Thinking about a Growth Group?

We recently asked folks involved in Growth Groups to share their experience and any words of encouragement for their Leaders/Shepherds?  We were delighted with these responses . . .

Sheryl and I have very much appreciated Tom and Paula opening their home and facilitating great conversation and some debate over the sermons. It has been a privilege to get to know and pray for the other people in our group. Thank you for such an open and accepting atmosphere that enabled us to share the painful and difficult situations in our lives. Thank You!
 
 
You two have been such an encouragement to our family! Thank you for reaching out to us when we've been far away - in other lands ... and when we've been in SLO. Many times your servant hearts have blessed our lives.
 
 
Dear Tom and Paula; Thank you so much for opening your home and leading our growth group. We have felt very welcomed in your home. Your ministry helps us to feel more connected to our “spiritual family” at Grace!
 
 
Thanks Tom and Paula for your hospitality and caring. I have enjoyed spending Monday nights with you and the group. Thanks for praying for my mom and dad during and after their surgeries this fall.
 
 
I am very grateful for the group I joined and especially for the leader. HE has opened his home and provided a multitude of encouragement during each night. His leadership and guidance are truly appreciated.
 
 
Jay and Connie each week graciously open up their home and their hearts to our small (very small) group and welcome each of us in a very warm and friendly manner. Jay’s ability to make each of us comfortable and accepted at whatever level of spiritual maturity we’ve reached is greatly appreciated. I also value Jay’s joyful and willing approach to lead the weekly group. Even though he’s incredibly busy and stretched in many other areas, he looks forward to our time together and shares his joy and love of the Lord in a very real and engaging way. Thank so much, Jay, for leading us, for sharing your love of the Lord with us, and for keeping it real.
 
 
Thanks for your leadership in our growth group. And to both you and Molly for hosting. You are doing double duty! We appreciate you and enjoy being with our group every week. We are especially grateful for your ability and willingness to let others lead and share. It helps us all grow when we are challenged! It’s been an awesome 3 months!
 
 
Thank you so much, Scott and Chad for all the prep and leading you’ve done for each of our times together. We have really enjoyed spending time with you and the group discussing matters of the heart, and matters of Christianity. Your faithfulness to Christ and the Word are evident and leave us encouraged every week. We look forward to many more times together.
 
 
I am in the Eades/Theule Growth Group and I am so thankful for our leaders. This is the first time I have been involved in a small group where we not only grow spiritually together, but also genuinely have a lot of fun together as friends! Most importantly for me, it has been a huge step toward that closer community that I crave, yet usually fail to seek out on my own. Thank you for opening your home to us each week (especially with twenty-something kids!), and for fostering the conversation and closeness that is developing.
 
 
The Secord’s want to express our most sincere appreciation for opening your home, sharing your wonderful cooking, and leading our Growth Group discussions these past several weeks. It has been a sweet time to get to know you and others better. Thanks and God bless!
 

I was new to your group this quarter, but you made me feel welcome even before the first time I was in your home. And once I actually started with the group, your hospitality was so welcoming and so real that I felt like a part of the group the very first evening. I am enjoying getting to know you better and have completely enjoyed the growth group experience under your leadership. You have been a blessing in my life and my prayers are that your ministry will continue as the Lord leads. Thank you.

 
Steve and Lisa have been incredible mentors, friends and examples to me. They have been so faithful to exemplify what a Godly marriage looks like, how to run a business with Kingdom vision, how to be gracious, loving and dependable parents, and how to be a steadfast friend. On top of that, they were always there with sound advice, shoulders to cry on, and they always invited me in as family. I cannot believe how much I cherish the Mondays that I would nanny the boys and then get to share dinner with their family before Bible study. Loved those times! Steve and Lisa- thank you so much for being honest and real. Thank you for letting me see the good and bad- the “real life” side of marriage, family, friendship and business. Your family has blessed me so much, and I have learned so much from your friendship and mentoring. I love you all so dearly. Miss you every day!
 
 
Aaron and Korey are the best!!! Not only do the Barker’s make the best Thanksgiving turkey we’ve ever had and the Carroll’s make us fancy coffee every Thursday night, these two boys are obedient followers of Christ with hearts that encourage our group week after week. They are always prepared to dig deep in the word and share how the Lord has been stirring in their hearts. We appreciate them and look forward to growing closer to Jesus with the fellowship of Aaron and Korey… and Nat, Tina and Daniel too. We love them all and thank the Lord for literally picking us up, moving us 500 miles and placing us in the Carroll’s home every Thursday night.
 

