Our Wesleyan heritage emphasizes discipleship through small groups. Groups take many forms - Sunday school classes, book and Bible studies, golf league, crafting group - and are for all ages. In them, we celebrate joys, share sorrows, and pray for one another; we study and learn together, encourage and challenge one another. When we talk about getting involved Downtown, small groups are often mentioned first.

Sunday School

Adult Sunday School classes are staying connected. Some are meeting virtually and some in a hybrid format of in-person and virtual. Please complete this form for information on meeting times and locations.

BLT

Leader: Dulaney Wood

BLT (Believers Learning Together) engages in studies intended to help all grow in their walk with Christ, striving to become better Christians in life, work and relationships. Using 6-8 week studies with no out-of-class preparation required, discussion happens around the lessons shared. BLT also enjoys fellowship times outside of class and a yearly trip to Gatlinburg.

Contemporary Issues

Leader: Ross Stinetorf

Contemporary Issues holds true to its name through discussions based on the Bible and current events/issues found in the world. Time for fellowship and prayer lead this class into a study utilizing The Wired Word and what it means to respond in the world as Christians focused on Christ.

The Empty Chair

Leaders: Don Cummings

The Empty Chair class begins "A Six Pack for Fall: Tailgating with the Psalms." The class will offer in-depth study and devotional experiences of six of the most beloved Psalms in the Bible. New class participants are most welcome to join the class as it begins this special, short-term study. The class encourages serious biblical inquiry, discussion, and relationship building peppered with humor and fun along the way. The new study on Psalms will begin Sunday, September 11th.

FISH (Friends in Service to Him)

Leader: Mallory and Matt Wood

FISH is made up of parents with children who enjoy meeting together weekly and at other times throughout the year. Using the Upper Room, the class shares in fellowship, study and prayer together.

Journey

Leader: Keith Cooper

Journey chooses books to read and discuss that encourages discussion on how all fit into the narrative of God’s story and what it means to be disciples in every context. Journey also enjoys monthly fellowship times.

Bible Doing

Leaders: Susan and Todd Nelson

The book of James says we are to not only be hearers but doers of God’s word. This discussion based class seeks to discover truth in God’s word and put it into action. Expect to laugh a lot, share as you are comfortable, and be challenged by God’s word.

Trailblazers

Leader: John Stumbo

Trailblazers use the Bible to study issues common to our lives today by a combination of comments by the teacher and open discussion. Time is always given to building a caring community through time together and prayer.

Leader: Todd Nelson

Rev. Todd Nelson led an online study of Matthew this past Fall (2022). Notes and videos from each week can be found here.

Notes  |  Previous Weeks

Ongoing Grow Groups

Groups are currently meeting in-person or virtually, and welcoming new members. If you are interested in connecting with or learning more about one of these groups, let us know here.

Ann Orr Bible Study

3:30 PM every other Sunday

Bible study focusing on Scripture reading and discussion

Downtown Kids

Sunday Mornings and Beyond

nursery through 5th grade ministry and groups

Downtown Student Ministries

Sunday Mornings and Evenings

middle and high school ministry and groups

Journey Companions

Mondays 9:30-11:00 AM

Women’s Bible study and prayer

Sexual Theology Intensive

Thursdays 6:00-7:30 PM

12-week deep dive into a theology of sexuality

Thursday Morning Men's Bible Study

Thursday mornings at 8:30 AM

coffee, donuts, fellowship, and discussion

UMW Belle Bennett Circle

Second Wednesday at 10:00 AM

discipleship and mission

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Wednesdays at 10:00 AM

book discussion and prayer

Wednesday Morning Men's Group

Every other Wednesday

life, book discussions, and being together