Brent Lord-Life Group Pastor
I surrendered my heart to the Lord when I was fifteen years old and yielded to a call into the ministry shortly afterward. I have been a part of The Grove family since 2000. In 2004, I married my best friend, Kristin, here at the Grove, and we just had our first child in March - a little girl named Hayden. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Religion and a minor in Christian Counseling through Liberty University. My passion is to help others grow through maturing relationships with God and one another.
Life Group Philosophy
Our Lord’s prayer prior to His crucifixion was that we, as a body of believers, may be one as He and the Father are one (John 17:20-21). We recognize that due to the busyness of life and driving distance that it can be a challenge to feel at one with our local body of Christ. We also recognize the importance being known, cared for, and loved within the context of our local church body at The Grove. As a result, The Grove offers two opportunities to join with like-minded Christians in order to study God’s word and connect with one another. We offer both On and Off Campus Life Groups and Sunday morning classes.
Life Groups Purpose
The victories at The Grove are when we see a person or family connect deeper than just being a weekly attendee in our Corporate Worship services. Practically speaking, it is very difficult for our church staff to give you the type of quality care and love that our Life Groups can provide for your family.
At The Grove, a Life Group is the best place for sustained growth to occur. In a local Life group, people study God’s Word together and discuss the issues and challenges associated with life. It is a place where individuals can “do life together as one”. It’s also where they pray, care for one another, and are missed if they’re not here.
Off-Campus Life Groups
Jefferson Adults
Don and Barbara Moore have been unstrumental to the ministry of The Grove over the years. Don and Barbara love Jesus and deisre to see others grow in community with one another as they mature in the Lord. Jefferson Adults provides a comfortable atmosphere where discussion and Biblical study are encouarged. This group meets twice monthly @6pm.
Commerce Senior Adults
Investing the Word of God into the lives of others is a passion of Fred and Lois Johnson, and over the years they have consistently encouraged others to grow through God’s word. Meeting biweekly on Sunday evenings, this group provides a chance for Adults in the Commerce area to grow through Bible study and personal relationships.
Millstone
Located just off of Hwy 441, Millstone Life Group provides an opportunity for adults of all ages to connect and grow in Christ. This group is hosted by Paul & Tammy Fields and is being led by James & Tabitha Wascher. Both couples are faithful and have been serving and growing in the Lord for years. This group meets bi-weekly on Sundays @ 5PM.
Commerce Downtown
Located near Commerce Elementary School, this group offers encouragements for young adults. Chris & Linda Purvis have a passion for the Lord and seek to connect others through that passion. They are building a network of relationships through spiritual growth. This group meets bi-weekly on Sundays @ 5PM.
Hartwell Adults
Located in Hartwell, this group provides a convenient connection for those traveling to the Grove from WAY down I-85! Dr. Michael & Leah Lee are hosting and leading this group and they have a deep desire to see couple live in the fullness that God has promised. This group meets bi-weekly @6PM.
Lula Adults
Bill and Linda Turner love the Lord and care about his people. They have dedicated their lives to the nurturing of others who desire to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a great opportunity for those in the Lula area to connect with others that will challenge and encourage prolonged growth in Christ. Lula Adults meet in the evenings every other Sunday.
Madison County Adults (Mingo)
Located in the Comer, this group structured toward adults is a great opportunity to grow both spiritually and in relationship with like-minded believers. Led by Bob and Sylvia McConnell who have dedicated their lives to the service of the Lord, this group meets on a biweekly basis and provides life changing biblical study and relationships.
Hoods Mill Young Adults
Led by pastor Stacey Alldredge and his wife Courtney, this group enjoys a time of fellowship and Bible study biweekly on Sunday evenings. Located in the Jefferson area, Hoods Mill Young Adults offers an energetic group of young adults desiring to meet the challenges of life together.
South Jackson Young Adults
South Jackson Young Adults presents a fantastic opportunity for connection and growth for anyone located on the South side of Jackson County. Led by Josh and Tammy Griffin, South Jackson Young Adults provides a comfortable atmosphere for young Adults to mature in Christ together. South Jackson Young Adults meets on Sunday evenings.
Toccoa Young Adults
Are you in the Toccoa area and have a desire to find a group of young adults to grow Spiritually with? If so, then Toccoa Young Adults could very well provide the opportunity you desire to be challenged, encouraged, and changed through the development of meaningful relationships and biblical study. Toccoa Young Adults meets biweekly on Sunday evening.
