Why live in community?

A Life Group is a small community where people gather to practice following Jesus together.

Life Groups are places to build friendships, grow in faith, and encourage one another as we learn to live out the teachings of Jesus in everyday life.

They’re not classes or lectures. Instead, they’re communities where people share life, pray for each other, reflect on Scripture, and support one another through the highs and lows of life.

At their heart, Life Groups are about discipleship, the lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus with others and for the sake of others.

A community of practice is a group of people who learn something by doing it together.

In Life Groups, we aren’t just talking about following Jesus, we’re practicing it together. That might include things like prayer, reading Scripture, hospitality, serving others, or learning how to trust God in difficult seasons.

We share our questions, challenges, and successes along the way, encouraging each other as we grow. It’s not about having everything figured out. It’s about walking the journey of faith together.

Every Life Group looks a little different, but most gatherings include time to connect, pray, and reflect on Scripture together.

Sometimes groups share a meal or spend time catching up. Other times they may discuss the Sunday message, talk about what God is teaching them, or pray for one another. Many groups also find ways to serve or support others in their community.

At Bayview Glen, discipleship is the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus, with others and for the sake of others.

It’s the everyday journey of growing in our relationship with Him and allowing His life and teachings to shape how we think, love, serve, and live.

Discipleship isn’t something reserved for experts or leaders. It’s the natural path of every follower of Jesus, and it’s something we grow into together over time.

Our Life Groups consist of 8-15 people from different walks of life.

Life Groups typically gather in a host home, creating a comfortable space where people can share life and build meaningful relationships.

Groups meet across the GTA both in person and online, and each group sets its own rhythm for gathering. Most groups meet weekly or bi-weekly, which helps build consistency and connection over time.

Life Groups are for anyone who wants to grow in their faith, whether you’ve been following Jesus for many years or have just said ‘YES!’ to Him.

It’s a safe place to ask honest questions, learn from others, and take steps forward in your faith.

We form Life Groups by helping people connect with others who are in a similar stage of life or live in a similar area of the city.

We also value diversity within groups, because learning from people with different perspectives and experiences can deepen our faith and broaden our understanding of God’s work in the world.

Our goal is to create groups where meaningful relationships can grow naturally.

Several times a year we host Life Group Launch Days, which are one of the easiest ways to get connected into a group.

Launch Days are designed to help people meet others, form new groups, and begin building the kind of community where faith can grow. Through simple activities and conversations, you’ll get to know the people you’ll be meeting with as you begin establishing rhythms for your group.

It’s a relaxed and welcoming way to take your first step into Life Groups.

If you’re interested in leading a Life Group, we would love to help you take that step. We provide leadership training, pair you with a Life Group Coach for support, and equip you with resources like facilitation guides to help you lead with confidence.

Interested in becoming a Life Group Leader? Please contact our team at lifegroups@bayviewglen.org.

You can email us at lifegroups@bayviewglen.org