At Advent, we believe that growth happens in groups, and we encourage everyone to join together on a journey of discipleship. Choosing to commit to a LifeGroup allows us all to share our journey, our hurdles, and our love for God together. Strengthen your bond to your community and Jesus Christ through small group learning.

Our vision for Adult Ministry at Advent is to build a community of adults actively engaged in their faith journey. Our mission in Adult Ministry is encouraging and nurturing adults to continue to grow in their relationship with Christ as they gather together to study, pray, and serve.

Growth Happens in LifeGroups

At Advent, we call our small groups, LifeGroups. LifeGroups provide adults with an opportunity to connect in smaller communities, to dig deeper into God’s word, and to grow as an individual and as a community.

We have a strong collection of established LifeGroups that meet weekly or, in some cases, monthly and span all different age ranges and life stages.

Pete Aubin, our Director of Discipleship and Connections, oversees all LifeGroups. We encourage you to find an established LifeGroup, but if you have an idea for a new LifeGroup, let Pete know!

Advent Book Club

Ladies, love to read? Please join this LifeGroup as we meet the first Monday of the month for fellowship and book discussion.

Meeting Time: First Monday of the Month at 7:00 pm
Location: Rotates between participants homes
Who: Women, all ages

Adventurers

The Adventurers enjoy some great discussion concerning our faith journey as we seek to apply God’s word into our daily lives. We enjoy getting together for fellowship outside of class and being involved in the missions of the church.

Meeting Time: 10:00 am on Sunday
Location: Christian Life Center, Room C203
Who: Men & Women, Late 30’s to Early 50’s

Agapé Circle

Agapé Circle (Agapé, meaning love as revealed in Jesus) holds a Bible study discussion with refreshments and fellowship at each meeting and celebrates Christmas & End of the Year parties in May for the circle each year. Agape Circle also hosts Halloween, Christmas, and Easter events for the girls at Marie Yount’s Home for Teenage Girls and assists with prom items if needed in the spring. This Circle also supports Backpack Blessings and IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network). All women are invited to participate.

Meeting Time: 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm
Location: Members’ homes
Who: Women, 30s-60s

Bible Band of Brothers

This Bible study meets off-campus every Wednesday morning at 7:00 am.

Meeting Time: 7:00 am on Wednesday
Location: Off Campus
Who: Men, All Ages

Bible Project

Our Bible is a magnificent book that shares how God has loved us from Adam and Eve to his ultimate gift of Jesus and his life, death and resurrection.  The Old and New Testaments share a unified story of wisdom for our modern world.  Jesus was a Jew and knew well the texts of the Old Testament and he often quotes them as evidence of his mission as the Messiah. If you want to learn more about the unified story of God’s love for us, then please join us.  We will use the videos, podcasts and resources of The Bible Project.  (see example links below)  Our group will decide on which Biblical topics to tackle, and also decide on which day and time to meet each week.

Meeting Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Who: Men & Women, All Ages

Brothers

This Bible study meets every Thursday morning at 6:00 am. A light breakfast is enjoyed followed by a study of scripture. The group ends at 7:00 am with prayer. The Brothers also serves breakfast for IHN and other missions as the need and opportunities arise.

Meeting Time: 6:00 am on Thursday
Location: Christian Life Center Dining Room, C101
Who: Men, All Ages

Caregiver Support Group

The group is designed to provide caregivers with emotional, educational, and social support on a monthly basis. All caregivers, regardless of the diagnosis or level of disability of your loved one are welcome.

Meeting Time: Second Thursday of the Month at 2:00 pm
Location: Education Building, E112
Who: All caregivers

Companions in Accountability

Companions in Accountability is a breakfast group for men of all ages that meets every Wednesday morning at 8 am at one of the local restaurants. Their topics of discussion vary from everyday life issues to studies of books of the Bible.

Meeting Time: 8am on Tuesday
Location: Meeting at local restaurants
Who: Men, All Ages

Daughters of the King

Daughters of the King is a group of women who are discovering how their faith relates to the real world and how they can maintain Christian ideals in today’s world. They study the Bible through books and RightNow Media videos.

