I love my small group!

Hello! So I found this to be a very interesting topic. “500 words about a significant event that shaped your beliefs, or a person who inspired them…” I have had many “significant events” in my life, but none of them have shaped who I am, or what I believe in, more than my bible study group of guys.

The Senior High small groups are entitled “Adelfotes.” Adelfotes in Greek means “Christian Community.” Every Wednesday night, 12 teenage guys and I get together with our leaders in the Fitzpatrick family household from 6:30 to 8:30. We typically kick off with bonding time, either playing video games, ping pong, or some form of friendly competition (You all know how us guys get). From 7:00 onward, we have our lesson, typically covering a chapter of a book in the bible, with discussion and debate following. Then more bonding, and we all head home. These nights have truly shaped who I am as a Christian, as a friend, as a teenage guy. Every week I am challenged, yet supported in my faith, as I learn more and more about myself, about the friends I surround myself with, about the person I would like to become, and about the disciple for Christ I am growing to be each and every day.  

Some nights we won’t do a lesson. We spend the time talking about life, and the struggles we go through every day. If one of us is going through some really hard times, we all lay hands on them, and just pray, and pray some more. We give each other the strength and support we need to carry on every day. These nights have been the most significant for me. During my times of need and struggle, I know I always have “my guys” who I can count on to be there for me; Through the good, the bad, and all times in between. Even if I need a good “wake-up call,” or just to be straightened out a bit, my group is there for me.  We’re all very different, each of us with our own social groups and friends. In that basement, however, we have become brothers in Christ, and have built lifelong friendships.

Our leaders are amazing as well. There’s Dave, Curtis, Gary, and now Perry. Dave Choutka (pronounced Hootky) is the Youth Pastor at our church, as well as our small group leader. He has been the “person who has inspired your beliefs” for me. He and I have really bonded over the last 3 years, and become very close. He has been a mentor for me, as I am following a call to a career in ministry and missions, and a role model, whom I look up to each and every day. Each week, our leaders challenge us. If I discuss my beliefs on a certain topic, sometimes the leaders may ask “well why do you believe in that?” There are times when I can’t come up with an answer, but that helps me to view different opinions, and see why the others in my group believe what they do, and what affects my beliefs as well.  The leaders metaphorically open our eyes to the world, to God, and to all things in-between.

So these are the people who have shaped my views and beliefs the most. Although I am an only child, I now have over 15 brothers in Christ, who I can count on whenever I need them, and vice versa. I am surrounded with community who love and support me, and are there in my times of struggle. These teens and leaders have been the biggest part of my life and growth in Christ.