Articles & Stories

How God Uses a Grow Group to Be at Work in My Life

09.30.20 | Articles, Bethany News | by Bill Detamore

How God Uses a Grow Group to Be at Work in My Life

    Grow groups are simple. We listen to each other, pray for each other, and challenge each other. So simple, yet inspiring and life-changing.

    Wendy and I have been in a Grow Group for nearly three years. Our group challenges me to notice God in my life and others. Since joining our group, I am more aware of God’s work and, as a result, have become a more active contributor in His plan.

    Grow Groups are simple. Members meet regularly (ours meets weekly). At each meeting, the members share where they have experienced God recently. We listen to each other, pray for each other, and challenge each other. So simple, yet inspiring and life changing.

    Our group has celebrated together and shared each other’s burdens. In less than three years, we have overcome dire medical diagnoses; admitted parents to assisted living homes; dropped off kids at college; changed jobs; and (of course) argued with our teenagers. And each week our group focuses us on how God is at work in these situations.

    For me personally, my Grow Group has changed the way I seek God in all areas of my life. While I’ve known for some time that God is ever-present, now I intentionally look for Him. I seek God’s will and opportunities to build His kingdom. This change has inevitably led me to see and hear God’s prompting in areas where I was previously blind and deaf. I have experienced God in new ways, and my faith has deepened as a result.

    Our Grow Group was initially created for parents of teenagers so we meet during the Sunday night youth programming, but Bethany has many Grow Groups meeting throughout the week in various locations. More recently, groups are even meeting through Zoom and other virtual spaces.

    You can find more information about what Grow Groups are HERE. To see a list of Grow Groups currently accepting new people, browse our Group Finder tool. If there isn’t a Grow Group that meets when you are available, we’ll work with you to form a new Grow Group for you and others. Just email Pastor Thomas to get that conversation started.