Aaron and Korey are the best!!! Not only do the Barker’s make the best Thanksgiving turkey we’ve ever had and the Carroll’s make us fancy coffee every Thursday night, these two boys are obedient followers of Christ with hearts that encourage our group week after week. They are always prepared to dig deep in the word and share how the Lord has been stirring in their hearts. We appreciate them and look forward to growing closer to Jesus with the fellowship of Aaron and Korey… and Nat, Tina and Daniel too. We love them all and thank the Lord for literally picking us up, moving us 500 miles and placing us in the Carroll’s home every Thursday night.
 
Where else can you sing the Jet Cadet Theme Song right there, out loud and not be looked at too funny, or cry tears from the depths of gratitude when telling of a personal encounter with our Maker and Redeemer or enter into a whole family experience singing praise songs together with the kids or share in the needs that arise when one of our own loses their job, or ask tough questions that might be uncomfortable because there’s no easy answer or become open to the life-changing possibility of becoming a foster parent? Accepting, encouraging, authentic, God-honoring and people reaching. Yeah, we are very happy and blessed to be in Todd and Jill Talley’s growth group! Real people living life together in the community of Christ… Thank you
for reaching out to us!

 
Todd and Jill have been awesome growth group leaders. Their loving attitude and desire to engage on a deeper level is evident in everything they do.
 
 
Thanks Glenn for your leadership in our growth group and to you and Linda for opening your home week after week. The group has greatly grown to love and support one another over these years. I know that some of the leaders would prefer that the groups split up periodically, but for our group (geographical and stage of life similarities), the stability has been important; thanks for continuing to make this point.
 
 
Well, we can’t say enough good things about our growth group leader- Glenn Oden. Our group has been meeting together for several years now and Glenn has been such a blessing to us. He and Linda have given us so much- spiritual leadership, hospitality, and warm friendship. Not only is Glenn our leader, but we also meet at their home where Linda provides wonderful desserts. Matt says the chocolate desserts are the highlight of his evening! We love and
appreciate the Odens!

Marcia and I count Glenn and Linda not only to be our growth group shepherds but they have become our friends. God has given them a wonderful ministry to us. Thank you Odens!!!

 
An Ode to the Odens
 
We know a couple by the names of Linda and Glenn,
They are our shepherds in the Avila den.
Glenn realized early that he needed a life,
So he found himself a very young wife!
They own a truck, and are always ready
To move anyone, the work is quite steady.
Glenn will tell of his lofty golf game,
The rules he follows are really quite lame.
When Glenn exercises, it’s quite a sight,
The elastic bands he uses put up a fight.
Glenn will regale you with his talent of sailing,
He neglects to mention that he sent Linda flailing.
Linda encourages us to bring treats to share,
She is always ready with extras to spare.
The Oden’s represent the best of the best,
They reflect God’s love to all of the rest.
They are a team, we all agree,
God uses them, it’s easy to see.
They demonstrate the qualities of what shepherds should be,
They lead us with humbleness and selfless dignity.
They are true friends to all,
 
When we are together, we all stand tall,
Folks come to Avila from near and far,
To be a part of a group that’s way above par!

 
Both Glenn and Linda have been outstanding hosts to our very congenial group. Their teaching background helps direct our studies with plenty of humor as well as deep discussions. Glenn is always well prepared yet leaves room for all of us to express questions and impressions of difficult passages. Glenn is a great example of a Christian committed to promote the Body of Christ.
 
 
Steve and Laurie Potratz are the greatest growth group leaders in the galaxy, and quite possibly the universe. Steve and Laurie are to Growth Group leadership what the Lord of the Rings trilogy is to 20th-century literature. Steve and Laurie always, always, always have snacks and lemonade ready for their growth group. Somehow, their house is always immaculate. I’ve even mistakenly asked if they just had their floors waxed. Nope- it’s just that clean. They have many decades of Spirit-filled Christianity under their belts, and so often offer insightful and poignant wisdom on the Scriptures they so faithfully teach. Steve poses great and challenging questions to the growth group. Laurie makes a mean apple pie and continues to model excellent hospitality (as an introvert, even!)
 