Meeting Time: 6:30 pm on Wednesdays
Location: Education Building, E113
Who: Women, All Ages

Emmanuel Circle

Emmanuel Circle’s mission is the Shepherd’s Gate Women’s Shelter. Emmanuel Circle collects toiletries and other needed items to give to the women every month. This Circle is fondly known as the “Chicken Pot Pie” Circle because of its November fundraiser to support Shepherd’s Gate. At each meeting, the ladies share concerns which we lift up in prayer.  We attempt to have a speaker each month for the sharing of information pertinent to the welfare of women in our area (i.e. Julie Valentine Center, Shepherd’s Gate Renewal Center). There is always plenty of laughter and fun. Each year is kicked off with a cookout and the fellowship continues all year.

Meeting Time: 6:30 pm, 2nd Thursday of the month
Location: Christian Life Center, C101 – Dining Room
Who: Women, 40s to 70s

Free Spirits

A group of senior adults who meet for fellowship and connection. Free Spirits have monthly dinner meetings, may go to a play or concert, or have a game night. Monthly evening gatherings have included Greenville Drive baseball games, cookouts, and annual Oktoberfest and Christmas Parties.

Meeting Time: Once a month, dates and times vary – Currently not meeting due to COVID concerns.
Location: Varies depending on monthly activity
Who: Men & Women, Seniors

Fresh Hope

Fresh Hope is a peer-to-peer Christ-centered wellness approach for those who suffer from mental illness and for their loved ones. This approach, connecting faith and recovery principles, empowers and encourages individuals to live full and rich lives in spite of their diagnosis.

Meeting Time: Last Sunday of the Month at 11:45 am
Location: Education Building, E112
Who: Men and Women, All Ages

Fudd Brothers

A lunch group with men of diverse life experiences, professions, and faith backgrounds who come together to fellowship and build faith primarily through short-term group studies.  We learn from experienced christian publishers and discussions of our personal experiences as followers of Christ and our other roles as  husbands, fathers and sons.

Meeting Time: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month
Location: Meeting Virtually
Who: Men, All Ages

GIFT Circle

GIFT (Girls in Fellowship Together) Circle reads and discusses a book each year. They also host a great overnight retreat in the fall and a weekend retreat to the beach in the spring, as well as several social/dinners at local restaurants.

Meeting Time: Third Tuesday of the Month at 6:30 pm (could vary)
Location: Room E111
Who: Women, 30s to 50s

Gleaners

We share an interest in scripture based studies and lively discussions based on our variety of life experiences. We are also passionate about demonstrating God’s love through community mission projects and service to Advent.

Meeting Time: 10:00 am on Sunday
Location: Christian Life Center, Room C102
Who: Men & Women, 55+

Jean Glover Circle

Jean Glover Circle meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month, in  the Christian Life Center Dining Room at 10:00 am. We are 55 and over age group.  We have a different program each month. This is a social group of ladies that like to get together.  Our mission is Generations Home for Boys.

Meeting Time: 10:00 am, 2nd Thursday of the month (could vary)
Location: Christian Life Center, C101 – Dining Room
Who: Women, 55+

Journeymen – Men’s Bible Study

We believe, as a group, that iron sharpens iron and that it is in God we grow. We come from all walks of life and ages, giving each other prayer and advice as we journey together.

Meeting Time: 7:00 am on Sunday
Location: Education Building, E112
Who: Men, All Ages

Midweek Connection

Studies are discussion based and topical. Our goal is to minister to couples of all ages.

Meeting Time:  6:30 pm on Wednesdays
Location: Education Building, E109
Who: Married couples with or without children

Moms of Teens

Do you have a teenager in your home? If you do, you are well aware of the many challenges facing them and facing us as moms, every day. Join us on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 7:00pm for a group where we can share, learn, and support one another through this season of life.

