They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was awed at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 
Acts 2:42-47

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In the early days at Willow, a group of us met on Sunday nights. It couldn’t really be called a small group because we were large when we started. Some of us attended Willow, but others didn’t. We crammed ourselves into my friend’s sizable ancient apartment on Washburn Street and sat too close for comfort on threadbare chairs, pillows stacked on the floor, and even in each other’s laps.  We played and prayed together. We read God’s word and discussed how the verses applied to our lives. We bathed ourselves in God’s love, our love for each other, and worship music. If anyone faced a crisis, someone would step up to help. And there was food—always food—whatever we could scrape together. 

We didn’t know it then, but I know it now: we operated like the early church. We were a diverse group in age and ethnicity, yet we had everything in common—meaning we were believers in Jesus. 

Acts 2:42 explains the heart of this group from long ago. We devoted ourselves to “prayer and fellowship.” The Greek word for “fellowship” is “Koinonia,” which means the early church was living their lives not individually but collectively—and so were we. 

Our group wasn’t stagnant; we embraced new people who wanted to join us. Some of us eventually moved to mission fields worldwide, and others across the country. Others started studies in their home churches, and some of us built other strong groups at Willow, rooted in Christ’s love and intimate community with each other. 

This group taught me that hospitality doesn’t need to look Pottery Barn perfect—the Holy Spirit arrives, and He is always on time when two or more are gathered to love and learn. 

And there is nothing more amazing than this!

Next Steps

Easter is coming! Gather your people—whether they’re lifelong friends or someone sitting near you at Willow. 

Listen to this:  Holy Spirit you are Welcome Here

Join a small group! At Willow, some groups are large and interest-based—like crocheting or pickleball—while others follow a more traditional format. If you’re exploring faith, Rooted is a great place to start.