By: Gwendolyn Loney
When sophomore biology-biomedical major Bethel Onyekachi first became involved in LifeGroups at Southern Adventist University, she was looking for a place to connect with others and grow spiritually. What she did not expect was that the community she found would eventually lead her to become a LifeGroup leader and, later, a coach helping other students navigate their own leadership journeys.
Onyekachi’s LifeGroup, called “The Fold,” focused on meaningful discussion of Bible stories and common questions her members had. For Onyekachi, the transition from participating in a LifeGroup to leading one came with unexpected challenges.
Although she was passionate about bringing people together, Onyekachi often found herself worrying about attendance and whether she was doing enough to make her group successful. Fortunately, she had someone walking alongside her.
Onyekachi and junior international development major Leighvanni Kennedy had originally connected as roommates, but their friendship developed a new layer when Kennedy became Onyekachi’s LifeGroup coach.
“It was such a relief to have a LifeGroup coach because I knew her, and it was easy to talk to her,” Onyekachi said. “She gave such helpful tips. I felt like my LifeGroup thrived because of my relationship with Leighvanni.”
When Onyekachi became discouraged about the number of students attending her group, Kennedy encouraged her to reconsider what successful leadership looked like. “[Kennedy] told me not to stress if I didn’t have any members coming because it wasn’t about me,” Onyekachi said. “It was about who God led to my LifeGroup.”
For Kennedy, coaching Onyekachi was also a learning experience. She remembers feeling nervous when she first accepted the LifeGroup coaching position and questioned whether she was prepared to guide other students in their spiritual lives.
Rather than coming to Onyekachi’s LifeGroup meetings as someone who already had everything figured out, Kennedy viewed their time together as an opportunity for both of them to grow.
As the year progressed, their conversations went deeper than just LifeGroup activities. Rather, they encouraged each other and developed a friendship through their experiences together.
Toward the end of the school year, Onyekachi asked Kennedy what being a LifeGroup coach actually involved. At the time, Onyekachi was just interested in the responsibilities, but Kennedy saw that the interest might be deeper. Having watched Onyekachi’s dedication to her members and her passion for building community, Kennedy prayed for an opportunity to bring up the possibility of Onyekachi applying to be a coach.
Onyekachi was hesitant at first.
“I was really nervous, and I felt like I had imposter syndrome because I’m still navigating and walking with God through my own spiritual life,” Onyekachi said.
Despite her uncertainty, she decided to take the chance and apply for the position. Now serving as a LifeGroup coach, Onyekachi has the opportunity to offer other leaders the same support she once received. Her journey reflects the purpose behind LifeGroups of creating a community where students are not only supported in their own spiritual growth but are encouraged to help others grow as well.
For Onyekachi, finding a community eventually became an opportunity to create one. And for Kennedy, helping a friend recognize her potential became an opportunity to see that community continue growing through someone else.
