IMAGINE BEING PART OF A SMALL GROUP THAT PEOPLE CAN'T WAIT TO GATHER FOR; IT'S FUN, IT'S ADVENTUROUS, IT'S ENERGISING.
Christina shares her story of how she has grown as a follower of Jesus in her time at university and the impact small group has had in her life.
Desiring a deeper relationship with God?
Yearning for transforming community?
Feeling called to radical obedience and stepping outside of your comfort zone?
These are some of the questions that started to bubble up as I got stuck in with a church at uni, but they're not so easy to live out and can feel overwhelming at times. Small groups are a great way to journey in your faith personally, discover more of God, and step outside your comfort zone. What are you looking for God to do in your life while you are at uni?
Small group has defined my university experience and has grown my relationship with God into something that I would never have predicted. The last couple of years has shown me the power of community which has been even more emphasised since I stepped into leadership of the group. Life is challenging and none of us are able to do it alone. Jesus himself spent a lot of time with others and shared the last three years of his life with the twelve.
Recently a member of our small group was alone over the Christmas holiday and shared their worries with some others in the group. We were able to gather around them and they ended up spending parts of the holiday with others within the church including Christmas day. Coming back afterwards, they expressed that the holidays had been far better than they thought.
My own journey to leading a small group has been a God-filled one and the journey I continue on as a leader has grown me as a person and in my faith. It is a real privilege to lead people on their journey towards a deeper relationship with Jesus, but it does not come without its challenges. Everyone is different, as well as human, and their relationships with God are dynamic. But to share this journey with them, including the various victories and challenges, is an honour. Small group continues to enrich my life and is something I look forward to every week.
As you head back to university this term, what are you looking to be part of and what are you bringing to community?
Whatever season you're in with Small Group, we created a resource that can help. With a copy of Small Groups, Big Mission in your hands you can start dreaming for your group and grow a vision. Let's be builders of contagious communities, joining in with God's movement.
