Connect Groups: Spiritual Food for Union

Connect Groups are small community groups led out on campus by students. This is a program started by Campus Ministries that provides small group options that explore different interests while all still revolving around the concept and goal of growing closer as a community, to each other and to Jesus. 

While the Residential Life Team hosts groups that build social communities in the dorms, Campus Ministries hosts groups that build relationships and connections that focus on student’s spiritual lives. Dylan Haloviak, a student at Union, is one of the leaders of the Connect Groups. He said, “everything about Connect Groups centers around Jesus and learning more about Him and His Scriptures.” 

Regarding his small group, Payton Arnett said, “People have told me it's the highlight of their week and it is also for me.” Abby Cook, a freshman at Union and Connect Group attendee, said, “I like the break from a daily routine. All day long I’m studying, going to classes, and then I come here and I can just forget everything, just focus on the Bible and talk with my friends about the Bible, and learn more.” The opportunity to take intentional time out of the day to build community and focus on the Word has evidently proven to be beneficial.

David Kabanje, Union’s Chaplain, said, “Connect Groups are really great opportunities for individuals to build communities that are centered on Jesus Christ… I come, I connect with you, but more importantly, I connect to Jesus in three areas: to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him.” 

David Scoggins, a group leader, summed up the benefits of a small group setting when it comes to digging into the Bible. He said, “With each person bringing their own unique perspective, we can dig way deeper than we could have alone.” Connect groups are not only impactful for attendees and group members, but also for group leaders. Dylan shared this about his experience hosting a Connect Group, “Leading a Connect Group has helped me get to know new people more and have quality discussions on the Word of God.”

Campus Ministries invites you to “take that courageous step out of your comfort zone and grow” by joining a Connect Group. To join a group or get more information about specific groups, check out the Connect Group web page on UGroups or stop by the Campus Ministries office in the Everett Dick Building and talk to David Kabanje or another member of the Campus Ministries staff.

by Olivia Sweet