by Marie Fritzberg and Associate Pastor Todd Holdridge

There’s a well-known African proverb that says, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." At Bethany, one of the goals of the Group Life team is to help us go far. Go deeper. So we need to go together. Group Life is committed to resourcing groups, forming new groups, and helping people become part of existing groups.

In an average month, we have 15-20 people waiting to become part of a group, with some who currently have been waiting for up to a year—a concern for those on the Group Life Team. In our recent survey, we asked if groups are open to having others join, and many right now are not. On the one hand, we are committed to encouraging depth of community—the kind that is developed when a group stays together for many years. On the other, we pray that all would find the growth and supportive community that so many of us enjoy.

During the June Session meeting, the staff and elders spent time talking about forming and growing small groups; specifically how we can help find a group for everyone who is looking for one. We would like groups and individuals to prayerfully consider the following:

• If you are currently in a group, might you help us find a place for others, either by increasing your numbers or dividing into two smaller “cell” groups creating room to invite others to join?
  
• If you are not currently in a group and would consider adding a short-term commitment, we are looking for small group leaders to help form and start new groups. The GLACE team would support, resource and help you as you need.

Please join us by praying and considering the above as we seek to help everyone at Bethany go far.