Groups & Ministries: Grow and Belong
Church is more than a service you attend—it is a community you join. At Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, groups and ministries form the fabric of daily life. They are the places where people learn together, support one another, and serve the wider community. This page introduces the many pathways to grow in faith and to belong in fellowship. Whether you are new or have been part of the congregation for decades, there is a group or ministry where your gifts and story are needed.
Small Groups
Small groups are the backbone of our community. They create space for study, fellowship, and care in a way that is both personal and sustainable.
Study
Small groups gather around Scripture, devotionals, or thematic studies. Some explore a book of the Bible, others reflect on questions of discipleship, and still others focus on applying faith in daily work and family life. Study is never about expertise; it is about openness to learn and to share perspectives.
Fellowship
Life is richer when shared. Fellowship groups bring people together for meals, conversation, and encouragement. They may meet in homes, at the church, or even at local cafés. Friendships formed in these circles often carry people through seasons of joy and challenge alike.
Care
Small groups are also communities of care. When someone is ill, grieving, or celebrating a milestone, it is often the group that responds first—with meals, prayers, and practical help. Care is not programmed; it is the natural outcome of relationships built in trust.
How to Join or Start
Joining a group begins with a simple inquiry. You can reach out through the Contact page or ask a pastor or greeter on Sunday. Leaders will help match you with a group that fits your interests and schedule. If no group feels like a fit, starting one is encouraged. PALS provides starter materials, sample studies, and mentoring for new group leaders.
Small groups embody the truth that church is not a building but a people.
Next Gen
Children and youth are not the future of the church—they are the church today. Our “Next Gen” ministries nurture young disciples in safe, joyful environments.
Kids
Children’s ministry focuses on creating spaces where kids can learn about God in ways that make sense to them. Lessons are interactive: stories are acted out, songs are sung, and crafts reinforce key ideas. Volunteers serve in teams, ensuring that no child is left without attention.
Youth
Middle and high school students navigate complex questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. Youth ministry provides mentors who listen, challenge, and support. Gatherings often include Bible study, service projects, and open discussions about issues that matter in students’ lives.
Safe Volunteers
All volunteers working with children and youth undergo training and background checks. Policies ensure that every classroom has multiple adults present, and pickup procedures require authorization. Safety is not optional—it is the foundation on which trust is built.
Next Gen ministries aim to plant seeds of faith that will grow through every stage of life.
Adults & Seniors
Faith formation does not end with youth. Adults and seniors need spaces of belonging, study, and service as much as children do.
Men’s and Women’s Ministries
Men’s groups often gather for fellowship breakfasts, service projects, or accountability circles. Women’s ministries host Bible studies, retreats, and support gatherings where prayer and encouragement are central. Both provide contexts for deep friendship and shared discipleship.
Care Circles
Care circles bring adults and seniors together around specific needs. Some focus on prayer for families, others on support for those facing illness, caregiving, or grief. Seniors often provide mentorship to younger members, embodying intergenerational faith.
Fellowship for Seniors
Senior adults enrich the church with wisdom and faith. Programs for seniors include study groups, social gatherings, and volunteer opportunities tailored to their gifts and time. Transportation assistance is available for those who need it, ensuring that no one is left out.
Adults and seniors embody the strength of the church, offering guidance and stability to younger generations.
Missions & Outreach
The mission of the church is not confined to the sanctuary. Buncombe Street engages in local and global outreach, ensuring that the love of Christ is expressed in tangible ways.
Local Missions
Locally, ministries include food distribution, tutoring for children, support for families in transition, and partnerships with community organizations. Volunteers are needed to prepare meals, mentor students, and offer skills such as teaching, organizing, or counseling.
Global Missions
Globally, the church partners with mission fields to provide relief, education, and training. Trips may involve construction, teaching, or medical support, but every participant is also a learner, receiving hospitality and lessons from the communities visited.
Everyday Outreach
Missions are not just projects—they are postures of life. Members are encouraged to practice outreach in daily contexts: workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. Serving others is seen not as an extra activity but as an essential expression of discipleship.
Opportunities to serve are highlighted on the Events & Serving page, where upcoming projects and needs are regularly posted.
Volunteer Pathway
Volunteering can feel overwhelming if you are unsure where to start. That is why we describe a clear pathway: discover, try, and commit.
Discover
Begin by exploring opportunities that spark interest. Browse the Events & Serving page, attend an orientation, or talk with a ministry leader. Discovery is about curiosity, not pressure.
Try
Dip your toes in. Sign up for a single event, help once with greeters, or join a service project. Trying is how you learn what fits your gifts and availability.
Commit
When you find a role that resonates, step deeper. Committing means showing up regularly, building relationships, and making that ministry part of your rhythm. Commitment creates continuity, and continuity builds community.
This pathway helps every member find a place of service without fear of over-commitment.
Group Finder (Text-Only)
Looking for a group or ministry? Here is how to inquire:
- Visit the Contact page and send a short note describing your interests (study, fellowship, care, youth, outreach, etc.).
- A ministry coordinator will reply with options that match your description.
- You will be introduced to a group leader, who will invite you to visit a gathering.
- After trying one or two groups, you can decide where to belong.
There is no wrong choice. Every group is open, and every participant brings something valuable.