Small Group Testimonies
"...small groups are the heart of
the church, which is why it was a high priority on our list when looking for a
new church home."
"When my family and I
moved to Delaware, it was important for us to find a church home that was
similar to ours in love and acceptance. The first time we walked into Love of
Christ Church we felt the same type of loving atmosphere we were used to. It
was like our church in many ways, including the offering of small groups.
"We were praying about which group to join, and God put us with a
wonderful set of people. We felt welcomed, loved and cared for! This was
important because we were dealing with parenting issues, as well as living in a
new house and new area, and had new job issues.
"It was as though God put us with people
who were like-minded and shared the same issues we were dealing with . . . It
was good to know we were not alone and that we weren't being look at by people
who just couldn't relate. It was also good to have people lay hands on us and
pray, as we believe in the power of prayer and are in a group that loves to
pray for one another.
"The other side of our small group was we had fun nights--a game night and
Valentine dinner--which helped us to know each other in a different way. We
have also done outreaches and gone through a marital study together.
"When we first came to Love of Christ, it was important for me to be
connected because we were very connected in our previous church. Because of my
small group, I now feel I am a part of this church. I look for their faces on
Sundays because I want to know how they are doing and give them my love and
care. I miss them when we don't meet and selfishly want to keep them to myself,
even though God is now calling us to lead a group.
"In my opinion, small groups are the heart of the church, which is why it was a high priority on our list when looking for a new church home."
"When I signed up for a small group, I was
just looking for a Bible study, but what I got was so much more. Our group
consisted of people from all walks of life who were at different levels of
maturity in their faith. I felt like a baby Christian, and I learned from those
who were further along than me in their walk. We were all there to learn and
grow in the Lord, and as we did, we became more connected. When one of us was hurting, we all cried; when
one of us had a funny experience, we all laughed. We saw each others' growth
and encouraged one another to grow more.
“I feel truly connected to our small
group, which in turn, makes me feel connected to the church. It is great seeing
faces of people I know when I come on Sundays. I don't have to know everyone,
but knowing a few people is great . . .
I recommend it to everyone!"
“The love from each individual in our small group demonstrates Christ’s love…They are my family in Christ! -Patty Jitima.
"Although
I am an American citizen, I still feel like an outsider because I come
from another country and do not have family nearby. The small group we
joined has become our family. They accept us just the way we are, even
though we do not speak English fluently. They love, nurture and
encourage us in our walk with the Lord. When one in our group has a
problem, together we lift that person up. Over the course of time, we
have provided meals, helped one another move and prayed persistently
for each others' needs. The love we feel from each individual in our
group demonstrates Christ's love. I'm grateful I joined a small group.
They are my family in Christ!"
“This is what the Bible calls ‘koinonia,’ a deep level of
friendship, connection and knowledge of people that allows you to open up and
give of yourself…a willingness to receive from others that inspires you to
do more, be more, love more, share more and grow more. It’s “the building up of
the church,” and it happens naturally and quickly in small groups.” -Kris Wolf.
Dawn and I have been
so blessed by the small groups here at Love of Christ Church. We had been
members for a few short weeks and really wanted to connect and meet people.
We found those
connections at our home group with the Patton's in Middletown. Everyone
was a stranger the first night, but within a few weeks we started praying for,
encouraging and supporting each other; finding out each others' deeper
thoughts, desires and dreams; sharing the Word; and getting real and
transparent with one another. We cried together, ate together, joked around and
chilled out with one another.
This is what the
Bible calls “koinonia,” a deep level of friendship, connection and knowledge of
people that allows you to open up and give of yourself; and a willingness
to receive from others that inspires you to do more, be more, love more, share
more and grow more. It’s “the building up of the church,” and it happens
naturally and quickly in small groups.
I dare you to try it
and see what God does for you and through you. You will be AMAZED!!! We are
starting our own small group in Smyrna this fall and can't wait to see God
move!!
“It’s so wonderful to have a group
of friends you can be totally honest and open with and know they will not judge
you, but stand beside you where you are and help you to be all God wants you to
be.” - Sherry Willsey.
My husband and I have been involved in small groups for just
over two years now, both as participants and leaders. What amazes me the
most is how God places you in a group with people who become like family. Each
of the groups we have been involved in has been perfect for that given period
of time in our lives. We have been able to both bless and be blessed.
Last fall our family had a particularly rough time, and I
needed prayer for a difficult decision my husband and I had to make. I felt
strongly we should go one way, although our second option appeared to be “more
Christian-like.” I sent out an email requesting our group pray, and without
them even knowing our options, we had three replies affirming that decision
within a half hour. It’s so awesome to know our group prays for our
requests and that they let God use them to speak even a difficult word to us!
We have seen many prayers answered in little and big ways, and some requests we
continue to keep praying together for, knowing God will answer in his time.
It’s so wonderful to have a group of friends you can be
totally honest and open with and know they will not judge you but stand beside
you where you are and help you to be all God wants you to be. Together we
have shared joys and heartaches, moves, deaths, weddings--all things you are
glad to have others alongside to share with you!
