That’s right! As the title states, I have been part of the Rooted small group experience on five separate occasions. Before going into my reasons, let me first answer the question, What is Rooted? Rooted is a 10-week study that highlights seven “rhythms” of Christian faith: Daily Devotion, Prayer, Freedom from Strongholds, Sacrificial Generosity, Serving the Community, Sharing Your Story, and Celebration. There are usually 8-12 participants per group, including a leader. Before attending each meeting, participants spend about 20 minutes a day on their own, reading and responding to questions in the provided workbook. Groups then meet once a week for 1.5-2 hours for fellowship and discussion. Weekly meeting days and times are established once the group is set.
So why have I done Rooted five times? I originally took Rooted at another church prior to moving to Rochester. Once my wife and I joined Browncroft, we were offered the opportunity to be group leaders. I have now been blessed to lead Rooted four times. Each time the experience has been different. That’s because God always brings a unique set of people. In my career as a teacher, I’ve taught the same classes for the past 30+ years. But each year is different because the students are different. As with my teaching experience, it’s been my joy to lead people through the Rooted program and watch them grow in their faith, in their study of the Word, and in community with one another.
Rooted is an excellent way to start a faith journey through a Bible study. The seven rhythms as outlined in the first paragraph are quite essential to living out our faith. Each week, through the assigned reading and workbook prompts, participants must think about what is truly important in life. Then, at the in-person meetings, there is time to share what you have studied and listen to others. By sharing your thoughts and listening to how others answered the questions, your understanding of scripture and your relationship with Christ are strengthened.
When done right, small groups provide people with a safe place to truly be themselves and share their triumphs and challenges.
Finally, I enjoy small groups. They offer an environment where you can grow closer to God by interacting with others, learning from others, and becoming more comfortable with how to tell your Christian story. When done right, small groups provide people with a safe place to truly be themselves and share their triumphs and challenges. No matter what phase of life you are in, it is invaluable to have others to share your Christian walk with. A great example of a successful Rooted group was the first group I worked with at Browncroft, comprised of six couples. None of the pairs knew each other beforehand. With few exceptions, everyone attended each of the meetings and completed a group service project, which helped everyone bond. At the end of the ten weeks, the group decided they wanted to continue meeting weekly and has done so for the past two years. These couples are now very close and have come to rely on each other, share their successes, and support one another in difficult times. To me, this is what the Rooted experience is all about.
This fall, our Rooted small group “kickoff” day is Sunday, September 20th. If you are seeking Christian fellowship and a way to grow your faith in a group setting, please consider signing up! The cost is $20 a person and covers your workbook for the experience. The deadline is just a few days away, Sunday, September 6th. Take it from someone who’s done Rooted five times… you don’t want to miss this! You can see more details and register by clicking here.
Grace and peace!
Walt Jenkins
