Small groups continue to play a central role in the spiritual life of students at Southern Nazarene University, offering community, encouragement, and a place to grow in faith. Students involved in different types of small groups say the gatherings not only provide opportunities for study and prayer but also strengthen connections on campus.
Carter Brock, a senior exercise science major, said his experiences leading and attending small groups have been transformative. Last year, Brock and Lydia Mitchell ran Proverbs Playground, a small group that combined Bible study with games.
“We would pray, read a proverb, then break up into smaller groups and answer some questions about the proverb,” Brock expressed. “After the time of reflection and talk within groups, we pray and then play a ‘playground’ game. This would usually be dodgeball, horse, knockout, pickup basketball, and other games.”
For Brock, the most important part of leading a small group is creating an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their faith. “My hope is to create a space for students to be more vocal about their faith and share different interpretations about the Word,” he voiced. “A lot of the time it’s daunting to be outward with your faith, but with small groups I believe it’s a great opportunity to ask questions, build a smaller community, and develop strongly in our faith.”
Alivia Campbell, a senior pre-physical therapy major, said she did not join a small group right away but eventually discovered how meaningful they can be. Her resident advisor invited her to a small group her freshman year, where she connected with others through open conversation.
“It was so fun, and I met new people and got to talk with them about their faith and experiences in life,” Campbell explained. Later, she and her friend, Indy Hughes, started leading their own small group, encouraged by mentors. “We started in Bracken, and it was fun getting to share what we have learned and hearing other people’s perspectives.”
Campbell said small groups are essential for building community on campus and emphasized their role in spiritual growth. “Doing small groups helps you meet new people and encourages you to share your faith and experiences with others,” she commented. “I think it’s important to get into small groups for community because it is a huge part of SNU’s culture, and it also helps you grow in your faith.”
Emily Ellis, a sophomore multidisciplinary major in missions and music education, echoed those points. She has participated in small groups both within and outside the SNU band community.
Last year, Ellis joined a group led by Pastor Tiffany Hazel, which worked through the book of Ephesians. “The community was great. We barely got through our scripture because we would go on tangents, and we laughed a lot, but we also shared the hard things as well,” Ellis said.
Ellis also participates in a women’s small group for band members. While the group is still developing, she sees its potential. “You have a group of people with whom (eventually) you can share anything. You can truly rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn,” she explained. “Because we have one extra thing in common that we share, we strengthen each other as a part of band. When we grow closer together, we work as a team better.”
Across campus, students emphasize the same themes: small groups encourage faith, provide opportunities for vulnerability and support, and strengthen the SNU community. Whether centered on scripture, prayer, or simply shared time together, small groups serve as spaces where students “do life together.”
As Ellis explained, small groups reflect the heart of SNU’s mission: “You always have a community to go to.”
Photo by: SNU Creative