Adult Formation
2023-24Women's Ministries
Women’s small group study opportunities will be supplemented by all women large gatherings. These gatherings will focus on the overall vision of Formation & Mission at Pillar. Food, fellowship, keynote speakers and sometimes worship opportunities will take place. Gatherings are slotted for the following times in the year:
Fall Kick-Off: Tuesday, August 29 @ 6:30-8P
Winter Wrap-Up: Tuesday, December 12@ 6-7:30P
Winter/Spring Gathering: January 11, 2024 @6:30-8P
Spring Retreat: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Next step opportunities will also be provided at these events if you are looking to get further plugged into Pillar’s ministries.
The following small groups are being offered this fall:
Sacred Space -
Video & Book Study
All Pillar women are invited to the video/book study: “Moving Mountains” by John Eldridge as we grow in understanding and experience praying with passion, confidence and authority. Childcare will be offered. Email Kathryn Christensen if childcare would benefit you or if you have any additional questions: kchris4@att.net.
Book of the Bible Study- Monday Evening
This Bible study has a 3/1 rhythm in which we spend three weeks focused in discussion around a book of the Bible and then the fourth week is a fellowship night - often with dessert and DIY crafts! Our evening time-slot and easy going approach is especially convenient for those who work full-time and/or for mothers who want a night off from managing bedtime. Our group is joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. We would love to have new members join us this fall as we study Thessalonians! Email Sarah if you have any questions: sarah.kornfield@gmail.com
Bible Study- Monday Evening
This Bible study meets at Pillar on Monday evenings from 7-8:30pm and studies the same passages of scripture that are preached on Sunday mornings using the simple inductive method, called The Great Eight. We will consider what the Lord will teach us about living the Bible. How do we respond when life is difficult, hard and complicated? If you want to know more about Jesus and how to meet life’s challenges with grace, humility and courage you would love this study. nancybrown15@comcast.net
Bible Study - Tuesday Morning
This study will meet on Tuesday mornings from 10-11:30am and will dive deeper into Sunday’s sermon text. The Great Eight (eight questions designed to provoke thought and enrich discussion) will guide us each week. Childcare will be offered. Please email Alissa if childcare would benefit you. alissa@shabaz.com
Around The Table
Women of all ages, let’s meet around the table this fall at Pillar Church. Here’s a chance to meet new friends and catch up with old friends with dinner provided and a drop in Bible Study. Come once or come as many times as you can! A great place to be known in an inviting casual setting. Bring your Bible and a journal. We will be using study materials by Kristi Mclelland which will be provided. These gatherings are facilitated by Valerie Spoelhof. If you have any questions or would like to bring a soup or salad, email Valerie at vspoelhof@yahoo.com.
RSVP for the dates you plan to attend by clicking HERE.
Bible Study - Wednesday Afternoon
This study takes place on Wednesday afternoons from 1-2:30pm at Pillar Church and studies the passages of Scripture that are preached on Sunday mornings using a simple inductive method called The Great Eight. This method considers what the Lord will teach us about living the Bible through questions such as, how do we respond when life is difficult, hard and complicated? If you want to know more about Jesus and how to meet life’s challenges with grace, humility and courage, this study is for you. nancybrown15@comcast.net
Men's Ministries
Men’s small groups will be supplemented by large men’s gatherings held throughout the ministry season. These gatherings will focus on the overall vision of Formation & Mission at Pillar and will include food, fellowship and keynote speakers. Gatherings are slotted for the following times in the year:
Fall Kick-Off: Thursday, September 14 @ 6-7:30P
Winter Wrap-Up: Thursday, November 30 @ 6-7:30P
Winter/Spring Gathering: January 18, 2024 @ 6-7:30P
Spring Retreat: April, TBD
Next-step opportunities will also be provided at these events if you are looking to get further plugged into Pillar’s ministries.
Various small groups will be led at Pillar. Most of these groups will meet for 5-7 weeks and will each have a unique focus based on areas of expertise from leadership. The following opportunities are available this fall:
Men in the Word: Bible in a Year
Men, if you're like us, you've struggled over the years to develop a consistent time in God's Word. With the guidance of Tara Leigh Cobble's excellent commentary, The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible, we'll lean into God's Word together, reading the entire Bible in one year.
Our study will officially kick off in January and meet on the first and fourth Mondays of each month, but we'll gather on November 27 to start the Christmas season by reading the Gospels and getting our habits established prior to January 1.
Meetings will take place at Pillar from 7:00-8:30 PM. We (leaders Tim and Steve) are working through the Bible this year, and the encouragement and understanding we've gained have been transformative in our walks with Jesus. The accountability of reading through in a group was just what each of us needed to develop a consistent habit.
Email Steve at sjs@baysidecapital.com or Tim at timmcaboy@yahoo.com for more information or to sign up for this group.
A Good Work to Do - Marketplace Faithfulness
“All of our work has eternal significance – not just when we love a co-worker in name of Christ, but when we write music, wash dishes, design cars, build houses, or plant trees. Our work is the number one opportunity God has given the church to love our neighbors and shape culture. Every day when we go to work and faithfully do what God has called us to do with the gifts and talents he’s given us, we reflect the way things ought to be. When we live out a life of excellence at work, our witness takes on a whole new meaning.”
Ephesians 2:10
Email chip.seabolt@outlook.com for more information or to sign up.
