A Life Group is a smaller group of people within SonCoast who meet regularly to establish a sense of community to live out the reality of the Christian life on a day-to-day basis. The purpose of Life Groups is to grow Christ-centered communities through loving relationships and to equip families and individuals for biblical living.

The benefits of participating in a Life Group are far reaching. In the context of this smaller "spiritual family" you will be able to establish deeper relationships in a warm and safe environment. You will be accepted for who you are while at the same time encouraged to reach your full potential in God. This small group will be a care-giving community as well as a place to grow in areas of serving others. The Body will learn how to grow up into the fullness of Christ as we see the Lord at work in and through each other.

The Life Group is the primary relational unit for connection to the community of believers at SonCoast. The various SonCoast ministries, special classes, and different focus and interest groups are all meant to be a complement to Life Groups and not a substitute. Given the size of our church staff, and their responsibility “to prepare people for works of service” (Eph. 4:12), it is impossible for them to be available to personally meet the needs of all the people in the church. Life Groups will be the primary means for meeting the complex needs of the body.

Scriptural Mandate

The Church is God's chosen vehicle for the operation of His love and grace on the earth. The power and work of the Holy Spirit through a dynamic church is how God gets things done—it's how He builds His kingdom. Though the world does not see or know it yet, the Church has what the world is looking for.

Scripture and church history have taught us that the most effective model for a dynamic church body, which consistently administers the love of God, comes in the form of small groups. This interpersonal relationship model was the basis for vibrant Christian life and growth in the New Testament Church.

The small group is the context that God has chosen to reveal Himself to the world in His multi-faceted beauty. The small group is how the body of Christ is "built up until we all reach the unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4:13)." Since SonCoast is serious about making an impact in our community as a truly dynamic force of Gods love, power and grace, we have to take seriously the model of Church that the scripture presents.

How are Life Groups structured?

The structure, frequency (ideally every week—with scheduled breaks built into the church calendar), and nature of what takes place within the groups will vary depending upon the personality, availability and gifts of the leaders. We need to respect and make room for the various ways in which the Holy Spirit will work in each group.

With that understanding, in order to adequately provide for the needs of most people, the groups will meet at least twice a month. Some groups may choose to meet weekly. The common elements of a Life Group will be: fellowship, worship, group discussion on a focused topic, personal sharing and prayer.

An important aspect of Life Groups is to multiply the ministry of SonCoast by equipping the individuals in the groups with the skills for congregational care. This will include providing training and help in discovering resources which can meet the spiritual and physical needs of SonCoast and the local community of believers.

Life Groups are the first line of defense when a need occurs. There will be needs that arise that can’t be met by an individual Life Group. When that happens, other Life Groups need to be ready to come along side and help bear the burdens of another Life Group in need. As Life Groups, it is critical that we demonstrate our love for Jesus Christ by loving others. Our love for one another is a response to and a consequence of Christ’s love for us (1 John 4:19-20).

Although the purpose of the Life Group is to provide a context for developing relationships, encouraging people in their faith, and assisting in the meeting of needs, we must be careful not to allow the Life Groups to become "dependency" groups (or clicks) that are exclusive in nature. The focus should always be outward, with reproduction and growth as main objectives. In fact, members of the group should always be reaching out to new people and inviting them to the group.

Who should participate?

As a church we strongly encourage people who regularly attend SonCoast to join a Life Group. Church membership is not a requirement for participation. Families are encouraged to bring their children (however, there will be groups that are designated as adults only). Visitors and seekers are always welcome.

The goal is to have Life Groups designated throughout the Boca Raton and Delray Beach area for participants’ convenience. Although it makes most sense to attend a Life Group in your geographic location, you are welcome to attend any of the groups to see which one would be a good "fit" for you and/or your family.

Contact the church office at 561-997-6109 or email for more information.

NOTE: If you are planning to attend a Life Group meeting for the first time, please call first to confirm the day, time and location.