Friday Ministry Spotlight, May 9, 2025

Friday Ministry Spotlight:

Spiritual Development Groups

One of our four core values is Spiritual Development. It is essential for those who desire to follow Christ because it draws us closer to God, helps us grow in Christ-like character, and prepares us to live out our calling in the world.

The Bible encourages believers to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). As we mature spiritually, we become more rooted in faith, more resilient in trials, and more equipped to love and serve others.

Spiritual growth transforms our hearts and minds (Romans 12:2), aligning our desires with God's will. It also strengthens our ability to resist sin, make wise decisions, and bear the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Ultimately, spiritual development is not just for our benefit but so that our lives reflect Christ and bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16).

Perdido Bay Methodist Church offers many groups and we just completed another semester of growth. We rejoice that an average of 135 attended a Spiritual Development Group each week. Classes took place 5 days per week even beyond our church campus at The Redemption Store and at Lost Key. There are groups for Women, Young Women, and Men. Also offered was Disciple Fast Track, Sunday School Classes, Prayer, and more. While many classes just concluded until the fall semester, many of our Sunday School Classes will continue meeting through the summer. Additionally, the Men's Bible Study and Intercessory Prayer groups will continue. While you await the resumption of groups in the fall, consider one of the following groups to connect with this summer:

Men's Bible Study: Mondays at 6:00am, Activities Center

Intercessory Prayer Group: Tuesdays at 8:30am, Gathering Lobby

Seeker's Sunday School: Sundays at 10:10am, Activities Center

In-betweens Sunday School: Sundays at 10:10am, Activities Center

Upper Room Sunday School: Sundays at 10:10am, Activities Center

Several of our group leaders shared highlights from the year:

Bill Fleming, Men's Bible Study

Monday Morning Men’s Bible Study is rich in fellowship, energized by caffeine and rooted in The Story (our current study). Our lively group has grown both spiritually and numerically- now 20+/-. Newcomers are welcome each week, as we openly explore God’s plan as revealed in scripture and seek to better understand its meaning for our personal lives of servant leadership and our dedication to making PBMC “the vibrant heart of the community!” Join us! The fun starts early!

Elizabeth Hohn, Recharge Sunday School Class

This year in the Recharge Class, our discussions centered around three questions: What do I believe? What should I do? Who am I becoming? We prayed for each other, our church, and our community. We forged new friendships and ate lots of good food.

Bill Eshelman, Upper Room Sunday School Class

We gained a greater understanding of how much God loves us and wants us to love Him as we studied the Old Testament and read how He continually forgave the Israelites as they continued to gripe and complain all the way to the Promised Land!

Ron McCray, Lost Key Small Group

This group’s study delves deeper into chapter and verse to discuss how this group compares itself to those from Jesus’ time. We ask if we are following the past or conforming with the present trends. All in all this group follows the past. We ask, “what were those listening to Jesus saying and asking one another how they felt about his teachings “? We know there will always be questions and our beliefs are to follow the teachings of Jesus.

Linda Threadgill, Intercessory Prayer Group

The greatest thing is knowing the presence of the Holy Spirit in our church as He protects our Pastors, our Staff and our congregation through the prayers that are continuously lifted to our Lord and Savior as He intercedes for us.

April Stokes, Redemption Store/Women's Small Groups

We realized the importance of digging deeper into the stories of these women of the Bible. Did they have choices, how did they deal with the situations they were in and how would we deal with similar situations today?

Aside from the study, we found women to connect with; to share our lives with; to cry, rejoice, and offer prayer support to; and to grow in our faith together.