We look forward to welcoming over 150 returning students back to our Rooted college ministry this Sunday! Many first-year students and their families will be visiting as well, so we anticipate a very exciting time together. The mission of Rooted is to Dig Deep, Grow Strong, Reach Out. One of the methods we use to fulfill this mission is the small group.

1. Small groups help us dig deeper into God’s Word.

Rooted meets at 11:00 am, after the 10:00 am worship service. After a brief time of singing and testimony, we break up into small groups to reflect and meditate on the message we just heard. Small group leaders ask probing questions that help us connect the sermon to real life. Through discussion, Rooted adults find specific ways to apply truth to their lives, moving from being a “hearer of the Word” to an active “doer of the Word.”

2. Small groups allow us to grow strong in our faith.

The best discipleship happens life-on-life. A small group naturally fosters authentic relationships. In small group, our Rooted adults build meaningful relationships with mature Christians and people their own age. Rooted students get to observe how real disciples struggle and deal with difficult questions. We don’t want our Rooted adults to check their brain at the door when they come to church. Instead, we welcome questions and fears because we know that God’s Word is sufficient for life and godliness.

3. Small groups give us a chance to reach out to our world.

A small group leader’s ministry is not limited to an hour of discussion after the morning service. Small group leaders frequently invite their group over to their homes, and they find ways to reach out during the week. These relationships provide an added layer of accountability. We have seen Rooted adults keep others in their small group accountable in areas like discipleship and evangelism. It is an exciting thing when young adults are pushing each other to serve in outreach ministry through the local church.