Grow
At Central, we believe that life change happens best in accountable relationships where you can intentionally enter into each others' lives and offer fellowship, accountability, and encouragement to each other as you walk with God. Our Central Groups are the vehicle that we use to foster that life change as they provide a great way to connect with God, to come to know other people at Central and to ultimately grow in your faith.
Current Central Groups
Crown Financial Group
Sundays, 9 a.m.
Location: Central Avenue - Basement Living Room
What does the Bible say about money & possessions? What does the Bible say about debt? About tithing? The Bible has more verses about money and possessions than almost any other topic. This group is designed to be informative and to encourage people to take steps toward financial freedom to be free to follow God's leading in your life. (This is not a financial investment group.) Group begins April 22. Led by Mike and Julie Finney. Call 740-594-4547 or email the Finney's for more information.
The Me I Want to Be
Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Donkey Coffee, 17 1/2 W Washington St., Athens
If God has a perfect vision for your life, why does spiritual growth seem so difficult? How does your life story fit into God's greater picture? John Ortberg's "The Me I Want to Be" has offers some intriguing answers to these questions and "guides readers through the great task and joy of becoming God's best version of ourselves" (from the back cover). Come discover clarity, experience spiritual vitality and find encouragement with this new Central group beginning April 24. Led by Rachel Kloosterman. Call (740) 818-9797 or email Rachel for more information.
Old Testament Survey - Proverbs
Fridays, 6:30 p.m.
Location: 16 Meadow Ln., Athens (next to Athens Library)
Join us as we continue with a survey of the Old Testament. The emphasis will be on studying the book of Proverbs. Group begins January 13. Led by Michael Braasch and Larry Jageman. Call 740-591-1100 or 740-662-2808 for more info.
"Heaven"
Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.
Location: 1 Orchard Lane, Athens
Have you ever wondered about heaven? Have you desired to "keep your mind on things above" and not been able to picture "above"? Come learn with us as we read "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. This is an informal, relaxed group currently open to all women and facilitated by Joy Strickland. Call (740) 593-3689for more information.
Invitation to the Old Testament
Saturdays, 5:00 p.m.
Location: 49 Canterbury Lane , Athens
What does it mean to be God's chosen people? And how does the story of Israel's covenant with God inform our own identity as heirs of that covenant? Through this study, participants will be invited to listen afresh to the witness of the Old Testament to hear God's call and purpose for their own lives and respond to that call. This study approaches the study of Hebrew Scriptures by inviting participants to hear the story of God and God's calling of the people of Israel through the many "voices" of the biblical text. Start date TBD. Led by Eric & Amanda Behn. Call 614-441-3485 or email Eric for more info.
Discernment and Decisions
Tuesdays 7:30 p.m.
Location: 44 N. Shafer, Apt 4, Athens
This group is continuing through winter quarter, picking up with a study of the life of Paul. His life was changed dramatically, and he was then not his own. What motivated him through all of his missionary journeys? How did his life exhibit the life of Christ? What impact are our lives having as we follow Christ? Be encouraged ... join us! Email Amy Jennings or Steven Foy for more info.
Fully Focused
2nd & 4th Mondays each month, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Central Avenue - Basement Living Room
Do you find many things demand your time and attention, but ultimately limit your ability to focus on God? This group will intentionally remove as many distractions as possible and is dedicated and drive to focus on Jesus through worship, a study on the book or Matthew, and prayer. The group is open to all with distractions, although couples with younger children are especially encouraged to attend, as we will be rotating childcare responsibilities among group members. Led by Ryan and Andrea Fogt. Call (614) 746-6637 or email Ryan or Andrea for more information.
Central Prayer Hour
Wednesdays 5:15 p.m.
Location: Central Avenue - Sanctuary
A great way to end your workday or start your evening – with prayer. This group is open to anyone at any time of the year. Our focus is on prayer and praying for the concerns presented. Led by Barry and Kate Oches. Call (740) 592-1203 or email Kate Oches for more information.Join us any Wednesday.
New Testament Group
Sundays, 6:00 p.m.
Location: 51 Charles St, Athens
Do you desire to lean about what the gospel accounts have to teach us about Jesus? Do you want to discover how these spiritual truths apply to our lives? Do you enjoy heartfelt community? The New Testament study group is committed to these goals. In addition, we are actively engaged in monthly service projects in our community and with other Central supported mission projects. We are currently meeting and have a place for you! Led by Mary and Larry Jageman. Call (740) 592-2123.
Intersect
Intersect is a joint ministry of Central and The Navigators, creating an on-campus gathering at Ohio University for college students in and around the Central Community to learn how to go relationally deep with God and with each other. Join the group on Tuesdays at 9:00 on Ohio University's Main Campus in Bentley 120 Email the group leaders for more information.