Pembury Baptist Church

Petersfield Small Group began life at the end of February. Emily Tyler, one of the small group leaders, gives an account of God's goodness in putting together this group at this time.

'Two weeks ago we had our first Small Group meeting - we are a completely new group made up of people most of whom were not previously in small groups - and whilst our first meeting happened at the end of February, God had been bringing this together for many months.

Dan and I had been asked about the possibility of leading a small group almost a year ago - the timing wasn't right, I wasn't "on board" and it just seemed like a big fat "no" from me and "yes" from Dan!  Jennifer similarly had felt a ‘tug' to lead in a small group but the facilities were not available and it clearly was not God's time.  However, it didn't leave any of our minds and, over time, God wove the right situations and people together to begin this new journey.  When it was first suggested that Dan and I lead a small group with Jennifer (someone we barely knew) the instant reaction was "yes, this is right, let's do it..."  God then sent confirmation after confirmation - the ultimate confirmation being the wonderful group of people who make up our group. 

Our very first meeting saw twelve of us cram into our lounge - and that wasn't even with everyone who wants to be part of the group present!  We are such a mixed bunch of people - on paper we are a very odd lot (male, female, young, old(er), Bulgarian, Romanian, British, complete newcomers to PBC, seasoned members and even a recent request from a ‘seeker' who wants to join us!) and yet, the times that we have already met together have been awesome. 

God's Spirit has been evident with us whether it's at a simple jacket potato meal or in our first bible study.  One thing that has been patently obvious is that all our group are hungry.  Hungry for deep relationship with God and hungry for deep relationship with others.  What's also exciting is that several members of our group are in a similar situation with spouses who are not churchgoers and so we're looking forward to having a number of non-Church/God-based socials over the coming months.

We have decided (well, God decided) to study the book of Acts and Jennifer led our first session - I personally discovered gems that I had never noticed before and was left blown away by God's grace, His purpose for each one of us and the fact that here we are, a couple of thousand years later, having our very own ‘church' and learning from the original meetings - what worked, what didn't - all with the aim of actively rethinking what it means to become fully devoted followers of Christ so that in turn we can, with the whole of PBC, raise the risk level of leading people to Christ and release unprecedented levels of compassion.

Already I am excited by what God is preparing to do in us and through us.  I am excited by the mixture of individuals that make up our Petersfield Small Group - I am excited that from each and every one of these people God will teach me, challenge me, encourage me and stir me to love Him more and love others more... roll on the next meeting!