Own your belonging! Get stuck into a Life Group in 2025
As our church grows, cultivating a true sense of belonging requires intentionality—it’s a choice we make together. We can either settle into a consumer mindset or embrace the profound benefits of belonging…
Citygate Church Life Groups.
Research shows that in our hierarchy of needs, a sense of belonging ranks just after essentials like food and shelter. Studies indicate that a stronger sense of belonging can lower stress levels, bolster our immune systems, and even slow down aging (who needs collagen when you have community?!).
As our church grows, cultivating a true sense of belonging requires intentionality—it’s a choice we make together. We can either settle into a consumer mindset or embrace the profound benefits of belonging, where we not only support each other physically but also grow spiritually and live out our mission. To foster this belonging, we’re committed to creating more Life Groups, and with the new year ahead, I’d like to offer you two challenges:
1. If you’re not part of a Life Group yet, consider joining one. Below are a couple of the many stories that reflect the impact of belonging to a Life Group.
2. If you feel led to start a Life Group, let’s connect. All you need is a heart for people and a willingness to lead with others. We’ll equip and support you as an LG leader.
This year we are focussing on Kingdom Discipleship, which only truly takes place in community. I know you want to grow as a disciple of Jesus, so my encouragement is to join a Life Group (or lead one). It’s in that place of belonging that you will increasingly connect relationally, grow spiritually and live missionally as a disciple of Jesus.
Your Stories of Belonging…
Mum’s Group: Cementing identity and purpose!
God has been graciously blessing our Mums Group from it’s beginning. This term we have felt God cementing our identity and purpose as a group through prophetic words and we have been enjoying exploring this together as God speaks to us each time we meet! Our little ones are with us when we get together, which can prove a challenge! - Yet we have found joy in worshipping with them and peaceful times in the chaos, even able to share deeply and bring testimonies for encouragement. One mum said: “Mum’s group has been a lifeline for me. The realness and the prayer have meant so much. I have made some beautiful friendships, and my daughter loves it too.” – Hannah Crocombe, Mum’s Group Lead
Citygate Church's Mum's Life Group enjoying a craft evening together.
Women’s group: “I’ve found sisters!”
I found Sarah and Debbie’s Life Group during my first visit to Citygate. Debbie welcomed me warmly and introduced me to Sarah, and both have made me feel at home. As a young mum, I was searching for a group of people who shared my love for God and a similar stage of life, but I’ve found so much more—sisters, friends, and support. Our gatherings are a safe space to laugh, cry, share, and grow in faith together. The love within this group is unlike anything I’ve experienced, and I’m deeply grateful for these amazing women. – Vicky, Women’s Group Attendee
Citygate Church's Women's Group throwing a baby shower for one of their members.