East Jackson Life Group
Located between Commerce and Jefferson, this group offers a great opportunity for Christ followers to connect and study God's word. Led by Terry & Stacy Miller and hosted by Russell & Patti Knick, this group provides a comfortable atmosphere for growth and a loving community who cares for one another. The group meets on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month @ 5:30 PM.
On Campus Life Groups
BodyFit Life Group
Each Monday & Thursday evening at 6:45pm, Ginnie Carver leads a group of ladies in exercise and Bible Study. This environment is a a safe place for women to workout and grow spiritually.
Compass Mens Ministry
Are you a man with a passion for the outdoors? If so, The Grove’s Compass ministry is a great opportunity for you to connect with others who share the same passion. Compass meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month @ 6PM in the Chantry Fellowship Hall for prayer and Bible study. Compass also remains active in the community by hosting events such as archery shoots and safety training.
Homer/Banks Adult Life Group
On the third Sunday night of every month LC Pruitt leads a Life Group of adults in fellowship and in-depth Bible study. This groups meets in the Cabin.
Ladies Wednesday Morning Adult Bible Study
This group meets each week for a time of prayer and deep rooted Bible study at 10:00 am. This group provides the perfect opportunity for ladies to explore the scriptures together.
Couples Thursday Afternoon Bible Study
This group is designed with couples in mind and provides the opportunity to journey with other couples through the Bible. Meeting weekly at 4:00pm, this group is intended for couples desiring to grow in their knowledge of God’s Word together.
Ladies Monday Evening Bible Study
This study, which starts at 7:00pm, is for ladies who desire to grow deeper in their knowledge of the Bible. Structured for ladies of all ages, this study provides a great opportunity to be challenged by God’s word.
Mens Wednesday Evening
Designed to be personal, this group meets at 7:00pm weekly for Bible Study and accountability.
Overcome Cancer Support Group
Overcome meets on the first thursday of each month at 6:30pm in The Cabin at The Grove. Led by Kristin Lord and Nancy Shore, Overcome provides an oppurtunity for those who are dealing with cancer to recieve support from others who understand their struggle. This group is designed for those going through cancer, their care-givers, and those who have overcame cancer. Overcome provides a positive Christ-centered atmosphere of hope for all looking to "Overcome."
Sunday Morning Classes
Life Issues
Each Sunday morning @ 8:15 a group of caring adults of all ages meet together for refreshments and an in-depth time in God’s Word. Dickie and Leslie Vail have been diligently leading this class for years and loving their people. Class meets in the Choir Room of the Discipleship Building.
NO Perfect Parent
This class is designed with the parent in mind! We know that no one is perfect and that we all need encouragement and continual support. This class meets each week @ 9:15 for a time of teaching and fellowship. David & Kim Staples lead this group for parents with kids of all ages. Of course, in order to attend, parental imperfection is required. Class meets in the Choir Room of the Discipleship Building.
Fit To Be Tied
This class is designed for ALL marriage relationships. We are focused on developing healthy relationships between husbands and wives of all ages. We focus on the marriage relationship through Biblical teaching and up close accountability. This class is lead by a team of 3 couples. The class meets each week @ 11 AM. Class meets in the Choir Room of the Discipleship Building
Adult Class
This Adult class meets each week @ 11 AM and is a place where all adults are welcomed to come and enjoy good fellowship and solid Bible teaching. Paul and Christy Dennis lead this class each week and provide a solid leadership dynamic for those looking to grow in their relationships with Christ and one another. Class meets in room 209 of the Discipleship Building.
Senior Adult
At 11 AM each Sunday morning we have a dedicated group of senior adults that enjoy a traditional worship style and Bible teaching from Chess & Linda Howard. If you want to be cared for and loved on by senior adults, there is no better place to come and find it! This group is always involved in fellowship opportunities as well as community involvement. Class meets in the Cabin of the Discipleship Building.
AXIS
If you are between the ages of 18 and 25 then this is the class for you! Meeting each Sunday at 9:15am, this class provides a balance of biblical teaching combined with open discussion. Come and learn with believers who are going though a similarphase of life. Class meets in the Cabin of the Discipleship Building.
2:22 (Young Married)
This class is designed specifically for young married couples. The name 2:22 is a reference to Genesis 2:22 where the Biblical example marriage is first laid out. This group will provide an environment through which young married couples can connect while honoring God with their marriage and home. This group is led my Hansen & Cindy Steck and meets Sunday mornings @ 9:15 in Room 209.
For more information on any of these opportunities please contact Pastor Brent @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
