THRIVE is a small group experience designed to draw people closer to God and each other.
Everyone is welcome!
Thrive means to grow vigorously or to flourish and our desire at FirstCov is that each one of us would Thrive spiritually. God designed us to follow Jesus in community and while participating in Sunday worship is one of the most significant things we do as believers it is not meant to be everything. Throughout the history of the church and across continents and cultures, in cities and villages, since the day of Pentecost until now believers have gathered in small groups to fellowship, worship, pray, and study Scripture. At FirstCov we have several groups that meet at various times and various places. Some discuss the sermon passage, some do a video teaching series, others do a book study. All are focused on Scripture and all are rooted in community.
We are desiring for more people to get involved in small group settings, and ultimately, we would like to see every adult in a Thrive. And while this may not completely realistic, we continue to shape our conversations around growing our Thrive ministry to be the #1 place for connection, care, mission, and spiritual growth for our people.
THRIVE exists to help us become followers of Jesus who make disciples. If you want a chance to grow deeper in your faith in a relational context we have a great opportunity for you. Please contact Pastor Ginny Ahrens ( ) to learn more about current opportunities and to get connected with a group.
THRIVE SIGN UP
This fall we’re launching Thrive Communities—a place to grow in faith and in belonging. Thrive Communities are not classes—they are spaces of welcome, encouragement, and prayer. We’ll open God’s Word, share fellowship, and walk with one another in faith.
Whether you’re already part of a Thrive group during the week, or you’re looking for a new place to connect, we hope you will consider joining us. You can join others in your stage of life, or choose a group that’s more thematically focused. Each group will have content tailored for its purpose and based on the discernment of the leader and the group. We have childcare and programs for youth of all ages because community is for the whole church family. The evening will end by 7:30p to help make it easier for all ages to participate.
If you're interested, find more information and sign up at this link.
J.O.Y. (JUST OLDER YOUTH)
Are you 60 or older and looking to connect with others in a warm and welcoming environment? Our 60+ group is the perfect place to build friendships, grow in faith, and enjoy fellowship.
We sponsor seasonal gatherings throughout the year such as special speakers, potlucks, an annual picnic, and a harvest dinner in the fall. Come and be part of a group where wisdom, life experience, and faith are celebrated! Let’s walk this journey of life together—laughing, learning, and living for God.
Check out the Messenger for more information! We are always looking for others to join our team and offer suggestions for activities. Contact the church office at 616-453-6346 to be connected to our JOY Ministry leadership team.
FirstCovGR began piloting DNA groups in January 2021. DNA groups are intentional discipleship environments. They are relational, biblical, intentional, and reproducible. Jesus’ own pattern of disciple-making was to be intimately involved with others and allow life to rub against life. By gathering in twos or threes to study the Bible and encourage one another, we most closely follow Jesus’ example with the twelve disciples.
Each DNA group is launched by a facilitator, who is the person who prays 2-3 people into the group, to join in on the journey. Once the group is launched, each participant takes a turn guiding the conversation, as the discipleship occurs through peer relationships. DNA groups commit to meeting for one year, weekly, as much as possible. The goal is multiplication! The folks that are in each group pray 2-3 people into a new group at the end of the year of intentional discipleship, with exponential impact.
The core curriculum for our DNA groups is “Discipleship Essentials” by Greg Ogden. This workbook is a tool designed to help you follow the pattern Jesus drew for us. Consistent relational connection with your DNA group will deepen and strengthen your faith. Go to this link below to let us know you are interested in a DNA Group.
https://bit.ly/DNAgroupsignup
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