Grow Your Bible Study

The afternoon of January 13^th, 2024, found the ladies of Creek Hollow donning hats and white gloves to gather in my home for an English afternoon tea. As the fresh aroma of scones and cucumber sandwiches entered my kitchen, fresh memories of a similar neighborhood gathering held in the same location a year ago also drifted into our minds. It was at a Christmas Tea where interest was sparked for a ladies’ weekly neighborhood Bible study. As a safe place for deep sharing, the weekly Bible study has become what several women refer to as their weekly ‘oasis’.  God has used the Bible study to not only build a sense of community in our neighborhood, but more so to transform our hearts through His Word. An invitation to the 2024 Tea party was hand-delivered to each home in Creek Hollow. The ladies in the Bible study were so excited to host this English Tea in 2024 as a gathering point to get to know new ladies and see our Bible study grow …… all but one, that is.

Months before the January 13^th Tea party, we met in my home and prayed about who God was putting on our hearts to invite. One lady shared with vulnerability and honesty that although she knew of many women who could benefit from being in our Bible study, she did not want to invite them as she knew it would change the dynamic of our group. As the facilitator, I was tempted to launch into reasons why we need to be invitational. In all honesty, I did share a few, but then sensed the Holy Spirit moving me to be quiet and trust Him to work in her heart. After validating her concern, I said, “Why don’t we lean into prayer and ask God what His thoughts might be?” We all prayed for His leading and guiding that night, then moved forward with the Tea party planning.

Fast forward to January 13^th, the dear lady who did not want to invite anyone did indeed invite a friend who readily accepted the invitation. As the invited friend easily interacted with party participants, she connected deeply with a neighbor over parenting challenges. Through the resources shared and phone numbers exchanged, hope began to rise for an exhausted mom who needed encouragement. As the conversation was coming alive in the den, I made my way into the kitchen to keep the tea warm. The ‘reluctant inviter’ from my Bible study followed me into the kitchen laden with plates. With a wink and a smile, she whispered, “Only God could have made THAT connection!” I responded with a simple “Yes!” As the party came to a close, I was so happy that we both leaned a bit outside our comfort zones and took steps of faith.  As you consider your next step in loving your neighbors, is there a gathering God may be nudging you to host? If so, you may find this Host A Gathering page from our website a helpful resource. Another great resource is Grow Your Bible Study. As you step out in faith, be ready to watch Him transform simple gatherings (like a Tea Party) into connections that only He can make!