 
Ron and Laura have been a huge blessing to our whole family. They are welcoming and encouraging. We have had many prayers answered through our growth group. Our kids look forward to going each week. Thank you Ron and Laura for opening up your home to us each week!

 

Ron and Laura are some of the most gracious and kind people I have ever met. I am so thankful to be a part of their Growth Group and now call them my friends. If it wasn’t for their Growth Group, I don’t know that I would’ve ever been able to sign up for one. They have opened their home and make it easy to be able to make it in a GG in a busy life these days. It is wonderful eating together and enjoying fellowship with each other. I started in the beginning and it was one of the best things for me the past 2 years. Ron is a kind and gentle leader and always puts himself out there to offer his own struggles and stories. He is real and I think everyone appreciates that. Ron involves everyone in conversation and is totally understanding and relaxed about toddling, crawling, distracting or crying babies! He even invites us to the musical events at Cuesta! Laura McCarly is the most beautiful hearted person I have EVER MET! She is loving, sweet, caring and super, super thoughtful. She remembers birthdays, and is always willing to help or be there for anyone. She ALWAYS looks at things and situations with a positive heart and she gives everyone the benefit of the doubt first… it is hard to believe she is even real! She has the most wonderful things to say about people, and when introducing people she makes everyone feel so comfortable, like we were already all friends anyway. We have seen God’s blessing many times over within our own group. And for myself personally, Growth Group has been one of the only things that has helped me get through a very tough year and a half. Our family had dealt with a lot of heartache, saying goodbye to a foster child after a year and a half, it was like a death in our family and it was the prayers and fellowship of good friends that helped me the most. I have also been dealing with a lot of health problems and even though it makes it hard for me to make it to church in the mornings a lot of weeks, I can find the Lord and his people at Growth Groups... and some members have helped get our daughter to Sunday School, so that has given me peach. I could go on and on and on…and that is not just an expression… Ron and Laura are truly loving Godly people and anyone who has the pleasure of knowing them is BLESSED! I also wanted to say that Grace is the first church this large that I have ever attended and if it wasn’t for Growth Groups, I may have continued to look around… It has been hard to connect at a church that size and everyone seems to already know each other or assumes you know everyone too… It is nice to have a group of people from a home group. So great move with Growth Groups… I think it was perfect timing! God’s timing.

 

 
We are so thankful for Ron and Laura’s hospitality. Being new to the area, they welcomed us in and have gone above and beyond. Each week they open their home and bless us with dinner. Laura has such a sweet heart for our children and teaches them a lesson each week during our discussion. Our girls adore her. We feel very fortunate to be a part of the McCarly growth group.
 
 
Thank you BOTH so much for opening your home to all of our families (large and small) each week. It is such a commitment to lead (grown ups and kiddos), feed and clean for our group!!! You both are so special to our family and our Growth Group has become like our own little church family to us. We just love visiting each week, getting tons of laughs and being able to reflect and share and just be ourselves with our friends each Wednesday. You are both so gracious and loving and we feel privileged to know you and be a part of your growth group. Everything you do is much appreciated!!!
 
 
Tim and Susie have been amazing hosts, always welcoming, yet keepin’ it real. We appreciate them sharing their lives with us, and making it easy for us to share. To go deep. They rock harder than AC/DC. Joy made me write that.
 
 
David, thank you for leading our growth group. I just want to let you know that you’re a great leader. You have a contagious enthusiasm for God’s Word and a passion to grow in Him. It’s exciting to see. You lead our group with humility and gentleness, patiently listening to each of us and sharing your heart with us as well. I’ve seen you pour yourself into the lives of others through AWANA, through your making time to spend with us when time wasn’t available.You’ve led us in laughter to the sound of your strumming on the guitar in songs like “I love bananas” and you’ve continually pointed us to our LORD and Father in prayer. Praise God for His work in and through you.
 
 
David is focused, passionate about God, loves people, is community oriented and is a strong person. He will make a great leader one day and is an example for us to live by.
 
 
I am very thankful for Charlie and his leadership in our group-also for Mary, his wife, who is kind and supportive. Charlie doesn’t hesitate to share difficult experiences in his life and in so doing, creates an atmosphere where I feel safe to share my own concerns. We’ve had some great discussions which I feel has drawn us closer together as a group. Charlie is witty and funny and our group has shared lots of laughter!!
 

