We are starting up a new Tuesday Feature on Zone Gathering: Group Spotlights!
You may remember that we have in the past highlighted Zone Leaders, Team Leaders and Group leaders- This time around, we are going to focus on entire groups.
To kick of this new feature, let us turn our attention to NCC Outdoors led by Michael Higdon.
Give us an overview and a little bit about your group.
NCC Outdoors started in summer 2007, led by Michael Higdon. Interest was strong from the beginning - it seemed a lot of people wanted to get out of DC that summer! Participants came from a huge variety of backgrounds, from people who’d never owned hiking boots to those who’d gone solo in the Australian bush. It was an experiment from the beginning. That experiment has turned into overnight backpacking on the beach, taming the Gauley with West Virginia’s finest river guides, tackling snowy Allegheny Mountains, and conquering 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
What was the genesis of the group, or the God-inspired idea behind starting it?
NCC Outdoors started as a way to connect people to God and each other in the stunning surroundings of God’s creation. We wanted to do life together, know God better, and have some great times wandering the Mid-Atlantic region.
What do you think God is doing within your group for those who are a part of it?
It’s hard to believe that NCC Outdoors is almost a year old! As a group, we’ve felt a shift to deeper levels of fellowship with each other and NCC Outdoors is on its way to becoming a true set of people “doing life together.” Being physically and spiritually challenged is one of the mainstays of the group - as we continue in these shared experiences, we’re able to connect on a deeper level with God and each other. We’ve had beautiful moments of reflection and adrenaline-pounding adventures!
How do you think God is using your group to Advance His Kingdom?
We’re currently in our third “semester” of NCC Outdoors. Many participants have been in it from its inception, although we’ve also added several new faces along the way. Bible study and discussion have been core elements since the beginning. As we’ve grown, we’ve added more prayer with and for each other, as well as time for worship. We’ve also begun sharing personal testimonies. We’ve seen each other achieve “firsts.” Earlier this semester, we had a day together at Great Falls to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future - spiritual and personal. God is at work to bring people in it closer together in genuine community. Not to mention, we’re having a lot of fun!
It is also a great outreach and entry point for people to get involved at NCC - right now “Wanderer” and “Survivor” are both offered. The former is for some of the longer term folks and “Survivor” is for NCC Outdoors first-timers. Although we meet separately for Bible study and fellowship, many of the excursions bring both groups together.
If you’d like to find out more about this group and/or contact Michael, you can find the info in our online Discipleship Atlas at www.theaterchurch.com/groups
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Using Safari 3.0.4 and Mac OS 10.4.11
Mike K
March 18th, 2008
This group really is as awesome as it sounds. Not only are the excursions exciting and Biblical study poignant, but the relationships that result from sharing these things together have had a profound impact on my life. This is the Acts 2 “church” in action.
JC
March 20th, 2008
This is such a great group…MH’s dedication is evident. Just wish his excursions didn’t keep him from our Zone meetings ’cause we miss the updates.
...Jana!
March 25th, 2008