What Others Are Saying...

These are some of the comments our members have made about their experience in Small Group Bible Studies. 

     I could gush on and on about small groups.  They have been the primary tool God has used over the last five years to take me from a Sunday church-go-er to a tryin'-to-walk-the-talk believer.  They helped me answer questions about our faith, and taught me how to bring it into my daily life.  Then this February, I was asked / volunteered / led by God to co-lead a small group.  Surprising to me, I felt ready; not arrogant, but comfortable.  I felt that I knew what I believed and could possibly help lead others to their answers.
      I prepared well for each class, trying to anticipate questions from the parables and histories I'd read multiple times before.  I'd taken Disciple I and was halfway through Christian Believer, so the scripture was familiar and I'd heard many of the interpretations.  But I guess God had something else in mind. He didn't really put me there to teach: He had things He wanted me to learn.  And he used every single person in that group to make me experience His gospel with new eyes.  Sometimes it was a different interpretation, but often the discussion centered on "Why?"  I had entered this knowing a lot of what I believed, but I often forgot to ask "Why?"  My classmates' insights caused me to go home and think, and pray, and study with a different focus.  I didn't lead this small group; they led me.
      I thank God for each person He put in that class.  I think we all grew, but I know I did.  They challenged me to grow in ways I wouldn't have on my own.  They helped me to see doors I didn't know God had opened for me. I'm often not sure where God wants me to go, or what He has planned for me, but each small group I've experienced has helped me walk closer to Him.  They have been, without exception, ". . . that voice behind me, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it.'"  

     In a small group you get a chance to know people thoroughly and develop friendships.  You get to see people more than just Sunday morning, and find people with whom you have something in common - especially if you join a group that fits you (for me – a men’s group).  I think being in a small group helps to cement your relationship with the church.  You’re not just a person who comes on Sunday, shakes hands and then goes home, you really become a part of the congregation, not just attending the church.  And of course it helps you to explore your relationship with God more deeply.  Our group is a bible study group, so we focus heavily on discussion.  This is very valuable because people raise questions I wouldn’t think of and contribute thoughts and ideas I wouldn’t think of.  There’s a lot of discussion, sort of like brainstorming.  We go at our own pace and focus on topics that are of interests to us.  It is great to find out that other people have the same challenges, questions and struggles that I do.  It is a great faith strengthening experience for me. 

Through the five years I have been part of the Thursday Morning Bible Study, we have read through provoking books, seen fascinating videos, and had wonderful discussions.
The most important thing I have learned in my small group is that sharing knowledge and ideas with others enriches my spiritual life.

Small group has been a great anchor for me, a path in a positive direction, help in raising my children, and an awesome circle of true trusting friends.  But I can not express enough, the comfort of knowing others have the same dilemmas of raising children as I, and the same goal of wanting to grow and do better, and of learning ways to o that in a more grace based manner.  The group is small, but the reward is huge!  Without this group, I would have missed out on a great gift to myself, and my family!

Have your own story you'd like to share? 
Please contact Laura to have your story posted here!