Finding Your Community: Why Small Groups Matter More Than Ever in 2026
One of the clearest pictures of the Church we see in Scripture isn’t a building or a program; it’s a community.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – Acts 2:42, 44
From the very beginning, faith was never meant to be lived alone. It was meant to be shared, grown, and lived out together.
As we launch a new semester of small groups at PTCUMC, I want to invite you into something that I truly believe is crucial to our spiritual growth and the future of our church: intentional faith community.
The Three Parts of a Healthy Small Group
At PTCUMC, our small groups are built around three essential practices. These practices we see modeled all throughout Scripture:
1. Growing in Your Faith
Small groups are a place to open Scripture together, study the Bible, ask honest questions, and deepen our relationship with God. Whether it’s a Bible study, book study, or guided discussion, learning in a community allows God’s Word to come alive in new ways.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
2. Fellowshipping Together
Life is full of busy schedules, responsibilities, and challenges can leave us feeling isolated. Our groups create space for real relationships, laughter, prayer, and mutual support. Faith grows deeper when we are known, supported, and encouraged by others walking the same journey.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
3. Serving Together
When we serve side by side, our faith moves from belief to action. Serving together strengthens relationships and reminds us that God calls us to love beyond ourselves and most importantly beyond our church walls.
“Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.” – James 1:22
Why Doing All Three Together Matters
Each of these practices: faith, fellowship, and service, matters on its own, but when we do all three together, TRANSFORMATION happens.
We don’t just attend church, but we become the Church.
A Prayerful Invitation
As we begin this new season, I ask you to pray over the next couple of weeks. Listen for that gentle calling from God… the one that says, “This is for you.”
If you are already part of a small group, take time to reflect:
- What has this community meant to your faith?
- Who might God be calling you to invite or walk alongside?
- How can you help someone else experience this same sense of belonging?
We need more leaders to help start NEW groups so that we can offer something for everyone. And let me be very clear, you do not have to be a Bible scholar. You just have to be willing and say yes to helping build God’s kingdom.
I am here to help you every step of the way: from choosing a study to facilitating conversations. Leading a group isn’t scary; it’s exciting. It’s an opportunity to bring new life to our church and help others grow in their faith.
So… What Are You Waiting For?
If you’ve been thinking:
- “I’ll join a group when life slows down.”
- “I don’t know enough.”
- “I’m not sure where I fit.”
Let me gently ask: What are you waiting for?
I truly believe small groups are essential to our growth in faith and the future of PTCUMC. If you have questions, ideas, or feel even the smallest nudge to learn more…let’s talk. I would love to walk with you as you take your next step.
Find your faith community today.
You were never meant to do this journey alone.
