Calling those seeking community! You know what’s easier than showing up to a stranger's house for a small group? Saying hi to them in the lobby! Throughout the month of August, we’re featuring new groups each week, and the group leaders will be available in the lobby after Sunday services to meet you and answer any questions you may have about their groups!
Not quite ready for a small group? Check out our MSCs! Mid-Sized Communities are our gatherings for men, women, and young adults are all about building friendships, growing in faith, and finding support in every season of life. They make a big church feel more like home - whether you're sharing real-life struggles, learning together, or just having fun with people who get you.
Not quite ready for a small group? Check out our MSCs! Mid-Sized Communities are our gatherings for men, women, and young adults are all about building friendships, growing in faith, and finding support in every season of life. They make a big church feel more like home - whether you're sharing real-life struggles, learning together, or just having fun with people who get you.
Meet the leaders of our featured new groups!
Randy Strunk - "Strunk Men's Group"
This group is designed for men at any stage of their faith journey, but we encourage it for those who are new believers. No matter the stage you're at, we are here to grow together, have honest conversations, and encourage one another. Let's walk through life together in grace, truth, and purpose!
Meets weekly on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30pm
Meets weekly on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30pm
Sherry Tucker - "Seasons of Strength"
Life changes a lot over the years. Maybe you're a new (or seasoned) empty nester - maybe you haven't even heard from your kids in years. Maybe life just didn't play out the way you thought it would for a variety of reasons. Life goes by so fast, and at this point, you may find yourself asking, "Where do I go from here?"
As 50-somethings (and older), we want to examine our roles as Christian women in this season of life. We want to seek scripture and encourage one another through the good days and the bad. God calls us to community, so let's not do it alone!
Meets weekly on Thursdays from 9:30-11:30am
As 50-somethings (and older), we want to examine our roles as Christian women in this season of life. We want to seek scripture and encourage one another through the good days and the bad. God calls us to community, so let's not do it alone!
Meets weekly on Thursdays from 9:30-11:30am
Jamie + Natasha Bates - "Carried & Known"
Isaiah 46:4, "I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."
Carried & Known is a community for parents navigating the unique journey of raising children with special needs - where every story is seen, every burden is shared, and every person is reminded that you are not alone and you are not unseen.
What to Expect:
Meets monthly on the first and third Tuesday from 6-7:30pm (Meet & greet night on September 16!)
Carried & Known is a community for parents navigating the unique journey of raising children with special needs - where every story is seen, every burden is shared, and every person is reminded that you are not alone and you are not unseen.
What to Expect:
- A relaxed, welcoming environment with conversation & connections.
- Scripture that speaks to caregiving, identity, and God's presence.
- Honest sharing without pressure to perform.
- Time for prayer & encouragement.
- Optional worship and shared meals/snacks.
- Childcare provided on-site.
Meets monthly on the first and third Tuesday from 6-7:30pm (Meet & greet night on September 16!)
Pat + Teresa Johnson - "Johnson Small Group"
After taking the class How to Study the Bible, Pat and Teresa were inspired to lead a Small Group. This group meets in the Carbondale area and will study the upcoming week's sermon with tools that are taught in class. If you are looking to build community and come to service each weekend extra prepared, this is a really neat opportunity!
Meets monthly on the first, second, and third Tuesday from 6:30-8pm
Meets monthly on the first, second, and third Tuesday from 6:30-8pm
Doughty/Poole Group
Siblings Bryce and Courtney, along with their spouses, are excited to start a small group specifically for married couples in the Benton area! Beginning in September, the group will gather for casual hangouts on Sunday evenings at 5:30 PM, to build community. Once the group is established, they will meet bi-weekly starting November 2 for deeper connection and fellowship.
There is a potential for childcare to be provided once the group is formed.
There is a potential for childcare to be provided once the group is formed.
Randy + Jane Welborn - "Saline County Group"
Join Randy and Jane Welborn for a co-ed group designed for empty nesters in Saline County! They will meet on Sundays at 5:00pm for discussions on sermons, with the possibility of transitioning into a study format later. Their group will start meeting in mid to late September.
Paul + Lisa Eckhart - "Doing Life With Your Adult Children"
Paul and Lisa Eckhart are leading a new group focused on the book "Doing Life With Your Adult Children." This co-ed gathering welcomes anyone with adult children and will meet on Monday nights at 6:15pm starting September 8, on-site at Cornerstone.