So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others

The most strategic person in the life-change process of the church is the life group leader. The ultimate goal of a leader is life change:  to help group members grow in Christ-like character through learning, loving one another, and contributing of themselves and their resources (not just facilitating a group once per week).  The leader takes responsibility for growth by recruiting an apprentice, attending training, and planning for the eventual birthing process of another group.

LIFE Group leaders should:

1. Demonstrate a growing personal faith and relationship with Christ.
2. Complete the Discovery Class.
3. Be in agreement with the Statement of Faith, the Vision, Mission and Values of North Wind Church.
4. Regular attender of NWC for 6 months.
5. Have a passion to see people:

• Connected people to God and Others
• Grow believers in their faith
• Equipped believers for ministry
• Send believers into ministry, in and out of the church
• Multiply their faith in Christ

1. Agree to the multiplication of your LIFE Group. This includes having a trainee who will, in God’s time, be sent to start another LIFE Group.

LIFE Expectations 

1. Spiritual transformation: Through reading, studying, learning and applying God’s Word. It is God’s plan that those who call on His name should be like Him in attitude and behavior.  North Wind Church exists not to just collect followers, but to observe transformation in their lives.  Jesus called this Making Disciples. Matthew 28:18-20
2. Prayer: God is sovereign, and His sovereignly declares we should pray.  Leaders are to pray as Jesus prayed: publicly as well as privately; authentically as well as powerfully; specifically, as well as continually. Matthew 6:9-13
3. Fellowship: Significant relationships occur best in the context of LIFE groups.  It is essential for individual and church body growth.  A LIFE group of believers who love one another with God’s love will experience the life Christ promised at the deepest level possible.  This love radically transforms us and demonstrates His power.  A group that does not contribute to this goal of spiritual maturity may well be a collection of Christians, but not a successful LIFE group. Hebrew 10:24-25
4. Evangelism: Groups must be equipped to share the gospel more effectively. Groups should pray regularly for the lost (Top 3) and beyond.  Groups need to grow and multiply to allow more opportunities for people to get connected and for the purpose of starting new churches.  A LIFE group does not ultimately exist for itself.  The goal is to start new groups that are healthy and promote life change.  We are seeking to make disciples who are fully devoted to Jesus.  1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 2:2

LIFE Leader Servanthood

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).  Often leadership, even Christian leadership, is patterned after business or political models which emphasize the organizational component of leadership.  Biblically, we see that leaders are shepherds who guide and serve the flock, caring for and developing those around them.  Leaders pick up the servant’s towel (John 13:1-17) and model the life and leadership of Christ. 

Some of us have the spiritual gift of leadership; some of us are gifted to teach; others have mercy gifts and discernment gifts.  Regardless of our gift mix, all LIFE group leaders function as shepherds serving the flock. 

Leaders set the pace, following Christ’s example (John 13:1).  Love for God, the church, for the LIFE group, and love for the spiritually lost are trademarks of growing leaders.  People tend to receive truth more readily, including correction and rebuking, when leaders genuinely care for them.  Get to know your people and genuinely express bold love to them.  In most cases, they will eagerly follow your leadership.

LIFE’s Ultimate Goal

To fulfill our mission, which is, “to bring glory to God by daily living Christ’s Great Command and Great Commission by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 4:15, Mark 12:30-31, Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8