Small Groups

 Small Groups at Bethany 

We live in a world that often moves at break-neck speed.  In such a fast-paced society, many struggle to make meaningful connections with other people.  We may feel like we “know” people, but does that “knowing” ever reach the depth where we feel like we also “belong”?  Where do I belong?  Where do I fit in?  Will anyone notice when I’m gone? 

That search for belonging can even occur within the context of a church.  How do I form meaningful relationships with other Christians?  How do I connect into a church body of several hundred people?  Where do I go where I will know and be known by others on a deeper level?  Where can I go to experience real growth in my relationship with God?

At Bethany, we strongly believe that these needs can best be met in the context of a small group.  A small group is 4-10 people who gather together regularly for fellowship, study, prayer, serving, and sharing life.  At Bethany we believe that participation in a small group is vital to the growth of a believer.  In the Bible, we see how God uses people to bring grace and transformation to His people:

• Ephesians 4:16: “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
• 1 Peter 4:10: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in it various forms.”
• John 17:21-21: “My prayer is not for them alone, I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”

We also see that the early church looked much like our small groups today:

• "They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together... they broke bread in their homes and ate together... and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47
• "Greet also the church that meets at their house." Rom. 16:5
• "Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so does the church that meets at their house."
  I Cor. 16: 19

Then and today, the ultimate goal of small groups is the spiritual growth of each of its members. 

At Bethany, you will find small groups come in many different shapes and sizes.  You will find groups that meet on the church campus, in people’s homes, and at coffee shops.  You will find women’s groups.  You will find men’s groups. You will find co-ed groups.  You will find married-couples groups.  In addition, we are always looking for opportunities to form new groups.  In other words, there is a small group that will fit your shape and if there isn’t, we’d love to form a new one that will!

If you are interested in getting involved in a small group please contact Lon Wagner by using our contact form and select Lon Wagner on the category pulldown or call the office.