Many people have emailed or called me and asked, “What’s up with the new name for the conference? Is there any significance to the change from Small Groups to Group Life Conference?” The sarcastic side of me is tempted to say, “No. It’s just a typo that got past the editors and now we are stuck with it.”

The truth is there is a lot behind the name change. Twenty-five years ago, nearly everyone used the same terminology. From Carl George to Lyman Coleman to Roberta Hestenes, everyone was talking small groups.

As the movement has grown over the past thirty years, it has gained a depth and texture that is not easily captured in one word or phrase. Some churches still refer to small groups, while others refer to group life, house groups, life groups, growth groups or one of a hundred other names.

Our team at the Willow Creek Association is still about building biblical community - that much has not changed. But we were searching for a phrase that would reflect the different ways Christian community is being expressed within today's church regardless of model and philosophy.

So how’d we do? Got a better idea? We would love to hear it!