At Barren Ridge Church in Staunton, Virginia, we believe that spiritual growth and authentic community are cultivated not only in rows on Sunday mornings—but in circles throughout the week. Our worship services are a vital part of our shared faith journey. They center us in Scripture, unite us in praise, and renew our hearts.
But something powerful happens when we move beyond the sanctuary and into the living rooms, coffee shops, and fellowship halls where small groups gather. It’s in those smaller, more personal spaces that deeper connections are formed, lives are transformed, and faith becomes more than a Sunday routine—it becomes a way of life.
The Power of Circles
Small groups are more than a church program—they are the heartbeat of meaningful community. In these close-knit gatherings, people come together to study the Bible, pray for one another, share burdens, and celebrate victories. Life is unpredictable, and we were never meant to walk through it alone.
Whether facing a new challenge, wrestling with a question of faith, or simply longing for friendship, small groups provide a place to be known, loved, and supported.
In circles, we find the freedom to be honest, the encouragement to grow, and the opportunity to invest in others. We move from being spectators to participants in one another’s lives—challenging, comforting, and cheering each other on as we follow Christ together. These relationships aren’t formed overnight, but they are forged over time through consistency, vulnerability, and shared purpose.
Reflecting Our Brethren Heritage
Since 1865, Barren Ridge Church has stood as a pillar of faith and community in the Shenandoah Valley. Our deep roots in the Brethren tradition and our connection with the Covenant Brethren Church ground us in the values of Scripture, simplicity, and mutual care. For generations, we have emphasized living out the gospel not only in doctrine but in everyday relationships.
Small groups are a natural and vital extension of this heritage. They mirror the early church’s model found in Acts 2:46—“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” They remind us that discipleship is not a solo journey but one we take together, hand in hand and heart to heart.
Real-Life Impact
We’ve seen firsthand how small groups can be a lifeline. One young couple in our church, overwhelmed by the challenges of a new baby and a cross-country move, found themselves disconnected and discouraged. Joining a small group felt like a leap—but it quickly became a blessing. In that circle, they found new friends who shared meals, offered prayers, and even showed up with diapers and casseroles. It wasn’t just a Bible study; it was a family.
Opportunities to Connect
At Barren Ridge Church, we offer a wide variety of small group opportunities to match different needs, interests, and stages of life. Some groups meet weekly in homes, while others gather over coffee or in the church building. There are groups focused on Bible study, marriage, parenting, recovery, and spiritual growth.
We understand that life is busy, which is why we provide flexibility in meeting times and formats. Whether you’re new to faith or have walked with Jesus for decades, whether you’re single, married, a parent, retired, or somewhere in between—there’s a place for you in one of our circles.
Join the Circle
If you’re ready to move beyond just attending church to truly belonging to a community, we invite you to take that step. Small groups are where real life and real faith intersect. Visit us online at www.barrenridgechurch.com or call us at (540) 248-0938 to learn more about how you can get connected.
At Barren Ridge Church, we’re convinced: life truly happens in circles. In these gatherings, friendships are formed, faith is strengthened, and lives are changed. Come and find your place in a circle where your story matters, your faith can grow, and you are never alone.
