About Us Ministries Fellowships Training Calendar

FINDING AN ABF

Have you ever gone for a long walk while wearing shoes that just don’t fit? You may find yourself with blisters or limping along, unable to walk the way or go the distance you intended to. Making the mistake of forcing a bad fit can be a costly mistake. Do you find that your spiritual journey has you ready to take a step in finding a smaller group of people to connect with as you endeavor to grow in your connection with God and with His people? Retracing the course of the first church will you guide in finding the right community of adults where you fit to learn and find fellowship in your walk with God.

In the second chapter of the Book of Acts, we see that this group of followers of Christ was committed to learning about the Word of God, to sharing life with one another, to praying together, and to a living joyfully in Christ together. We are told that this brought them favor with people, and “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved,” Acts 2:47b. As you consider what group is a good fit for you, let us encourage you to take these steps:

Commit to participating. To know a group, you have to check them out and observe them closely more than once. For a month, go to everything that the group has to offer, and see how you fit into their “big picture” over an extended period of time. Each ABF team is committed to helping adults find the place that they fit best. If it isn’t a fit at that point, do not feel badly about continuing your journey to the best place for you to grow.
Commit to reaching out. Maximize the time you are with the group by reaching out to develop relationships with the adults there, so that you can discover if you are compatible with that fellowship. Begin to pray for the burdens and blessings of those you meet, as you are praying for direction for a great group fit for you.
Commit to understanding . Make it your goal to understand the vision of each particular group. One thing you will enjoy as you search for your fit is that each group has its own personality and approach to community life together. Seeing the differences in each ABF will give you a better understanding of the whole West Park body and how you might fit into the Body.
Commit to knowing. You will understand the group better as you know the leaders. During your month as a guest, sit down with the leader or leaders of a group and invite them to share more about their unique fellowship and to hear more about your unique needs and gifts. You will be blessed to understand the creativity of God in using the people of His Church, and you will rejoice when you discover you are made to fill a space that He has reserved for you.
Commit to connecting . Finally, once you believe you have found the Adult Bible Fellowship where you fit best, don’t be shy about declaring your decision to join them. As you take steps to belong to a specific group of believers, allow God to use you in their lives and to use them in yours. Let the leaders know about your decision, and begin to prayerfully prepare your heart for how God will tie your life into the lives of those in the group through learning, sharing, praying, and living out your faith alongside of each other.

The spiritual journey of walking with God is an exciting one, but one that we are not meant to walk alone. Just as the first church was a community of believers who cared for one another and impacted those around them, so, too, you can join an Adult Bible Fellowship that will help you on your path to growth. Our goal is to walk strong and go the distance in our relationships with Jesus Christ. There is a wide range of people to find a connection with, and there is a place waiting for you. Commit to participating with the group, reaching out to individuals, understanding the vision, knowing the leaders, and connecting when you find your fit, and you will be a step further in finding friends to journey with you in your walk with God.

Want some additional help finding the right ABF for you? Contact Adult Ministries @ (865) 690-0031 or email.

HIGHLIGHTS

ABFs
9:30 ABF Classes
11:00 ABF Classes