After graduating from college, I moved to a new city, with a new job, and no friends nearby. It felt like I was new to everything. I was searching for a place to belong, with people my age and in my stage of life.

After visiting several other churches across the DFW metroplex, someone from my home church recommended First Baptist Church Arlington. A friend from college was coming to visit and I convinced her to join me in visiting a new church. On this first Sunday visit, we were ushered down to the center section just a few rows from the stage. Because of one observant and intentional couple sitting in front of us, my friend and I were connected with their daughter who invited us to her Bible study class. This class was then known as Twenty-Somethings, a group for recent graduates and young career people.

The group of young adults that were in a similar life stage to me welcomed me in with open arms. Each one of us were newly graduated, working new jobs, figuring out adulthood. During my time in the Twenty-Somethings class I met new friends, got plugged in to Bible Study, and met my husband. Through my connections in Bible study, I learned a lot about First Baptist Church and their strong multi-generational history of service to one another and to our community. I began volunteering in the preschool ministry and teaching in the youth ministry with my husband, Ethan. These volunteer opportunities led me to my current job as Preschool Ministry Associate. I found a place to belong.

One of my favorite things about working in Preschool Ministry is helping young families and their preschoolers find a place to belong. When a visiting family returns for the second time because they were able to sit in the worship service without getting a call to pick up their child, or they connect with someone over mutual friends or past experiences, it brings a big smile to my face!

Everyone wants a place to belong or a place to volunteer and help create a sense of belonging for others.

P.S. We have a place for you! There are Sunday Bible study classes for every age and stage of life.