The BEMA Podcast 458: BEMA Kokomo — The Body of Christ
What a Thriving Faith Community Really Looks Like
A diverse group from Kokomo, Indiana, has created a thriving, authentic faith community through their BEMA discussion group that has been meeting since 2021.
Their group includes pastors, healthcare professionals, musicians, and others from different walks of life, showing how people with varied backgrounds can come together around shared questioning and exploring of scripture.
They emphasize vulnerability, curiosity, and empathy, creating a safe space where even pastors leave their ego at the door to wrestle with big spiritual questions together.
The group has sustained deep connection over years, even offering community events like "Blue Christmas" to minister to those grieving or struggling.
Marty Solomon highlights this as a beautiful example of what the body of Christ can look like when fellowship and spiritual growth happen in a space of openness and shared exploration.
Organic Birth of BEMA Kokomo
- Steve started the BEMA Kokomo group during a season of personal faith searching and deconstruction.
- The group grew organically as members introduced friends, including pastors from different churches forming a unique community.
Effective Group Meeting Practices
- Set clear but flexible time frames for meetings to allow connection and deep discussion.
- Use shared tools like Google Docs to keep members organized and engaged.