Meeting Time: 7:00 pm, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month
Location: Education Building, E112
Who: The group is open to mom’s of teens of all ages (middle school, high school, and college students)

New Beginnings

The New Beginnings LifeGroup is an easy place to fit in if you are joining a group for the first time. All are welcome! We celebrate diversity and believe that friendships are born and spiritual growth occurs when we choose to walk alongside people who offer varying opinions and respect one another. At a New Beginnings gathering, you will find a group of friendly, kind people that are open-hearted. We believe that God is best found with others. Come, join us on the journey!

Meeting Time: 6:30 pm on Wednesdays
Location: Meeting in leaders’ homes
Who: Men & Women, All Ages

New Each Day

A group of adults on a journey who enjoy studying God’s Word, fellowshipping with each other and serving together.

Meeting Time: 9:30 am on Sundays
Location: Education Building, E111
Who: Men & Women, All Ages

Open Circle

Have you ever wondered about a verse or passage in the Bible, but felt that you had no one to ask or that it might sound sacrilegious to ask for clarification? This group is for inquisitive people who want to ask questions and are open to hearing the perspectives of others. It is for people who have been looking for a forum where they can explore the answers to tough questions without feeling that they are judged for their opinions.

Meeting Time: Sundays at 10:15 am
Location: Christian Life Center, Room C204
Who: Men & Women, All Ages

Open Hearts

This group welcomes people of every race, ethnicity, age, faith history, economic status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical and mental ability, and education level. We recognize that diversity is a gift and believe that all people are created in the image of God and worthy of God’s love and grace. Our discussion-based format will focus on helping us understand that we can love alike even though we may not think alike. With that in mind, we invite you to join us on our faith journey toward greater love, understanding, and mutual respect.

Meeting Time: 7:00 pm, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month
Locations: Meeting in leaders’ homes
Who: We invite all people to join us!

Place of Discipleship

Place of Discipleship is composed of mostly families with children. Studies tend to be topical and of interest to parents with children. Nursery Care Provided.

Meeting Time: 9:00 am on Sundays
Location: Christian Life Center, C102
Who: Men & Women, Couples, Families with Children

Sweeties

Sweeties is a young couples group (late 20s – 40s) that meets off campus (rotates between participants). They meet once a week and discuss issues that are relevant to their current life.

Meeting Time: 7:00 pm on Wednesdays
Location: Rotates between participants homes
Who: Late 20s to 40s, Couples

Thursday Women’s Group

A group of women who meet weekly for fellowship, prayer, and Bible study. Studies are usually 6-10 weeks each and may include a DVD and either participants’ guide or workbook.

Meeting Time: 9:15 am on Thursday
Location: Education Building, E112
Who: Women, All Ages

Wednesday Women’s LifeGroup

Wednesday Women’s LifeGroup is a group of moms who meet on Wednesday evenings to fellowship and discuss books we are reading.  Topics have covered parenting, various books of the Bible, and prayer.

Meeting Time: 6:30 pm on Wednesdays
Location: Christian Life Center, C204
Description: Women, all ages – mostly women with preschool and elementary children

Wes Sexton Group

This LifeGroup is learning to walk the walk together daily as Christians. This group shares, learns, and grows from tackling real life challenges.

Meeting Time: 6:30 pm on Wednesday
Location: Christian Life Center, Room C102
Who: Men & Women, All Ages

Women on the Journey

Women on the Journey is a group of women seeking to discern God’s will for our lives and to share this journey with others.

Meeting Time: 9:15 am on Wednesday
Location: Education Building, Room E112 – Meeting in-person and virtually
Who: Women, All Ages

Young at Heart

The Young at Heart are adults who enjoy some laughter and fun as they seek to understand scripture. We encourage each other by sharing different thoughts, insights and perspectives, and have a rich variety of experiences that enhance our discussions.

Meeting Time: 10:15 am on Sunday
Location: Education Building, E112
Who: Men & Women, 50s – 80s

Young Couples

Studies are discussion based and topical.

Meeting Time:  9:00 am on Sundays
Location: Christian Life Center, Room C101 – Dining Room
Who: 20s and up, Married Couples with and without small children

Interested in Learning More?

Let us help find the right LifeGroup for you!