COMMUNITY
GROUPS
“I cannot fully “renew my mind” without the active help of other believers. I cannot understand what Scripture teaches apart from dialogue with others who are reading that same Scripture. I cannot live the life of a disciple of Christ apart from the nurturing context of a community of believers who encourage me, pray for me, and set an example for me.”
–Douglas Moo
Community Groups are intentional spaces designed to provide connection and care within the Church. Our mission is simple: fellowship around scripture. We do this each week through ordinary rhythms–sharing a meal, reading the Word, and praying together.
Learn more about our community groups!
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Groups meet from September to April with a break during the holidays. We have groups that meet throughout the city on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays.
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Currently, we offer an amazing program called Community Group Kids on Thursday nights (5:30-8 PM). This program is limited in availability and is offered for infants through fifth grade. Groups that do not meet on these nights either don’t have childcare or have private sitters.
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Groups meet for an hour and a half, and follow a simple structure or sharing a meal, studying God’s Word, and praying together.
“We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
1 Thessalonians 2:8
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Ryan and Mallory Vangsnes
Community Group Coordinators
Ryan and Mallory got married in 2011 and have been in Athens ever since. Ryan is currently working towards his MDiv and serves as the pastoral intern at Good Shepherd. Mallory works as a labor and delivery nurse at Piedmont. They have four wonderful boys: Ollie, Wilder, Davy, and George.They have been actively involved in Community Group ministry for the past 14 years—leading, hosting, attending, and overseeing. It is their joy to see the body of Christ connected to one another through God’s Word, week in and week out. If you are interested in community groups, we would love to get you connected!
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Sam and Olivia Potter
Community Group Coordinators
In 2011, Sam and Olivia met as college students and quickly concluded that they would work well together— as colleagues. In a cruel twist of irony they fell in love and were married in 2014. They relocated to Athens from Austin, Texas in 2022 and joined Good Shepherd the following year. Sam works as a software engineer and Olivia as a teacher at First Presbyterian Weekday School. Their boisterous children, Ezra and Jane, round out the Potter crew.
Throughout the years, Community Groups have remained crucial to their individual and collective growth in faith and friendship. It is such a gift to walk through life with the prayer and support of other believers. Sam and Olivia can’t wait to see what God will do in the homes and hearts of His people!