Why Small Groups?
Meeting in small groups is nothing new in the church. Jesus
traveled with his group of twelve disciples and shared his
most personal moments with his friends James, John, and
Peter. The first Lord’s supper was held with Jesus and the
twelve in the upper room of a house (Luke 22: 10, 11).
After Jesus was taken back into heaven, the disciples
continued to meet in the upper room (Acts 1:13). Even after
Pentecost, when church membership had grown into the
thousands, members met not only as a large group at the
temple; they gathered together in houses where smaller
groups of disciples broke bread and praised God together
(Acts 2:46). In fact, the New Testament often mentions small
groups of Christians meeting in houses (Acts 16:40, Rom
16:5, 1 Cor 16:19).
How do I get started?
By registering online (below) to participate in a Sanctuary
Group. Sanctuary Groups are small groups of six married
couples or six to eight individuals of the same gender that
meet every other week (or weekly) in someone’s home for
fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. They are for adults of
all ages, stages of life, and spiritual maturity.
What do BUMC members have to say about Sanctuary Groups?
“I have always gone to church, and taken my faith seriously.
As a Christian, I try to worship each Sunday, pray, read my
Bible, read books about my faith, and even memorize
scripture -but small group experiences have completed my
Christian life in ways beyond my expectations. Most of the
Christian things I do open my mind, but small groups open my
heart to God and God's people. I think what makes the
difference is when you join a small group you are admitting
to others, sometimes complete strangers, you do not want to
do life alone. Today, I cannot imagine life without being in
a small group of fellow Christians -where we simply accept
each other for who we are, where we are going on this
adventure called ‘Faith.’" ~Steve Bruner
“Three years ago my family and I found Birmingham and
instantly felt like we belonged. Being new in our Christian
journey we were very thirsty to become closer to God and
walk with Jesus in our lives. Over the past three years I
have joined the Choir, taken Disciple I and Christian
Believer and have become involved in the Women’s Ministry.
Each step of faith has been a blessing. As our family has
journeyed together with this amazing Body of Christ, one of
the biggest blessings has been our involvement in small
groups. I have been in various small groups with women where
we have studied together, laughed together, cried together
and prayed together. Small groups are life-transforming and
essential. God created us to be relational and to be the
hands and feet for others. Don’t cheat yourself out of this
opportunity to grow and learn and walk together with Christ.
Take the leap of faith to join a small group – you will be
blessed beyond your wildest imagination.” ~Cathy Semeria
Please use the form below to
register now for a sanctuary group...
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