LOVE * GROW * SERVE * SHARE

Encourage * Learn * Explore * Community

Throughout the Bible, you can see that God often did amazing things through groups of people. God provided Adam, Abraham, Moses, and the great King David with companions, family, and other leaders. Jesus, especially, worked in a group. He selected twelve men (and many other men and women) to be his followers – and then he chose three (Peter, James, and John) to join his inner circle. These people became the leadership team of the early church. And the Apostle Paul traveled in groups for his missionary journeys and appointed elders to oversee churches he planted. It’s clear that God does big things through small groups.

Our small Discipleship Groups at KUMC are an important part of helping individuals grow together in Christlikeness through friendship, study, and accountability. Life is better when it’s lived together:

We work better together. A group can accomplish far more than an individual can accomplish on their own. As your group meets, you’ll go and grow further, faster.

We learn better together. When we seek to understand scripture or what God intends for our lives, there are others there to help us discern. And when we stumble or question, we can rely upon each other’s accountability, support, and prayers.

We help each other. In a small Discipleship Group, you will experience the warmth of community that comes from knowing others and being known by them. You will form a bond of friendship that will last for years to come.

We strengthen each other. It is easy to get caught up in busy-ness, discouragement, and the distraction of worldly things. As you meet and you all seek to become more like Jesus, you will find it easier to stay and grow stronger together.

Our small Discipleship Groups are launching again in September, and we want you to be included! Check out the active groups below – and if you are interested but are looking for a group that meets on a different day or time, contact Terry Bolender at tbolender@kentmethodist.com:

Check out the active groups below:

  • Apostles in Training: This group will start again on Monday, September 8, and meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Youth Room. They will finish their study of Being United Methodist Christians Living a Life of Grace and Hope, by Ann Langford Duncan, Andy, and Sally Langford.

  • Bolender D-Group: This group will start again on Wednesday, September 10, and meets weekly on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon in Room 21. They will begin a new study of The Message of Jesus by Adam Hamilton. New people are welcome at any time!

  • Disciples in Training: This group also starts again on Wednesday, September 10, and meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in Room 21. They will begin a study of Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs. We would love to have you join us!

  • Parent/Family D-Group: This D-Group helps to connect and support parents. We hope this group can be a place where everyone experiences growth in their faith through Bible study and prayer, and that it will be a comfortable space where we can share the highs and lows of parenting alongside one another. Please join us!

Starting in September

Spiritual Autobiography Class Led by Rev. Dr. Brian Grassley.

As you learn to discover, write, and tell your story – ups and downs included – you’ll see God at work in your life. Watch for more information later in August. The class will be held on Sundays beginning September 14, after worship, and will go for about 10 sessions (there will be two weeks off in mid-October). This class will be based on the book Spiritual Autobiography—Discovering and Sharing Your Spiritual Story by Richard Peace. Please sign up promptly so that we have the necessary materials ready for you. (There is a suggested voluntary donation of $10 to cover the cost of the book.) For questions, contact us.

Young Adult Small Group

Pastor Jim and Sandra host a Young Adult Small Group on Sunday evenings at their home. This is a post-high-school discipleship small group for anyone who wants to meet other Christians, learn about following Jesus, and share good food at the table. Our current study is Character Matters! We’re studying the virtues and Bible practices that can shape us into better versions of ourselves and help us to become the people we’ve always wanted to be. This group is open to everyone. Join us. Bring your friends.

September Schedule

  • September 7, 5-8:30 PM —Barbecue and Movie Night
    Join us for Barbecue at 5 PM and a viewing of The Shack, a powerful experience of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in our lives, right where we need them most!

  • September 14—NO Young Adult Small Group Today

  • September 21—Young Adult Small Group at Pastor Jim’s 6 – 8 PM

  • September 28—Young Adult Small Group at Pastor Jim’s 6 – 8 PM

Let Us Help You Find the Right Small Discipleship Group

Beginning the small group journey with a group can be a powerful experience, and we recommend you give that a shot. However, we know your time, schedule, and preferences don’t always align with our current groups—we’re here to help! Click on this link and fill out the form to let us know a little bit more about you, and we will do our best to pair you with a group.

More Information

Call the church office at (253) 852-3900 or email us below to find the group that's right for you!