Growing Disciples, the second piece of Glen Mar’s mission, represents a life-long journey, and we each have our own place along this path. Whether you’re new to Glen Mar – or new to any church – or a seasoned follower of Christ, there are many ways to connect and grow. Learn, serve, and develop friendships with fellow Christians – and your own faith will deepen. Explore and find your place in your faith journey.
PUTTING DOWN ROOTS
Curious…About the Bible? About Christianity? About United Methodism? Wondering what’s next for you?
Check out Beginnings. Three short-term introductory small group experiences. Everyone is welcome to explore the basics of our faith in this fun format. No pressure, no risk, no homework. Information about new groups forming will be posted in Upcoming Events.
BASE
Think of Base as a basics of the Bible or Bible 101
- A six-week study: three weeks on Old Testament, three weeks on New Testament
- No commitment, no homework
- Introduction to the Bible for those who are completely new to the Bible or who want to return to Bible study
- Each session begins with a brief presentation followed by facilitated discussion.
STARTING POINT
Starting Point is a conversation about the basics of Christianity
- A four-week or eight-week video series with guide book created by Andy Stanley
- Low-level of entry and casual
- Provides a basic understanding of Christianity rather than a lot of theology
- Each session starts with a video, and is followed by facilitated discussion
A DISCIPLE’S PATH
A Disciple’s Path is a conversation about the basics of United Methodism
- A six-week study using study guide by James Harnish
- Participants may be Methodist, from other denominations, or be new Christians
- Helps new and prospective members learn more about Glen Mar and Methodism
- One-hour sessions based on study guide with facilitated discussion
Looking for a church home?
All are welcome here. Whatever your faith background or motivation, and whether you want to join our church as a member or attend every week without ever joining, consider this our open invitation to just experience the love of Jesus here. If you do wish to join as a member, we’d love to talk to you about how to do that! Learn more about the process on our Join page.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
GROWING STRONG
GROWTH GROUPS
Growth Groups are small groups where Jesus followers can grow with God, grow individually, grow with others in group, and grow with others in community.
About 20 different groups meet together through Glen Mar, with some groups beginning to resume in person while others continue to meet virtually. These groups cover a wide variety of meeting times and frequencies, styles and formats, and areas of focus. Across them, you’ll find groups for:
- Men
- Women
- Young Adults
- Post-College Aged Adults
- Parents of Preschoolers & Young Children
- Chinese Language Speakers
If you would like assistance in finding a group, or if you are interested in leading or hosting a new growth group, contact the Pastor for Community Life, by email.
SHORT-TERM FOCUSED STUDIES
Periodically, Glen Mar offers a campaign for all to come together for the same short-term Christian study. People are able to join together in new groups formed specifically for the study. Studies are normally no more than eight weeks and offer a perfect opportunity to grow your faith and try out a Growth Group study experience without a long-term commitment. lnformation about the short-term studies will be posted in Upcoming Events.
DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDIES
What is Disciple?
Disciple Bible study is a small group experience during which you’ll together read almost the entire Bible and discover your gifts for ministry, all through the disciplined study of Scripture.
Who should join Disciple?
Disciple is open to anyone who wants to deepen their faith and relationship to God, regardless of how much you’ve studied the Bible in the past.
How is Disciple structured?
Typically groups begin meeting in September. Over the course of two semesters, the fall and the following spring, you and the other members of your Disciple group will spend about 30 minutes individually each day in prayer and reading, and about 2 hours each week in a dynamic group meeting. These meetings will feature videos, group discussions, and prayer. Information about new groups forming will be posted in Upcoming Events.
BRANCHING OUT
SOCIAL GROUPS
While most formal groups at Glen Mar focus on spiritual growth, there are also several groups who gather together just for fun and fellowship. Current Glen Mar social groups include:
- Dancing Needles, a knitting and crocheting club
- The Lunch Bunch, older adults meeting monthly for lunch
- Glen Mar Singles Social Network
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Glen Mar hosts a chapter of the United Methodist Women, the largest denominational faith organization for women with approximately 800,000 members whose mission is fostering spiritual growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice. This group is open to all women. Please contact Fayette Stewart via email for more information.
MUSIC GROUPS
Making beautiful music is not only integral to the way we worship God, it is a fantastic way to get involved, make new friends, and grow in your faith. There are so many ways to get involved in music ministries whether you’re an experienced musician or a beginner. Where to start? Reach out to Music Director, Sophie Hong, who can suggest opportunities that fit your interests and gifts.
