Why Small Groups

I started a small group for a group of teenagers in Arizona and one of the first things I went over was why? Why do we need to gather more than on Sunday mornings? Why does it matter that we gather in Small Groups or sustain this ministry? First I bring up Matthew 18:20 "For when two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." God lives in each one of us and we all bear his essence so when we gather that essence can be more powerful we can see more of God together in community as Christ lived than alone. Solitude is important especially when we need to give thanks to God and focus our lives back on him when we stray, but the importance of community cannot be overlooked. In a large crowd such as at church on Sundays you aren't inclined to open and share things very often so very rarely do you come to grow with your brother and sister, But in a small group built on trust people can feel free to share things they wouldn't in any other environment. We get in a Small Group to grow close together and build one another up, we share and live life together and this makes us stronger. Most of us didn't know each other well at the start but now with the help of Gods presence we know each other and frequently share our lives together in and outside of small group, these wonderful people have marveled me with their rapid growth and understanding. So I implore you to think about finding or starting a small group God bless!

Arizona

Some of you know that last July I moved from Kentucky to Arizona, at that time I was very involved in life lots of  friends, studied about Jesus with great youth leaders and had an awesome group of home-schoolers to hang out with at a co-op. When I found out I was moving and couldn't see these people anymore along with my family in Kentucky my life began falling apart. God however was there like always holding the pieces together. When I moved out to Arizona it took us awhile to find a house but we found one and it was within walking distance of our new church. The church had the same scripture based beliefs and teaching and an equally amazing group of teens and leaders for their youth group. They welcomed me in and through that I was able to continue growing in Christ in this new church that God had at just the right place and time for me. I have made lots of new friends and now enjoy living in the area. Looking back I now see where God was while I was spinning.