There’s a heaviness many of us carry. We feel like we should be able to do everything on our own. The world celebrates independence and self-sufficiency, and we’re told that strength is having all the answers, keeping it together, and not needing anyone too much. However, underneath all of that, many of us are exhausted because deep down, we know something is missing.

There are times that we have sat in a crowded room and still felt alone and unknown. We may have attended church regularly and still felt disconnected. We may want spiritual growth deeply but feel stuck. Many times, what keeps us from going ALL IN with God isn’t a lack of desire, it’s the hidden beliefs we’ve absorbed over time:

• “I shouldn’t burden people.”
• “No one would really understand.”
• “I need to fix myself first.”
• “I can do this on my own.”

Scripture paints a very different picture of how people are transformed. From the very beginning, God said it was not good for people to be alone. Jesus didn’t disciple people one at a time in isolation, He formed a community. The early church didn’t just gather for services; they shared meals, burdens, prayers, stories, struggles, and everyday life together.

A foundational verse that reinforces God’s design for people to live in relationship and community is,

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” — 1 Corinthians 12:27

A another verse that emphasizes belonging and how every person matters in the church family.

“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

Spiritual growth has never been just about information. It’s about transformation, which happens most deeply in relationships.

My husband, Scott, and I have often talked about how being part of groups over the years has been one of the most effective influences in strengthening our relationship with God, with one another, with our children, and with our entire family. Journeying through life alongside fellow believers has encouraged us in difficult seasons, challenged us to grow, and provided accountability and an incredible support system. Some of our deepest friendships and greatest spiritual growth have come through living in community.

Getting started being a part of a healthy community is the most difficult part, but once connected you begin to realize the blessings of it. Just like anything else that is good like an exercise plan, daily prayer time, home cleaning schedule, or healthy diet, you must keep at it, and when you find yourself not making it a priority, simply get back to it. I can say for certain that being a part of a small group where I have formed lifelong friendships has truly been one of the greatest blessings in my life.

That’s the heart behind our ALL IN vision at Church on the Hill.

We don’t want to simply become a church full of attendees. We want to become a church marked by deeper relationships, authentic belonging, and a disciple-making community. We want to be a place where people are truly known and encouraged to grow into who God created them to be.

Real discipleship doesn’t happen when we only consume content once a week. It happens when faith moves from theory into practice, when someone prays for you during a hard season, asks honest questions, challenges you lovingly, celebrates your growth, and reminds you of truth when you forget it yourself.

That’s why groups matter so much.

Groups are where strangers become family.
Where prayer becomes personal.
Where biblical truth gets lived out.
Where people stop hiding and start healing.
Where belonging replaces isolation.

No group is perfect. No person is perfect. However, there is something powerful about sitting in a circle with people who are learning to follow Jesus together. You were never meant to figure this out alone. I am so grateful to the village of people that have helped me to be a better person, and I will continue to be a part of groups that challenge and support me.

Maybe this fall, your next step isn’t just attending another service. Maybe it’s allowing yourself to be known, to show up consistently, and to move from watching community happen around you to becoming part of it yourself.

Because going ALL IN with Jesus also means going ALL IN with His people.

This fall don’t just attend. . . belong because we are better together.

Learn more about our Groups offered and find your people, join a group, and step into the kind of community where faith grows deeper, relationships become real, and lives are transformed together.

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