By Anna Cathermann
Bible studies, book studies, and basketball are just a few of the opportunities that exist for spiritual life outside the Chapel doors.
“Life Together” groups began last semester as a way to support students’ return to in-person spiritual life activities after the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Chair of Religion, Associate Dean of the Chapel, and Adjunct Professor of Youth Ministry J.L. Miller, there was a lot of folklore surrounding small groups in the past. “There are a lot of small groups on campus” was a frequent mantra, but they often lacked publicity. The Life Together program was designed to bring these groups to the forefront of campus life as well as to provide an organized support system,with the chapel office providing counseling and publicity to leaders.
These groups vary widely in membership and content: some are single-gender, others are co-ed. Morning, afternoon, and evening times are all available.
Numerous Bible studies make up a large portion of the “Life Together” groups. Meeting in the Paine Greenhouse from 3-4 p.m. every Tuesday, led by Junior William Tormey. “Caring for God’s Creation” is a co-ed study for those interested in a Biblical look at sustainable living.
All men on campus are welcome to study the book of Acts at Roth’s Bible study led by Junior Will Allen, which meets in the first floor lounge, Echo Base, from 8-9 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. On Thursday evenings from 7-8 p.m., the Ezra and Nehemiah Bible Study group led by Sophomore Matthew Foster also meets at Echo Base.
“Life Together” groups are more than just Bible study groups, though. There are also fellowship, support, and book study groups.
“Bible and Basketball” Co-Founder Isaac Little said the group is a “unique competitive fellowship that you cannot get anywhere else on campus.”
From 7-8:30 p.m. every Sunday night, men and women come together in Nielsen for a brief devotional followed by a game of pick-up basketball.
“Tea and Porn” is a small group of men that meets from 8:30-9:30 p.m. every Thursday in Echo Base.
According to the group’s leader, Senior Adam McCutcheon, “Open and honest discussion of an issue which is largely associated with shame is a first step in helping us realize through the acceptance of our family in Christ that we are not alone and that we are accepted.”
There are also two book study groups this semester. “The Garden City”, led by Seniors Isabelle Murch and Zoe Utterback meets in the main room of the Dining Hall on Thursday mornings from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Over breakfast, the group discusses “Garden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human” by John Mark Cohen.
Women’s Area Coordinator Raegan Zelayaand Senior Arianna Zampella are currently leading a book discussion group that meets in the Gillette RD apartment. Around a dozen women are reading through “Sexless in the City” by Kat Harris.
“There are a lot of different people with different beliefs and boundaries,” Zelaya noted.
They come together to discuss living lives of integrity in a world ravaged by the extremes of hypersexualization and purity culture.
While the groups cover a number of different topics and interests, the program does have an overarching goal.
According to Miller, “Life Together“ groups exist “to make sure we’re being intentional in creating spaces that people can experience discipleship in small groups.”★