Life Groups are small groups of 4 to 16 people who come together in community to connect, grow and serve. This is where we live out what it means to be Six40 Disciples by loving God, loving our neighbor and loving one another.

We’re designed for community. Since we believe the way we best begin to look more like Jesus is in community, we encourage each WestGater to get into a Life Group! This is where you practice and learn to live out the “3 loves” together. And if you hadn’t noticed, Loving God, Loving Your Neighbor and Loving One Another is a life long journey, which is why we do it in community. As Steve Clifford often reminds us, “The Christian life in not difficult alone - it's impossible."

Each week across the greater San Jose area, be it in living rooms, local coffee shops or the church campus, Life Groups are living life together. For about two hours, people from various backgrounds and walks of life come together to share their lives together- through food, prayer, discussion and serving their local communities. Each group looks different- some study a book of the Bible, some choose a curriculum to go through, some are currently talking about the weekend sermons. People in Life Groups are well-known and well-loved, so we encourage each WestGater to check one out!

The main thing is come and be with the other people in your group. Just be you! When we find a group of people we can live authentically with – that’s accomplishing a tremendous goal. It’s also beneficial to you and the group to come prepared. Coming prepared really enhances the group meeting and helps keep everyone on the same page. If you’re wondering, group members are not asked or “called upon” to pray or read aloud, so don’t let that keep you from plugging in!

There are two main differences: curriculum and meeting duration. Core Groups meet for 9 weeks and discuss the book, Being a Six40 Disciple. The purpose of the Core Groups is to introduce people to Six40 Discipleship: Loving God, Loving One Another and Loving Our Neighbor and begin practicing these “3 loves” together in community.

Life Groups are ongoing groups where people continue on their journey of learning and practicing the “3 loves” as Six40 Disciples.

Yes, but we strongly encourage you to start with Discovery, since that’s where you learn about who we are, what our goals and passions are and where we’re headed as a Church.

Yes, but we strongly encourage you to start with a Core Life Group for two primary purposes:
1. Core Life Groups are the gateway to Six40 Discipleship.
2. Core Life Groups provide you with an understanding of the what, why and how of Life Groups at WestGate.

The best times to get connected are during group sign-ups: September, January and April. The Six40 Life calendar that groups generally follow suggests taking three breaks per year (Thanksgiving & Christmas, Easter and summer) for service, fellowship, or just to get some R&R.

Try one of these ways to get connected:
• Fill out a Communication Card at one of the weekend services
• Email Groups@WestGateChurch.org
• Go to our GroupFinder page to search available groups and email the group leader for more info.
www.WestGateChurch.org – click the Six40 Life Groups Button – follow the diagram to find your next step on the pathway and click the link for that group – narrow your search by choosing day of week, time of day, location, etc.

Yes, we do have groups specifically designed for men, women, couples, etc- but most of our groups are mixed (bringing men and women of multi-generations together).

We’ll put you in touch with the leader of the group you’re interested in visiting, and they’ll let you know if there’s anything specific you need to bring other than yourself. Bible, pen and paper are always a safe bet, though.

Life Groups meet anywhere from living rooms to coffee shops. We also have many of our groups who meet at the WestGate campus with childcare available. Check out the various group locations on GroupFinder.

Many of the groups who meet on the WestGate campus offer childcare. However, the groups who meet in homes either share the cost of sitter or make their own arrangements. Check out all the groups with childcare on GroupFinder.

Life Groups are like people, or snowflakes, no two are the same. Not only is each group different because it’s made up of people from different backgrounds and walks of life, but each group has the option of studying different topics. Some groups study a book of the Bible, some read a book and discuss it, some choose a curriculum to go through, and some are currently talking about the weekend sermons.

Our main goal is to see each WestGater plugged into a group where they can authentically connect, grow and serve. If the group you’re currently in is not giving you that freedom, or perhaps your schedule or stage of life has changed, and you need to find a new group, let us know! We understand that finding the right fit doesn’t always happen on the first try.

Absolutely! If you have a chance to let the leader/host know beforehand so they know to expect an extra person, that’s helpful but not necessary.