By: Amy Hafner

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19

I can’t believe our fall semester is almost upon us. If I haven’t met you yet, my name is Amy Hafner, and I’m the Women’s Ministry Director for Beautiful. Our team has been working hard this summer in preparation for Fall launch! 

We have seven locations, and all seven will be hosting Beautiful Monday Night, as well as groups meeting in neighborhoods, online and across the country. I want to personally invite you to Beautiful Monday Night or check out all of our small groups options at https://gfcflorida.com/groups.

I am incredibly passionate about small groups because that’s where personally, I have been encouraged, challenged, loved, accepted, and changed. My prayer for all groups this year is the verse above and that we find our people, grow our faith and make a difference

Joining a group can be a little scary, intimidating, and sometimes weird. So, I created a top seven list of tips I have learned along the way (and am still figuring out) to help you get the most out of this semester.

1. Show Up

I know this sounds silly, but I find my biggest challenge in having a successful small group is, actually, time. It seems like every Monday, fifteen minutes before I leave home, something happens. Something breaks, someone is crying, and it would be so easy for me to cancel. If you are a leader, pray over your group weekly. If you are new to a group, be committed but also give yourself grace if you miss, it’s ok, come back next week. 

2. Be Real

One of the coolest things about groups is that we love when you share the tough stuff. You don’t have to be picture-ready, Pinterest-perfect, or pretend everything is fine when it’s not. You being real helps others to be real. Always share and allow others to share too. This will help your group trust each other.

3. Do The Work

Someone once told me, “You get out of a group what you put into it.” We have an opportunity for you to continue the work God is doing in you throughout the week. Beautiful Monday Night and Beautiful Moms provide a reading plan and S.O.A.R. journal. It will guide you through the Bible and teach you how to study the scripture. Again you do not have to do this perfectly, but give it a try.

4. Challenge Yourself

You may find yourself seeking, questioning, or confessing something as you go through your Bible study. It may be challenging, humbling, and uncomfortable, but I encourage you to lean into it. Talk to someone, connect with your small group leader, coach, coordinator or pastor. 

5. Build Relationships

Community doesn’t just have to happen on your designated small group night. If you find yourself drawn to someone particular in your group, invite them for coffee or lunch. Meet up at church on Sunday, celebrate birthdays, send handwritten-cards, or do a service project together.  

6. Forgive

Just a quick reminder that your group is filled with people who are perfectly imperfect, just like yourself. A comment may be made, a feeling hurt, or an expectation not met. Forgive, forgive and forgive again. Don’t be scared of uncomfortable conversation, but do it with truth and grace. 

 7. Be Transformed

Growth happens in groups. There is sanctification through sisterhood. At the beginning of every fall semester, I purposely journal about my current situation and struggles. I pray and ask God for wisdom, discernment, strength, and humility. God ALWAYS shows up, not always in the way I’m expecting, but I am grateful for his correction, patience, and never-ending love.    

God Bless ~Amy