GPBC Blog

As the summer season begins to wind down and fall approaches, many of us start thinking and planning for fall, a new school year, and the holidays. September seems to be a launching of new things. The same is true for our church community at GPBC. VBS, the All Church Campout, the Spain mission trip are all but in the rear view mirror. The fall will usher in new children programs, youth programs, and curriculums. The women’s ministry will launch new Bible studies and plan outings and retreats to nourish the souls of our women, and the Sunday classes and teaching ministry will start new classes and teaching series.  As the summer season begins to wind down and fall approaches, many of us start thinking and planning for fall, a new school year, and the holidays. September seems to be a launching of new things. The same is true for our church community at GPBC. VBS, the All Church Campout, the Spain mission trip are all but in the rear view mirror. The fall will usher in new children programs, youth programs, and curriculums. The women’s ministry will launch new Bible studies and plan outings and retreats to nourish the souls of our women, and the Sunday classes and teaching ministry will start new classes and teaching series.  

Of all the things one can get involved in the life of a church community, I believe that being in a small group is one of the most fruitful practices one can invest in for the life of a believer.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common." Acts 2:42-43

It’s great to come to worship services and listen to good teaching and worship songs, and it's great to be in Bible studies or Sunday school classes, and it’s even great to serve in the food pantry and help with the children or youth ministries. However, investing and being committed to a small group gives individuals the opportunity to live out Acts 2:42-43 in a deeper way.  

There are many benefits to being in a small group:

• Small groups practice how to love
• Small groups can give you an extended family
• Small groups study the Word together
• Small groups eat together
• Small groups help one another
• Small groups pray for one another
• Small groups provide opportunity to grow in service and leadership abilities
• Small groups provide encouragement and accountability
• Small groups can be hospitable

We currently have 12 small groups, with five groups open for new people to join them.

We also have other men’s and women’s discipleship groups (more focused on growing in one's personal walk as a follower of Christ).

We have men’s morning Bible studies and women’s Bible studies that meet at various times during the week.

Personally, in my 45 plus years of my journey with Christ, my experiences in various small groups have always encouraged me to pursue Christ more and helped me understand the Bible better.  

If you are interested in joining a group or leading a group, please contact me at: . I would love to get you connected.

Jack