Have you ever felt a little lost or unsure of your purpose? Ever wondered about the reason for your existence? Ever questioned your significance?
Get ready because Mokepeoluwa, Olaoluwa, and Tochi, have shared how being part of a church Life Group has helped them find purpose.
Host: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What’s your name, and what do you do?
Mokepeoluwa: My name is Mokepeoluwa Tamarapriye Martins. I am a French Education student and a Project Manager.
Olaoluwa: I’m Olaoluwa, an admin and content creator in an Agricultural tech firm.
Tochi: My name is Tochi Joshua, and I am a Marketer.
Host: Who or what inspired you to join a Life Group in the first place? And how many Life Group seasons have you been a part of?
Mokepeoluwa: My elder sister signed me up for a Life Group. She literally dragged me to the help desk and signed me up 😂. I’ve been a part of five Life Group seasons since then.
Olaoluwa: I joined my first Life Group in August 2022. My friend and Campus Connect Lead at the time, Tolu, motivated me to join a Life Group. I have been a part of three Life Group seasons ever since. This present season makes it four.
Tochi: I was new in church in 2018 when I heard the announcement for Life Groups. It was my first time hearing about Life Groups. So out of curiosity I signed up, and it was a hit!
I have never missed a Life Group season since July 2018. I can’t give the precise number of the Life Group seasons I have been a part of since then.
Host: What Life Group cluster do you belong to? Why did you choose this cluster, and how has joining the cluster impacted you so far?
Mokepeoluwa: I am in the Creative and Techies Life Group cluster right now. I joined because I was looking for help with transitioning into the professional world.
I am graduating soon and it felt like the perfect choice. It’s been helpful. In our last meeting, we talked about building portfolios. It sparked conversations about how much more I could do for myself professionally.
Olaoluwa: I belong to the Community, Leadership, and Social Impact cluster. I chose the cluster because I wanted to be challenged to reach out to others so I could influence them towards becoming better versions of themselves.
Tochi: I’m in the Sports and Fitness Life Group cluster. I chose this cluster because working out with Christians made a lot of sense. Joining this Life Group has made me more consistent in my fitness journey. This is something I probably wouldn’t be able to do on my own.
Although, we meet once a week, there are daily reminders and accountability systems that help build that part of my life.
Host: Before joining a Life Group, how did you view your purpose in life? And how did being part of a Life Group or serving in a Life Group change your understanding of purpose?
Mokepeoluwa: I’ve always known that I am here for a reason. But I am taking active steps toward discovering it every day with God holding my hand. I remember that in my last life group, we discussed this topic, and it helped me to have a clearer understanding of purpose.
Olaoluwa: For me, I have always seen purpose as an ongoing journey of self-discovery and helping others live meaningful lives.
Life Group has further opened my eyes! It showed me that purpose isn’t a destination, but a journey. It’s about becoming more like Christ, helping others find Jesus’ purpose, so they can live meaningful and full lives.
Tochi: I used to see purpose as a destination, one thing that you have to do, that gifting you have to spend the rest of your life doing. But after being part of a Life Group, I realized that we are not called to figure anything out.
God is doing only one big thing on the earth and He has called us to be a part of it. I stopped seeing purpose as something I get to be a part of in God’s kingdom.
Host: Can you describe a specific moment or experience where you felt a sense of purpose or fulfillment within your church community?
Mokepeoluwa: I don’t want to exaggerate, but I feel this way every time. One moment that I can’t get out of my head is the tree-planting activity last year, 2023. I was so happy to have been a part of it.
I felt like I was doing something that mattered in my community, and I am sure all the participants felt the same way too.
Olaoluwa: Last year, when I signed up for NYSC-service year, a new Life Group season started. I wanted to serve, but because of the distance and other commitments, I joined the “productivity spark cluster” as a member.
A few weeks in, a close friend who leads the “Faith, Ministry, and Calling” Life Group approached me. He wanted me to lead a group online within “Productivity Spark” Life Group cluster, even though I said I wasn’t sure.
He convinced me by saying he knew I could handle it. In summary, I cried at the end of that Life Group season, and I remember feeling a deep sense of joy and fufillment from leading a great group of friends.
Tochi: I feel this way every time I get to serve. Currently, I serve in the Sport and Fitness Life Group. Every time I lead work outs, I see it as empowering people to care for their bodies so that they can fulfill their God-purpose on earth. I see it as a part of this big thing that God is doing.
Host: Powerful Insights! So, can you share a story of how your Life Group experience has impacted your life outside the church walls?
Mokepeoluwa: I have so many examples. From little things to complicated situations.
I’ve learned how to manage tough leadership and friendship situations. I’ve also learned practical ways of addressing issues because a life group member mentioned some handy tricks. I’ve understood the importance of having a solution mindset all the time.
I had an issue with some of my group members regarding a school assignment. I remember asking for advice in a life group meeting, and I received so many useful tips.
Olaoluwa: During my first Life Group season as a leader, I had a member who told me about certain struggles he faced. I couldn’t quite absorb the contents at the time and wondered If I was “qualified” to be told those details. This situation helped me stretch my leadership capacity. Now, I am not afraid neither do I feel unqualified to help people in difficult spaces and seasons.
Tochi: Okay. So my first Life group leader nominated me as a Life Group leader for the next season. In serving, what I saw was first a great sense of delegation. This has transcended into my work. I’m currently growing a team of marketers and I’ve been able to apply a lot of insights from my Life Group experience in my business.
Secondly, Life Groups have taught me how to look out for people even in the space of friendships. Seeing what people did for me in the Life Group space has rubbed off on me. It has made me come to the heart of service to others.
In real Christian community, you don’t lose yourself, you find yourself.
Pastor Tolu Moody
Host: Amazing! Many lessons to learn. Finally, what advice would you give to someone out there who is considering joining a Life Group but is hesitant or unsure?
Mokepeoluwa: What’s stopping you??
I’ve met the best people in my various Life Groups. Real friendships. You can get so much out of it, too. 😉
Olaoluwa: Well… There are lots of noises in the world. Noises that aim to remove our focus from Jesus.
But submitting ourselves to voices that go beyond the noise of the world, voices that share God’s values and drive you towards living a purposeful and meaningful life is so precious.
You definitely want to be in a Life Group so you can consistently listen to these voices speak into your life.
Tochi: We are not destined to do life alone. Belonging and becoming go together. A lot is possible beyond your imagination that you stand to get by being a part of such an empowering community.
The best time to join a Life Group was years ago. But if you’re just hearing about it now, Be very open about it. Don’t go into life groups wearing a screen guard. There are many people who want to love you genuinely. Dive in and you won’t lose yourself. Rather, you would find yourself.
Host: Thank you so much for coming on board and sharing your experience!
Mokepeoluwa, Ololuwa and Tochi: You are welcome!
If you loved this story, kindly share with everyone you know!
Written by Lolade and Adeola
Edited by Osham Ndubisi
Lolade, Adeola and Osham volunteer with the Content Team at Sycamore Church.
(Blogposts are creative expressions generously provided for Sycamore Church. The ideas and thoughts do not necessarily represent the position of Sycamore Church)