Growth Groups is the name of the small group ministry of Calvary Baptist Church, Bradenton, FL. Each group meeting together to study God’s Word, is called Growth Group. In Growth Groups each person will have an opportunity to Grow in their knowledge of God’s Word, Grow in Christ, Grow in connection with others, and Grow in community.

Calvary’s overall ministry flows through our Growth Groups. Groups are a great way to connect with other followers of Christ, invite an unbeliever, and be connected to the Calvary family. Groups in the past have served together and enjoyed great times of fun over a meal or getting together in the community. Groups often provide announcements to keep everyone updated on current ministry at Calvary.  

You may notice, this catalog is for spring 2022. Growth Groups are semester based, and groups typically last for 12 weeks. Spring Growth Groups will begin February 2022. 

Use this catalog and share it with others to invite them to sign up and become involved with you. Growth Groups are often a place for unbelievers to attend and feel more comfortable in a smaller environment with someone they know. Invite someone to join with you today!

Sign up online at www.bradentoncalvary.org, in the foyer of the sanctuary on Sunday mornings, or email [email protected] providing your name, phone number, email address, and which group you want to join.  

Once you are signed up for a Growth Group, the group leader will contact you prior to the first meeting. The leader will review any information you need to know such as study guide, registering for RightNow Media, etc. This initial contact will also give you a chance to ask any questions you may have concerning your new Growth Group and Bible study.

Growth Groups for Spring 2022

Sunday

Group Leader: Steve Swan

Topic: Book of Mark

This group will read from the Book of Mark, which will be followed by group discussion. The shortest of all New Testament gospels is likely the first to have been written, yet it often tells of Jesus’ ministry in more detail than either Matthew or Luke. It recounts what Jesus did in a vivid style, where one incident follows directly upon another. In this almost breathless narrative, Mark stresses Jesus’ message about the kingdom of God now breaking into human life as good news and Jesus himself as the gospel of God.

Location: Church - Conference Room

Meeting Time: Sunday, 6:00 pm

Wednesday 

Group Leader: Pastor Chuck

Topic: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Watchtower Society both hold views and doctrine in direct opposition to the Christian faith and yet many people outside the church count them as Christian. In this study, learn the major teachings of these groups and how we as Christians can witness to them for the Glory of Christ.  

Location: Church - Conference Room

Meeting Time: Wednesday, 6:00 pm

Group Leader: Gene Fuzy and Harry Marsh

Topic: The Practice of Godliness

This group is for men of all ages.  

Join the men of Calvary as they learn what it is to live out their Christian walk. Godliness is more than a character trait. This foundational spiritual quality makes the entire Christian life dynamic, effective, and pleasing to God. But how can you develop a godly character? In this group, men will work through, The Practice of Godliness, by Jerry Bridges to learn just that.

Location: Mike and Anita Hamrick’s home

1017 91st St NW

Bradenton, FL 34209

Meeting Time: Wednesday, 7:00 pm

Group Leader: David Racke

Topic: Real Discipleship 

Teaching for this group will be in Spanish. 

As Jesus left, He issued a commission to His followers: Go and make disciples. This instruction provides the church with a clear focus and meaningful purpose. However, many people never take up the daunting call of true discipleship. This semester, come learn what it means to be a disciple and see how you can help make others become disciples too. 

Location: David and Heidi Racke’s home

1210 118th Street E

Bradenton, FL 34212

Meeting Time: Wednesday, 7:30 pm

Thursday

Group Leader: Jane Turpin

Topic:  

This group is for ladies of all ages.

Esther - The Old Testament book of Esther makes no reference to God, but the entire story bears the unmistakable imprint of His ways. Your faith will be strengthened as you see how God intervened to deliver His people from annihilation.

Ruth - A suffering nation, reeling from famine, judgment, and war, Israel was a dark and unfriendly home for most, particularly for a woman. Even more so for a widowed woman. Ruth's story begins in desolation. But as in every story whose Author is God, that desolation is not without a glimmer of hope.  

Location: Church - Conference Room

Meeting Time: Thursday, 10:00 am

Group Leader: Gene and Betsy Fuzy

Topic: Romans Part 2

This group will watch a video series on the Book of Romans with Tommy Nelson, followed by group discussion.  

The letter to the Romans stands as the clearest and most systematic presentation of Christian doctrine in all the Scriptures. Paul began by discussing that which is most easily observable in the world—the sinfulness of all humanity. All people have been condemned due to our rebellion against God. However, God in His grace offers us justification by faith in His Son, Jesus.

Location: Dan and Bev Able’s home

6704 23rd Ave W

Bradenton, FL 34209

Meeting Time: Thursday, 6:00 pm

Group Leader: Pastor Chuck

Topic: Book of Philippians

This will be an online Bible study.

Paul really wanted to say thank you to the Philippian church for supporting him during his incarceration in Rome, but he wound up saying a whole lot more! In the most encouraging way, Paul updates the church on his circumstances and encourages them to stand strong in the faith despite persecution. Join us this semester online as we walk through this wonderfully encouraging book verse by verse. 

Location: Online

YouTube Channel - bradentoncalvary

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryBradenton

Meeting Time: Thursday, 6:00 pm

Friday

Group Leader: Pastor Fernando Lozada

Topic: Real Discipleship 

Teaching for this group will be in Spanish.  

As Jesus left, He issued a commission to His followers: Go and make disciples. This instruction provides the church with a clear focus and meaningful purpose. However, many people never take up the daunting call of true discipleship. This semester, come learn what it means to be a disciple and see how you can help make others become disciples too. 

Location: Pastor Fernando’s home

711 31st St W

Bradenton, FL 34205

Meeting Time: Friday, 7:30 pm