He didn’t think a connect group was for him…
Anthony Lyle is originally from Pittsburgh and moved to Maryland with a company for work. We asked him about his experiences with his connect group. Here’s what he had to say…
What is your occupation?
I move furniture and perform sound system installations. I do a lot of sound work for churches. I work on man caves as well. I have setup personal recording studios as well.
What drew you to the Church at Severn Run, and how long have you been a member?
I’ve been a member for about three years. I kept driving by and stopped in one day and stayed.
Do you consider yourself a “joiner”?
I am not usually a joiner, no.
What made you choose to get connected, and how did you decide which Connect Group to join?
Amber Adams, the Connect Group leader, played a big part in my joining a group. She is persistent!
I joined the Gambrills/Crofton Connect Group (GCCG). It is a diverse group of people from all walks of life who love to fellowship together. We believe that our differences make us stronger and our backgrounds enhance our stories. We believe that Christian education is the way to grow in our faith. We love to share the goodness of Jesus through our personal testimonies of loving well, living Jesus and believing big.
Once I met the leader of the group, Terence Lynch, he and the group made me feel very welcome.
Have you noticed any changes in yourself since becoming a member of the group?
I find myself talking to people more. I share more, spread the Word more.
Some folks may not have become Connect Group members due to schedules or other issues. Has it been a challenge to balance work/life commitments and keep up with the group?
Stuff happens, I had a recent experience with the Red Line Metro in D.C. where I was delayed for a while. For the most part I am able to meet with the group when I need to. God will make a way.
Has being in a Connect Group helped you with relationships, work, personal issues or spiritual growth?
I want to go out and minister more to other people. I like to visit other houses of worship and see how they are growing.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a member of a Connect Group?
It opens the doors for relationships. We learn how to become a disciple, and not just exist as Christians. Connect Groups are important because they help us grow in the Word. We start to graduate from milk as new Christ followers and become disciples who are feeding on the meat of God’s word.
At the Church at Severn Run, part of loving well, living Jesus and believing big is connecting with other members and working together to grow the body of Christ.