by Kelly Pearson

God has always worked in my life through small groups. I remember the first small group Bible study I participated in in middle school. I loved the way our adult leader led us in searching the Bible for truth. In high school a college student volunteered at our church leading a small committed group of girls each week. This was the first time we saw the Scripture start to change our lives—the ways we related to our parents and friends at school. Through this group I learned how to pray for other people.

I’ve been involved in different small groups at Bethany for over 15 years. My first Bethany small group was a treasure. We had two families with young children, one 60-something couple, three single people and one married couple without kids. We had the highest love for each other—we met every Monday night (unless illness or travel prevailed). We went on weekend trips every summer. We walked each other through many life situations. We served together. And, we applauded each other as God called members to different cities.

I’m really excited about Group Life right now. I’m thrilled about the new small groups that start each year. Joining a group when you are new to Bethany is wonderful. These groups have high commitment and friendships tend to form deeply.

I love the different types of groups that spring up at Bethany. We’ve had book groups, women’s groups and small groups that form for a short period of time to help people make important life decisions. We now have two small groups that have been together for over twenty years. We have groups forming in neighborhoods. We have groups that meet once a month-with 100% commitment. I’m also crazy about the MENU teachers and their willingness to go to small groups to teach.

Most important, I appreciate what the Holy Sprit often does in these group settings. God changes people. God desires to transform us. My job is not to transform myself, but to connect with God in my life. Being in a small group helps me connect with God. With the help of others I learn to pay attention to God.

Is every small group perfect?
No. Some groups limp along way past the time when folks should call an ending. Deep, honest communication is very hard. It’s easy for group members to disappear when conflict arises. I’ve had excellent and not-so-great group experiences. But I just can’t give up on trying again.

What do I tell folks in a new group?
Ahhh… I love quoting Pastor Dan. He says, “Kelly, tell every new group these three things:

• Study the Bible. Pick passages from the Bible each time you meet and choose someone in the group to be your leader.
• Get together often. It’s essential that the group meets at a regular time and folks are totally committed to attending.
• Go deep. Be honest, be humble & be kind to each other. Share the important decisions in your lives. Keep things shared in confidence.”

He told me these things four years ago. I’ve said them so many times. This advice has helped many groups get up and go.

What is the cutting edge for small groups?
For groups that have been together for a while, the challenge is to continually go deeper. Many people at our church face difficult life situations regarding relationships, parenting, jobs and health issues. I hope our groups will help people learn to discern God’s leading.