By Kristine Whitnable

Small Group, Big Impact

Every Tuesday eight Boston University students gather in Nina’s room for Bible study. This week they are studying the fifth chapter of Luke. In this passage four young men loosen the roof tiles of a house in order to let their paralyzed friend down in front of Jesus. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’”

At the close of the study, Nina asks the question, who do you identify with in this passage? Kaitlin, a freshman, identifies with the friends of the paralyzed man. “Isn’t it amazing how we can bring our friends to Jesus!” she exclaims. By contrast, Nick, a sophomore, identifies with the paralyzed man, noting how he had originally been brought to the Bible study and introduced to the other students by Kevin, a friend in the dorm.

As the small group meets, the students not only study the Bible and learn to apply its truth to their lives, but they also learn to minister to one another. One week, Lisa, a freshman, seemed to have a hard time concentrating on the lesson. The group took time out as Lisa shared the struggles she was having in her life. Afterwards, the group gathered around Lisa and prayed for her. “This is great to have a small group that loves me so much, where I can share about what is really happening in my life,” said Lisa, with a broad smile.

In university dorm rooms across the country, small groups of InterVarsity students study the Bible, learn who God is, discover who he wants them to be, and support one another in their Christian faith.