Beyond Our Comfort Zone

Today, Jeff Neptune and Tori Spinella each share their story of choosing to step out in faith to host a Small Group for the first time.

“Last year I stepped out in complete faith and hosted my first ever small group Little did I know it would change lives forever, including my own. I had no experience hosting a group and, quite frankly, I was a little nervous at first. But I could feel God calling me to do it.

So, I called up four friends I knew from playing baseball and asked them to join my group. I had no idea what they thought about Jesus or if they had a relationship with Him, but it turned out we all were impacted by taking the journey together. During our small group, two of the guys accepted Jesus as their Savior and I felt God calling me to get water baptized. So, the three of us were baptized together. Our lives and families have been forever impacted from that day.

I learned while hosting the group that when God speaks, you listen; when God asks, you do; and when God moves, you watch in awe of what He can do. All it took was a little step up of faith to see God move in a miraculous way.

Fast forward a year and, because of the courage of this decision to step out in faith, I am now engaged and two guys from my group will be groomsmen in my wedding. This decision to host a small group brought more joy to my life than I can even explain. To see friends get saved, lives forever changed, and the lifelong God-centered relationships that came from it was worth putting all the doubt aside and taking that leap of faith.”

— Jeff Neptune

“After hearing Pastor Jeff talk about Beyond and the importance of small groups this semester, I felt a tug at my heart to host a women’s group. Honestly, I tried to come up with every excuse why I couldn’t do it but it was on my heart. Monday night at Prepare, Dr. Dharius spoke on stepping out in faith and courage. I knew at that point my excuses didn’t matter because hosting a group isn’t about me. It’s about bringing more people into spiritual family and continued growth in the Lord. I signed up to host a Beyond group and am eagerly waiting to see what God is going to do!”

— Tori Spinella

God always meets us when we step out in faith. Maybe it’s time for you to take that step and host a group. God will provide answers to those questions you might be afraid someone will ask, He will show you how to serve your group members well, and He will be with you every step of the way.