by Tim Gossett

One of the recurrent themes that has been discussed lately through our messages and around the church is W+2. While at first this may seem like a very odd algebraic formula, in Northview “math,” it corresponds to “weekend plus two.”

Essentially, this is an effort and a challenge for individuals to go beyond simply attending every weekend, and to serve in some capacity in or outside the church, as well as to join a Life Group.

Why is it that Life Groups were especially pointed out in this equation? I talked to Nancy and Win Clark, who host a Life Group at Northview, about Life Groups and the impact the experience has had in their life.

Nancy and Win have been members of Northview for approximately two years after moving to the area in July 2008 from Oxford, Ohio. This is not the first small group they have been involved with—in fact, they have been involved in the pastoral ministry for over three decades!

One of the things that Win and Nancy discussed is the lasting relationships that come from Life Groups; the friends that they made in these groups are, as Win and Nancy point out, “friends for life.” 

The people they have met through Northview’s Life Groups have also had a lasting impact.

In particular, one couple they met in September 2009 had to move in December of that year to an apartment, as they were anticipating a move to Central America. Their group helped them move, and in the process, this couple found many items they didn’t need—but as Win and Nancy noted, “we did need in our new home here as grandparents to four little ones, so it really helped us too!”  

But even more of a blessing was bestowed upon them as the couple they had help move surprised Nancy and Win with the gift of their vacation place in January as appreciation for the help moving!

In this couples’ words, “We had ’sacrificed’ the idea of vacation when we became missionaries!”

From this experience they learned, they said,“ You cannot out-give God!” 

The Clarks keep in close touch with the couple still and are anticipating visiting them in Central America. 

The Clarks said, “We never would have met them if we hadn’t opened our doors and our hearts through a Life Group.”

In reference to the importance that is being placed on Life Groups in the W+2 campaign, Nancy and Win feel that Life Groups are important because individuals should “be accountable to other believers.”

They said, “It is a spiritual discipline to worship together as well as meet together.” They host because they feel hosting is “like breathing and the natural thing to do –God gave a house to share, not keep to ourselves!”

If you are contemplating joining a Life Group, the time is now! Visit http://www.northviewchurch.us/story.aspx?storyid=523 to sign up if you haven’t already!

Lead Pastor Steve Poe has spoken to all of us about what being in a Life Group can do for us and Northview as a whole, and the Clarks have shown us real-life examples of the rich experiences that can be had by being involved.

Win and Nancy say that if you are considering joining a group to “try, just go there and see if you feel comfortable!”

What are you waiting for?