 We are so blessed to be in a growth group led by two amazing and godly men. We are thankful for Jon and his depth of biblical knowledge and strong convictions. He does not merely facilitate discussions but challenges us to action. Eric also has a wide breadth of biblical knowledge and offers great insights and new perspectives. Both Eric and Jon lead by example and are willing to be real and honest which encourages the rest of us to be the same and allows our group to truly go deep. These men, however, would be lost without their beautiful wives who not only support and encourage their husbands, but organize childcare, manage the always important snack sign-up, as well as keep our group updated with prayer requests and more. We love and appreciate you Carrie and Jen! Over the past two years that we have been a part of this group we have grown spiritually, been challenged, been encouraged, been prayed for and made life- time friends. Thank you Millers and Collins for being willing to serve!

 
Dear Andy and Matt, Our family is so grateful for you sharing your time and energy to lead our group. You have provided a welcoming, fun atmosphere where we are comfortable and look forward to coming each week. You both have an exceptional sense of humor, which breaks the ice for all of us and makes us feel like we have known you for ages. You are performing an important ministry for your fellow believers. Thank you for letting God use you in this way.
 
 
Brian’s energy and excitement about God’s Word and the sermon are infectious and I have enjoyed learning with him and my fellow growth group members. Thanks to Brian for his dedication and servant’s heart towards all of us in the group.

 
 
Brian Morrish was a great source of enthusiasm and commitment in our growth group. He was so enthusiastic each week to dive into the word, it was clear that he thought about the topics to their full extent and desired to share what he learned with us as well as draw out our ideas. I have seen God grow our growth group from a gathering of virtual strangers to a community that is sharing in each others lives and it has really become a sweet place to fellowship and connect.
 
 
Matt & Debbi, Wayne & Peggy, Thank you for making us feel like we have an extended family. It’s very encouraging to be prayed for and to pray with weekly and know that your family really cares for you. The discussion times are really helpful to understand Tim’s messages from different perspectives. Thanks again for leading and sharing with us.
 
 
We treasure Paul as a very committed leader. He is always prepared with scripture lesson, but also much extra study to add so much to our understanding, application, and encouragement for further study. He inspires a deeper love for scripture, and brings out different perspectives on sections of study. Both Paul and Jennifer are always warm and welcoming no matter what may be going on in their lives. We feel encouraged to participate even if we feel our contribution less valuable than others. Love and thanks to you, Paul.
 
 
Paul has impacted our lives for the past several years- he is a dedicated leader, always prepared and does a great job of “prompting” some great discussions. His “getting to know you” questions help us not only to become better acquainted with the others in our group but to look inside ourselves and discover our own core values! He has innovative techniques (such as his “quiz” at the pot-luck dinner that helps us laugh together- but also learn, and remember, more about one another). It’s obvious that Paul spends much time enjoying and studying God’s word and it is a blessing to have him share that knowledge and love with us!
 
 
Yes, We are very thankful for Paul’s leadership and Jennifer’s kindness. They make us feel at home every time we meet. Paul is very well organized and he uses time very effectively (no overtime usually) and he prepares the discussion material thoroughly. He is a good student of the Word of God. We feel we are blessed!
 
 
Dear Cyndie, Thank you so much for opening your home to us, I have been so blessed by you and all of the ladies in our group. IT has been nice to get to know you better and watch how God is working in your life and all of ours. I so look forward to growing and learning more about the LORD, I hope our lil group will be together for a long time.
 
 
I would like to thank Cyndie for her dedication in leading Growth Group. I realize that she had another commitment which took her out of the country for a couple of weeks and I’m sure this made it all the more challenging for her to take on the leadership of a Growth Group. I’m so grateful that she did! This group has been a real blessing to me. Cyndie and some of the other women of God in this group have been helping me understand and deal with some questions and issues I have been experiencing. Many thanks!
 
 
This is our first G.G. and didn’t really know what to expect and we love it. Thanks to Roger and David for making us feel welcome and part of the group. We feel like we have been with them for a long time. Thank you for taking time out of their busy schedule to organize and prepare for the study each week as that does take some time and their devotion to the class.