Founded on a Wesleyan-Holiness Tradition, Asbury says it is committed to cultivating the community that Jesus calls us into as his followers. This means enjoying meals together, tri-weekly chapel attendance, engaging in clubs and small groups. One of the most prominent small groups is Gather, where one overarching theme is studied in every hall on Monday nights across campus.
Throughout the semester, Gather has consisted of an in-depth study of Ecclesiastes, commonly known as the most depressing book of the Bible. However, studying such heavy text with the people you live with has allowed space to ask hard questions and a place to lament and grow.
Students have been asked to find God’s hand at work throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. How is that possible when the second verse of the first chapter literally says, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”? Students have learned that the Hebrew word used in this context is “hevel” which means “vapor” or “smoke.” Everything is a vapor; everything is fleeting. Is this depressing or is it hopeful? “Whatever exists has already been named, and what humanity is has been known.” Is this proof that God knows us and that He goes before and behind us? These are the types of questions and discussions that take place during Gather.
Not only has Gather provided space for theological discussion, it has also become a part of many students’ weekly routine. Every week, like clockwork, relationships are being built on the foundation of God’s Word.
Junior Spiritual Life Coordinator Josiah Dongall said, “For me, Gather is the place where the guys on my hall can come and relax and enjoy fellowship with each other. We dive into the word and have great biblical conversations, but it is sharing that experience with other people that makes it worthwhile.”
Unlike chapel, Gather provides an intimate space to share God’s word. Sophomore Spiritual Life Advisor Grace Gipson said, “Gather is a unique opportunity to build a hall community that encourages one another to pursue God in all things.”
Gather serves as a weekly reminder and a challenge at the top of every week to realign yourself with God.
