Finding Connection, One Small Step at a Time
When Pete Gutschenritter first came to Good Shepherd nearly 15 years ago, it wasn’t because he had a grand plan to get involved. Like many people, he came because someone invited him. His sister introduced him to the church, and over time he gradually found his place.
He attended Next Steps, began serving as an usher, and eventually joined a men’s small group. Along the way, he even helped launch Brew Church, an outreach designed to create a welcoming environment for people exploring faith outside the traditional church setting. Through each season, one thing became clear: growth wasn’t happening in isolation. It was happening through relationships.
For more than six years, Pete participated in sermon-based men’s groups. Then, for personal reasons, he decided to step away for what he thought would be one semester.
“That semester off turned into a year,” he says.
He continued attending weekend services, but something felt different.
“I was still attending church, but something was missing.”
It was during that season that Pete realized how much he had come to value the friendships and encouragement that happened outside the worship service.
After several meaningful conversations, he decided it was time to try again.
Joining a brand-new men’s group wasn’t effortless. Like many new beginnings, it felt a little clunky and awkward at first. The relationships and meaningful conversations take time to develop. But Pete kept showing up.
Today, more than a year later, that same group has grown to near capacity. The conversations are honest, friendships have formed, and what once felt unfamiliar has become a place where men encourage one another, learn together, and continue growing in their faith.
Pete knows many men hesitate to join a small group. Some worry they don’t know enough about the Bible. Others simply aren’t sure what to expect. His experience has taught him there isn’t pressure to have all the answers. Small groups are a place to come as you are, participate at your own pace, and discover that faith often grows through authentic friendships.
As Pete reflects on his journey, his encouragement to other men is simple:
“Join a small group. Get connected. Be intentional. If you do these things, I think you’ll find great connections.”
Sometimes the hardest part is simply walking through the door. But as Pete discovered, taking that first step into community can become the beginning of something you didn’t even realize was missing.