7-8am, Fridays for 6 weeks, runs from September 29-November 10 (Skips October 27)
At Pillar
Intentional Fatherhood
Being a father is one of the most sacred responsibilities a man can have. The vision of the group is to be a place where Pillar fathers can journey together to strengthen and hold accountability for each other, create friendships, learn from each other how to become better husbands and fathers and leave a powerful legacy for the life of our children.
Email Blain at bhkooiker@gmail.com for more information or to sign up.
Begins Oct. 12 and meets during the school year, once/month on Thursday evenings (7-9pm)
Meets in Blain’s home
Pit Crew
The PitCrew will be studying the life of Joseph to learn how God works wonderfully and mysteriously in our lives through the many difficulties and unexpected twists and turns we experience. After one hour of discussion using a study guide, we will then examine what 'pits' we have fallen into during our lives either in the past or in the present by taking turns telling personal stories, focusing on what happened, how we responded, and how we experienced God in the midst of 'the pit'.
Vinnie Morton: sunsetrock14@gmail.com, Meets Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at his home.
Jason Grüssing & Skip Nagelvoort: grussing.jason@gmail.com or ramsgate2323@gmail.com, Meets Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Schenkel’s home.
Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4- Dec.6
Bible Studies- Spiritual Conversations
These 5 to 7 week groups focus on creating intentionality, vulnerability, and connection spaces. We were created for connection, which requires intentionality and is catalyzed by vulnerability. This is not meant to be your new group of best friends, but we do hope friendship is forged. We do not expect everyone to agree on all of the issues, but we hope this can be a safe place for curiosity and learning. We are not trying to force a new long-term small group, but we do hope genuine care and concern are experienced for everyone. Pillar says it’s a place where your name is known, your story is heard and your questions are honored and we’d love for this to be an opportunity where that happens.
Scott Courey: scourey@gmail.com, Meets at his office (downtown Holland) on Wednesday nights 7-8p, September 20- November 1
Blair Miedema: miedemablair@gmail.com, Meets Tuesday mornings 6-7A at Pillar, September 26- October 31
Nate Gilbertsen (Group full)
These groups meet at different times and in varying locations:
Third Third
Every day, there are 6,000 Baby Boomers entering the official age of “retirement.” For many of these individuals—perhaps for you---questioning about what to do in this next chapter (sometimes referred to as “the Third Third of life) can be really confusing. Fortunately, you’re not alone. Our small group will try to unpack some key domains in this stage, such as:
How do I do “family?” What career or job options could still be considered? How do I give back? How can I honor my faith in even fresher ways? What are the key behaviors I need to display?
Combined with robust discussion, you’ll put pencil-on-paper and sketch specific plans that provide a focus for your future and fresh expressions for calling.
This group is full. Email: keystonecoaching@comcast.net or call (616) 405-1497 to learn more about future opportunities.
Young Adult Ministries
Young Adult Groups (ranging from 18-30ish) will focus on fostering community and relationships among other post-grad high school/college-aged young adults. Large group gatherings will supplement small groups as a means of communicating opportunities and getting connected at the beginning of each ministry season.
Fall Kick-Off Open House (September 7, 6:30-8pm)
Winter/Spring Kick Off (January)
Spring Retreat (April)
Small groups will be formed from these events and will be encouraged to meet in settings of one another’s homes, around the table or at a local coffee shop.
Spiritual Conversations
Begin your day with a time of connection and studying the word. This small group for Young Adults will focus on stories from the Bible and how they can be applied to whatever place in life you find yourself in. Pray, talk through important questions, and grow in community.
This group will meet with coffee at local coffee shops or at Pillar on 9th. Email Julia: juliagillespie530@gmail.com to join or ask questions.
Fellowship, Conversation, & Connection
The intention of this small group is to create a space for formation, conversation, and deeper connection. This group will kick off October 19 with time to get to know one another and determine what the weeks ahead will look like. This group will meet at Rachel’s and Rachel’s home with gatherings around Holland as well.
Contact Rachel Wheeler, rachelmwheelerr@gmail.com, or Rachel Oostindie, rachel.oostindie@gmail.com, for more information or to sign up for this small group.
Spiritual Conversations- For Post-High school Students
details coming
Other Adult Formation Opportunities
One-on-One Conversations
One-on-one conversations are intended to be a time for people of all ages to connect with others in a more mentor-like setting. This is a safe space to bring questions about your life, faith, community, and more. If you’re looking more personal, one-on-one time over coffee or a meal, please reach out to Luis and you will be connected with one of our disciplers.
City Groups
Meetings are held at various dates, times and locations and are typically coordinated by a leader in each group.
City Groups are the primary way the Pillar community stays connected between Sundays and catalyzes Pillar people to be on the move with Jesus. They are made up of individuals, couples, and families who meet for regular fellowship, faith formation, and acts of service.
Grieving Well
Finding our way after the passing of a loved one can be challenging. You may feel overwhelmed, lost, and distant from God. You are not alone. Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27
Pillar is a place where your name is known, your story of loss heard, and your questions about grief honored. We are holding hope and sadness with you.
If you have lost a loved one, and feel ready to hear about ways to manage grief, honor their memory, and learn ways to care for yourself, please join us. This group will begin on Thursday, September 28 from 7-8:30P for 9 weeks. Click HERE to register for this group.
How might God walk with you along this journey?
Stacy Hubley will facilitate. She is a Bereavement Counselor, having served the Hospice and Church communities.
Led by Stacy Hubley, Bereavement Counselor
Thursdays 7-8:30 pm @Pillar
Begins September 28 - December 7 (skips 10/12 and Thanksgiving)