Last spring, we focused on Life in the Body of Christ, and encouraged you to get connected to a small group because life is better together. Many small groups are starting this fall, and it’s an ideal time to get involved.
The Current asked people who are involved in small groups to tell us what their small group means to them. People told us that small groups deepen their faith, help them learn more about the gospel, and find loving support from other members.
In their own words, here are a few of the responses:
“Our Sunday 9:30 a.m. small group/class at Central has been invaluable in providing not only Biblical insight, but emotional and spiritual support. Dwight Schwartz, our teacher, is a rare blend of intellectual acumen, scriptural comprehension, and heartfelt compassion. We are a blessing to each other as the Lord moves mightily in our life together.”
Paul Mundey
“I love the mix of people in our small group: some older, some younger, all goofy and witty and fun. I love that we sing together and ask each other good questions about the Bible text. Most of all, I love that we pray with and for each other in whatever life doles out. My life is—and I believe all of our lives are—richer because of it.”
Charlene Prem
“Our small group is awesome. We do study together desiring to live our lives more like Christ intended. That being said we also have bonded as brothers and sisters in Christ to support and encourage one another in our individual joys and struggles. We even have a dad who shares dad jokes by text each day—an extra bonus.”
Gail Seward
“Our small group feels like home. Warm and safe and encouraging.”
Ben Saeli
“Although our small group has evolved, we have been studying scripture with some of these precious people for decades. We truly were each other’s church family during Covid, meeting outside, when Central was not gathering in person. It’s the place we flesh out scripture in our lives; trying to know and love God better, vulnerably caring for one another.”
Judy Summers
“I joined our small group to grow in the Lord and His word, and found a sweet community of Godly women who love and encourage me.”
Bonnie Bauer
“Leading a small group of women of different ages in Bible study, prayer, and just sharing life together, is the most life-giving and faith-impacting activity that I do in a week. This is how I and we see God at work and sanctification happening step by step—both individually and together. I love these companions for the journey!”
Luci Davis
“I joined the women’s inter-generational small group to get a deeper understanding of God’s word. Besides community, I ended up with an amazing amount of love, support and prayers during a very difficult time in my life.”
Maggie Davis
“Our small group gives all of us the opportunity to discuss the sermon texts each week. But even more, we have time to struggle with our faith journey, discuss the ways in which God offers us guidance for our lives, and share what our thoughts and prayers are each week. It’s a time of sharing, growing, and engaging with each other as we find God’s will for us. I really enjoy the spiritual interaction and variety of opinions of all of the ladies in our group. The fellowship of all of you prayer warriors is most encouraging—I feel blessed to be a part of such a great group!”
Dottie Shedwick
“Going deeper into God’s word as a group causes spiritual growth and friendship.”
Uta-Heide Hungerford
“It’s been a wonderful time of discussing God’s word and sharing our joys, sorrows, and life’s challenges. And, without being hopefully too irreverent, joining my small group was kind of like a dog joining other dogs at the dog park. Everyone’s so happy to see you, welcome you, and wanting to know about you!”
Maria Schwartz
Be inspired to get connected. You can find your community and grow in faith with Central. Whether you’re into long-term connections or short-term groups, there’s a group for you. Check out the descriptions online and sign up.
