Duane Dahlheimer

What participating in CCC Small Groups has done for me...

When we moved to NC from DE in 2004 we searched for a Church that nourished us through the music and the message, and one that had a strong Youth Program for our three girls. Christ Community Church was that church! What we didn't count on was John Kimmons connecting us almost immediately with a Couples Small Group led by Jim Scifres.

Jim and his small group were so very inviting, open, and honest with a sense of caring for each other that was very obvious. It was an easy decision for my wife Diane and I to join with them. Having just moved to the area, these new friendship were (and continue to be) so valuable to us. By meeting with these fellow believers on a regular basis, it made our transition to a new community so much smoother for us.

Less then a year later God had new plans for my wife and me. CCC was looking to grow it's Small Group Ministry and encouraged Jim's Small Group to divide and multiply. My wife and I prayed long and hard to determine if God was calling us to step out in faith and lead a small group. We decided to take that leap and God has been good. We now have five families that meet every other Sunday evening and what a blessing it has been! We have reviewed material titled the Five Love Languages and What's So Amazing About Grace. Even though all but one of our couples still have children in the household, we've had every family represented at each of our get togethers which shows the commitment and caring we have for each other.

I truly look forward to seeing and sharing with our friends every other Sunday. Through sharing our Praises and Prayer Requests, we have gained a deeper understanding of each other and how we might be able to aid each other. Reading, studying, and conversing with others on the Word of God, has helped me grow as a person and as a Christian. What a blessing it is just to hear the heart of each person on where they would like to grow!

I can't wait to see where the Lord leads us next!

Finley Couples Small Group

Our small group has explored many opportunities to serve and expand our talents that we might not have otherwise tried.

• Working as a group with Agents of Grace, we were encouraged to help care for certain needs at the Greensboro Pregnancy Center.
• Several couples remodeled their kitchens, so the men were able to demolish the old rooms and then rebuild the new ones. We have such a great time when we are all together helping each other!
• Whenever someone needs help doing a project or moving, or ANYTHING else, we just call one another and the whole group helps!
• Utilizing the experiences and the knowledge of members within our small group has allowed us to share the Passover Seder in a personal, meaningful way.
• We have gone to Urban Ministries at Thanksgiving to serve with others.
• Going to the baseball games and music in the park are some fun things we do during the summer.
• Eating is a big part of what we do, so we gather at least once a weekend at either a restaurant or someone's home to eat and have fellowship.
• We have built trusting relationships that allow us to share our deepest concerns, spend time in meaningful prayer, and celebrate as the prayers are answered.
• Through our friendships, we have gained a deeper understanding that God is always with us, that He guides us, and that He provides a comfort that is only possible through a sincere relationship with Him.
• We have developed friendships of the heart, which have transcended the routine, empty contacts of everyday life.

There are numerous other positive benefits in our lives as a member of this small group. As we've grown in Christ, God has led us with excitement and new energy! A small group is a great place to deepen your understanding and experience of the gospel!

Mike Hudnall

The Significance of Small Groups in My Life

Once on a business trip, I told some work colleagues that I hoped our flight wasn't late because I needed to get home in time for my mens Saturday small group at 7:00 a.m. Their response was "That must be some group for you to give up your Saturday mornings!"

It is some group!

I know these guys better than I know any other people in the church, and they know me, because we share our prayer concerns, our praises, our questions, and our answers. Currently, we are studying the book of Mark, and the varying perspectives and experiences of the members of the group contribute greatly to our overall understanding and appreciation of the book. Through the studies, we have not only increased our understanding of God's word but have matured in our relationship with God, our families, and other believers. We talk about everything: our families, our health, finances, work, the church, the world, temptations, setbacks, victories, our prayer lives, and just about anything else. What strikes me about these discussions is that the members of the group truly care and want to pray for and help one another. When John Kimmons invited me to join his small group, I was not sure what to expect. What I have found is a supportive group of brothers who would do anything for one another, who encourage me and hold me accountable. This interaction has helped me grow as a Christian in a way that I never could have outside this kind of setting, and I have seen my brothers in Christ grow, too.

I also belong to a couples small group with my wife, Melody, and I have found many of the same advantages in that small group Bible study, sharing of our life experiences, praying for one another, helping one another, encouraging one another, and growing together in Christ. I have gotten to know the members of my couples small group in ways that I could not have by just seeing them in church service. In addition to meeting for Bible study, we have dinners, parties, and other activities. These activities have opened my eyes to the power of God's word and His love in the lives of the members of my group. Melody and I see God at work in the lives of our group, we share in their struggles and disappointments, we celebrate their successes and answered prayers, and always we pray for one another and for the church. When someone is sick or going to the hospital or struggling with a decision or a difficult situation--when someone needs support, the members of the small group pray, and that prayer makes a difference in our lives.

When I leave small group meetings, I feel invigorated, "recharged" and better prepared to face life's challenges. Other members of my groups say the same thing.

I understand why Christ Community Church encourages all members to join a small group.

Anita Benkovic

I joined a women's small group at Christ Community Church in the fall of 2004. Let me explain how this small group experience has changed my life. Prior to this time my personal life was in turmoil. I was a broken, demoralized shell of a woman. My husband had abandoned me. I was living alone in a big house on a farm in rural Patrick County Virginia. I was commuting to a stressful job over two hours a day, every day. Needless to say, I was forsaken, lonely, heartbroken, weary, discouraged and depressed. With the gentle encouragement of a coworker, I found a church, Christ Community Church, and was welcomed to enter a small group. I had no expectations of what a small group was to be. My journey has been delightful. It has aided me in putting my life in order. Our small group has helped me grow spiritually with several studies including the book of James and Daniel. The discussions we have about the Word of God have opened my eyes to know that there is always hope in sight with God at my side. My small group sisters have faithfully been available to teach me that Jesus will not forsake me. These women are my earthly counselors, my supporters, my companions, my closest confidants and my Christian sisters.

I would like to persuade everyone at Christ Community Church to join a small group.

• It is the best environment for life changes
• A group that will help you get united with others in the church
• A loving care group ministry
• A place to be surrounded by prayer and celebration
• A place to reach out to others in your life and community