 Annie GrovesSmall Group Trader Contributor
Faith Baptist Church- Kailua, HI
I was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA, a fairly large city with a small town feel located in the heart of south-central California. My family and I attended church at First Presbyterian Church, Bakersfield, and it was within this church home that I came to know and love the Lord. I began working with youth as early as my junior year in high school, and soon developed a passion for youth ministry and discipleship.
In the spring of 2006 I received my Bachelor's of Arts in History from the University of California Los Angeles (Go Bruins!) with an emphasis in Early Christianity and English. While attending UCLA, I met my husband (to-be) JD, who studied English and led a small group of jr. high boys at our church, Bel Air Presbyterian.
JD and I began to pursue ministry together as an engaged couple, dropping our previous career plans in response to a shared desire to serve God in youth ministry. In October of 2006 we married, and two months later moved to Kailua, HI where we currently serve at Faith Baptist Church as co- Directors of Student Ministries.
Our island life is full of fun as we spend time ministering to teenagers, surfing the waves, and exploring. I love my husband, writing, iced coffee, the beach, and photography. My passion is to shepherd students toward loving, knowing, and trusting Jesus while being in community with each other. JD and I also have a baby girl, Elianna Joy.
Annie Groves Intervew with Small Group Trader:
Small Group Trader: When did you decide to serve in Small Group Ministry?
Annie Groves: As a teenager I was heavily involved in youth group and later developed a passion for shepherding younger teens. While in college, I prayed about and pursued my desire to serve God full time in youth ministry. After graduating, my husband and I moved to Hawaii to direct the junior high and high school groups at Faith Baptist Church. We implement small groups as our primary teaching outlet on Sunday mornings for both jr. high and sr. high students.
Small Group Trader: What encouragement would you offer to small group leaders out there?
Annie Groves: One of the challenges of leading small groups, particularly with youth, is getting students to open their hearts and their mouths for fruitful discussion. Be encouraged – this is a process and takes time. A small group leader’s role demands patience and involves a steady labor of love. Uncomfortable silence is OK, and sometimes necessary as your group takes time processing ideas and developing relationships with each other.
Small Group Trader: In what ways have you and your spouse grown spiritually since you have been involved in this ministry?
Annie Groves: My husband and I partner together to serve full time as youth ministers. We are blessed to encourage one another as we continually seek God’s heart for our students and for the Church. Leading small groups (and leaders) requires an incredible amount of trust in the Holy Spirit as the nature of small groups fosters freedom in discussion (possibly going somewhere we never intended). Furthermore, we are convicted and encouraged to carry our small group discussions into our daily life together.
Small Group Trader: Why does small group ministry play such a critical role in the church today?
Annie Groves: In the program-oriented, fast-paced culture of today, Christians struggle to find authenticity in relationships and community in Christ. Jesus ministered to the masses, but discipleship took place among 12. If the church is serious about making disciples of all people, small groups are absolutely necessary to experiencing intimate community and authentic relationships. Furthermore, small groups provide an outlet for discussion and vulnerability, encouraging both personal and communal growth.
Website: www.anniegroves.wordpress.com
Favorite Link 1: http://www.faithinparadise.org
<< back
| |