups that meet during those times typically send their children to be discipled in IBCKids.
Life Group FAQs
What if I've never been in a small group before?
Perfect! Most people haven’t. Life Group leaders are trained to help new members feel welcome and get connected. You don’t need to know anything special or have your life figured out.
What if I tried a Life Group before and it wasn't a good fit?
That happens. Every group has its own personality and focus. Don’t let one experience keep you from finding the right community. We have groups that meet at different times, in different places, and with different approaches.
Do I have to commit to a specific group forever?
Not at all. While we encourage giving a group time to develop (usually a few months), you’re free to find a group that’s the right fit for your season of life.
What if my schedule is crazy?
Life Groups leaders and the people in the group understand that life gets busy. Many groups are flexible about attendance, and some meet less frequently. The key is finding a group that works with your reality.
What if I don't know much about the Bible?
Even better! Life Groups are designed to help you learn. You’ll be surrounded by people at different stages of their faith journey, and everyone learns together.