November 10, 2024 | Doug Sauder
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You were made to live in community! It’s where real life change and growth happens; it’s where we thrive. As part of a group, you’ll discover a place to belong, develop authentic, lasting friendships, and grow strong in your faith.
Getting started is simple. Select your campus from the menu below or feel free to search them all and find the community that’s right for you.
You were made to live in community! It’s where real life change and growth happens; it’s where we thrive. As part of a group, you’ll discover a place to belong, develop authentic, lasting friendships, and grow strong in your faith. Getting started is simple!
Freedom groups are designed to help you move past setbacks and hang ups to live a life free and complete in Jesus! If you or someone you know has struggled with things like shame, trauma, or even relationship issues—know that you’re not alone. Discover how healing is found in a relationship with Jesus, how to experience breakthrough in your heart and mind, and how to practically live the free and full life you were made for!
You can make a difference in the lives of others by taking the step to lead a group! As a leader, you can help people grow in their relationship with Jesus, find belonging with others, and live out their purpose. We’ll equip and support you every step of the way!
Want to learn more? Click below to have a member of the Groups team contact you!
Group Leader Interest
Got questions? Contact Groups@CalvaryFTL.org.
Even though I was raised in the church, I didn’t come to Christ until August of 2020. When I became a Christian, I found myself desiring to learn more about God but ended up going in circles with no real direction. A friend suggested I try to become more connected to my church community, and that’s how I ended up at the Connect Experience. Even though I’ve only been connected to other Christians for a few weeks, I already feel like I’m more excited to grow and am more grounded in my relationship with God. I’m praying and studying the Bible more because of the support and guidance I’ve gained through my Connect group. I’d always heard you need to be in a community to foster healthy growth with God, but I never realized how beneficial it was until I took that leap and joined Connect!
Jasmin's Story Connect Experience
When I signed up to lead a group at Calvary, I had no idea what kind of blessing I was in for! Leading a group has added so much to my life. Sometimes I feel like I needed it more than my group members! Leading has given me accountability and the opportunity to be a good witness and representation of Jesus. I’ve been able to love others and put their needs above my own. Our group prays for each other, supports one another, and does fun things together, too! The friendships I now have are because I stepped out of my comfort zone and started a group!
Lavern's Story Group Leader
For a long time, I found myself getting overwhelmed when it came to reading and interpreting the Bible. I struggled to understand what it was actually saying and how I could fully apply certain passages to my life. However, being in a group has impacted my spiritual growth and taught me how to feel more comfortable in my understanding of the Bible. This weekly study has made me feel more at ease, and I look forward to seeing them each week as we share life together.
Yajaira's Story
Growing as a student of Jesus is enhanced greatly when we learn with others. Jesus came to give us life to the fullest measure, which is experienced best within the community. Join a group and you’ll see!
Groups gather to grow spiritually and relationally. To grow in their knowledge and relationship with God while building friendships and community with others. The main focus of time together will vary with each group (worship, prayer, bible study, friendship, outreach, common interests, and/or a combination of all these).
Some groups will involve coffee or meals together, others may take place while doing exercise or some other activity. Some meet in homes, clubhouses, or coffee shops, others meet online. But at the core of every group is a strong focus to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, build meaningful relationships, and experience life to the fullest!
Most groups are structured around a season (winter, spring, summer, and fall), with the group meetings taking place usually either weekly or twice per month. The frequency is determined by the group leader and may change throughout the year, depending on the group’s preference. The length of time a group stays together varies as well. Some groups may meet for six weeks, others for several months or longer. It all depends on the group.
Groups meet in various locations and online. They meet in homes, parks, coffee shops, office buildings, and online via Zoom, Google Hangouts, or other online formats.
Not everyone will find the best fit with the first group they visit. This is perfectly normal. Consider selecting a few groups that interest you, contact the leaders, and ask detailed questions to help you determine the best one for you. At any point, if you find the group isn’t working for you, simply let the leader know and feel free to seek out a new group.
Not all groups offer childcare, but some do. When you browse through all the groups, please note the group profile and it will indicate if childcare is available.
If you have a question that wasn’t answered here, please feel free to contact us at Groups@CalvaryFTL.org.