At McPherson First, adult discipleship runs on Grace Groups: small communities of 6 to 8 people who meet weekly for one hour to grow deeper in faith and watch over each other in love.
Grace Groups are a place to be honest about your faith journey, not a Bible study, not a therapy group, not a place to fix each other's problems. No homework. No curriculum to buy. No preparation required. Just an hour of honest conversation around three simple questions:
- How is your faith journey going? (Soul Tending)
- Where do you see God at work in your life? (God Sightings)
- What challenge are you giving to God? (Growing in Grace)
The format is rooted in John Wesley's class meeting tradition. In 1739, Wesley gathered people who asked each other one honest question: "How is it with your soul?" The classes, not the preaching or theology, drove the Methodist movement's growth. We are recovering that pattern.
The Five-Part Meeting Rhythm
Each Grace Group meeting follows the same five-part rhythm:
- Center (5 minutes). Open with prayer or silence. Settle in.
- Soul Tending (15 minutes). How is your faith journey going?
- God Sightings (20 minutes). Where do you see God at work in your life?
- Growing in Grace (15 minutes). What challenge are you giving to God?
- Close (5 minutes). Pray for each other before you leave.
The three questions are the spine. Center and Close are prayer bookends.
Find a Grace Group
Grace Groups at McPherson First run on a three-season rhythm: fall, spring, and summer, each about 12 weeks. New groups form each season, and people can join for one season, take a break, and try again later.
Browse forming and active groups, or fill out the interest form, and we'll help match you with a group that fits your schedule.
Start a Grace Group
If you're considering leading a Grace Group, you don't need to be an expert. The questions do the heavy lifting. The Grace Group Coach walks new facilitators through the on-ramp.
Read the Grace Group Quick Start Guide to see what leadership looks like, then fill out the interest form. The Grace Group Coach will reach out for a conversation.
Other Ways to Grow as an Adult
Grace Groups are the primary adult discipleship pathway at McPherson First, but they aren't the only way to grow. Other rhythms include:
- Sunday worship at 8:30 and 10:15 AM, with meaningful messages and music that connect faith with everyday life.
- Bible reading plans that we publish monthly through the YouVersion app.
- United Methodist Women (UMW), gathering monthly for fellowship, refreshments, and program.
- United Methodist Men (UMM), monthly breakfast and ad hoc service projects.
- Adults serving on teams and committees, sharing their gifts in worship, hospitality, outreach, and leadership.
Tell us which ministry areas spark your interest, and a ministry leader will reach out to help you find the right fit.
Whether you're just beginning to explore faith or seeking to deepen a long spiritual journey, you'll find a place to belong and grow at McPherson First.
Questions?
Contact Pastor Andrew Conard at 620-241-3626 or andrew.conard@mcphersonfirst.org.
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