A fresh emphasis on small groups is about to kick off here at Passion Community Church , and over the next few weeks we will be hearing first hand from a handful of folks about their first hand experience joining a small group. Tina Johnson from PCC’s Riverside Campus had this to share…
What was life or faith like before joining a small group?
Life before joining a small group was comfortable, even predictable—family, work, dinner, errands, repeat. It was a steady rhythm, but also one that kept me in a very small, familiar circle. I’d see people who were part of a thriving group and quietly wonder, “Is that something I’d really want to be a part of?” My faith was consistent, but it felt more like a pattern than something that truly stretched or grew me. I learned to function well in a limited social world, and for a long time, I thought that was enough.
What were your expectations before joining the small group?
I’ll be honest—I didn’t have very high expectations for a small group. In fact, I didn’t believe “the hype” at all. I know, I work on staff at a church, so you’d think I’d be the first to believe the life change they can bring… but I didn’t think I could have that in my own life too! I went in with zero expectations, fully prepared to just show up, check it off the list, and politely decide it wasn’t a good fit for me.
What first brought you to a small group?
Honestly, I was just looking for something for my kids to do—and maybe, just maybe, I’d meet a few friends along the way. I knew there were people out there just like me, hoping for the same thing. So I figured, why not give it a try?
What surprised you the most about being a part of the small group?
I think what surprised me most was realizing how many people were in the exact same season of life that I was. Even if I didn’t know them well, it didn’t seem to matter—we instantly had so much in common, and that made it easier to connect than I ever expected.
When did it start to feel real?
Almost instantly, I realized how many moms just needed a space to unload and be real—it was kind of amazing. We had our kids with us, and if you know kids, you know they have a way of exposing your “real” whether you’re ready or not! It made pretending impossible, and honestly, that was the best part.
How has being a part of the small group impacted your faith journey?
My faith journey has been impacted in such a huge—but really good—way! After starting the Riverside Moms Group and experiencing the realness, transparency, and genuine connections happening, I realized it was changing me and I wanted more. That led me to start seeking a group for my husband and I, and wouldn’t you know it—God showed up! A friend I met through the moms group came to me and said, “I want to start a parenting small group,” and I was like, YES, do it! That group has been a total game changer, and it made me realize just how much my relationship with God needed this.
How are they a part of your everyday life?
We’ve truly become a family. So many of the moms from the moms group joined the parenting group, and now we talk almost every day. We celebrate milestones together, cook together, parent together, and even fall apart together—and it’s such a beautiful thing to witness. We hold each other accountable, we love each other’s families deeply, and through it all, we’re growing together.
What has grown, shifted, healed, or deepened?
My spiritual life has grown by leaps and bounds, and my marriage has gotten stronger along the way. The fear of people not seeing the “best” version of me is gone, because I’ve learned that real is actually what people are craving. Through these two groups, I’ve discovered that authenticity is in high demand—and it’s freeing. My burdens don’t feel nearly as heavy anymore, because I know I have a group of people who will help me carry them.
What does community mean to you now after your experience in your small group?
Community, to me now, means having people who truly see me and walk alongside me in every part of life. After my experience in these small groups, I’ve learned that community isn’t just about showing up—it’s about sharing real struggles, celebrating wins, and carrying each other’s burdens. It’s a safe place where I don’t have to pretend, where faith grows stronger together, and where life feels a little lighter because I’m not walking through it alone.
What would you say to someone who is unsure of joining a small group?
If someone is unsure about joining a small group, I’d say—I get it, I was there too. It can feel intimidating, like one more thing to add to an already overwhelming calendar, and maybe even unnecessary at first. But you might be surprised by how much you actually need it. And if you join a group and it’s not a good fit, that’s okay! Try another, or even start your own. You never know who else is in the same season of life, just waiting for you to make a move. You don’t have to have it all together or know what to expect—just show up. The friendships, the support, and the way your faith can grow when you’re surrounded by people who are real and encouraging is absolutely worth it. You may go in unsure, but you’ll likely come out wondering why you didn’t join sooner.
