Someone who didn’t know what to expect:Earlier this year I was asked to join a small group and I decided to try it out. I didn’t know what to expect but I followed through and trusted God anyway. Since then I’ve gained four great friends who hold me accountable as brothers in Christ. I’ve gained a better understanding of the Word and its meaning and I put more faith in God and less faith in myself.I love being in a small group b/c there’s a constant fellowship and if I ever have a problem, my small group can help me sort through it in a Christian way. It’s nice to know that there are other people that can identify with what were struggling with. Someone who was new to Texas:I moved to Texas in April 2007 for work and immediately started looking for a church and Christian friends. I have been a Christian since high school and know that I am more likely to grow and serve when I am surrounded by other Christians facing the same battles of life. I found a small group listed online and emailed her to join in. The first week, I was totally welcomed and dove into the group open minded. The initial fellowship was good, but as most relationships are, the depth took more time. Over the past months I have really enjoyed the openness of the group. The leadership has set up an environment where all opinions and questions are welcome. A diverse mixture of teachers, grad students, volunteers, other professionals, seminary students makes discussions extremely interesting and beneficial.This small group has allowed me to progress spiritually, grow in community with other great women as well as open opportunities for service and monetary giving. Our commitment to prayer and accountability enables us to live out the scripture in Gal 6:2 when we carry each other’s burdens. Our Tuesday night small group is absolutely uplifting and refreshing! It really helps me to keep focused during the week and hand over any stressors and worries to Jesus. Someone who was a "first-timer":What an experience!! This was my first time ever to be involved in a small group bible study and I am very happy that I made the decision to get involved. I feel blessed to have been placed in a group of guys that are serious about their relationship with Christ and have a strong desire to grow spiritually. What I like most about being involved in the bible study is the camaraderie that has developed within the group. Meeting with the group on a weekly basis helps keep me focused in the Word and helps me read and study the Word with a purpose beyond just my own. I really appreciate having a group of guys that I can talk to about Christ and how He is working in my life.I have definitely grown in my knowledge of the Word and feel more empowered to share the Gospel with others due to my involvement in the group. I am thankful to Jim Sowell for organizing and leading the group and working through challenges within the group and always keeping us focused on Christ and the Word. Someone who gets encouragement:It’s a blessing to know that other guys like me struggle with the same things and are willing to share their thoughts, feelings, and prayers about those struggles. Sometimes the only thing that helps is knowing that you are not alone, and that other people have gotten through the same difficulties I am facing. |
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