If you’re looking to make new friends or surround yourself with those who have similar goals and mindsets, meetup.com, the world’s largest network of local groups, may be the answer you’ve been searching for.
This is exactly what Jared Thomas and more than 500 other individuals did when they joined Indy Christian Adult Meetup. The group, established in March 2015, caters to people in their 20s and 30s from all backgrounds who believe in the spirit of Jesus Christ and are looking for fellowship.
“The main purpose of our group is to connect with one another and share the word of God. It’s not pure entertainment, because you could join any other group for that,” said Thomas, who joined the group seven months ago and recently became the lead group organizer.
Most recently, the group held a Christian-themed roller skating night, but during the winter months when it is difficult to get members out of the house, the group finds itself gathering for Bible discussions and movie nights. Their next outing, a meet-and-greet lunch, is set for Feb. 14, and in April a Christian concert is on the calendar.
Meetup encourages residents to organize a local group or find one of the thousands already meeting face-to-face. The company was founded in 2002 with the mission of bringing people together locally, after founder Scott Heiferman’s experiences in New York City around 9/11, according to the website.
“When the towers fell, I found myself talking to more neighbors in the days after 9/11 than ever before,” Heiferman wrote in a blog post. “People said hello to neighbors (next-door and across the city) who they’d normally ignore … A lot of people were thinking that maybe 9/11 could bring people together in a lasting way. So the idea for Meetup was born.”
Today, there are Meetup groups in more than 180 countries with more than 24 million total members.
Although the top three types of communities on Meetup are outdoors and adventure, career and business, and parents and family, Indianapolis has a vast number of religion and spiritual groups ready to welcome new members.
Following are a few to highlight:
Big Tent Jewish Community: The group’s goal is to engage, support and advocate for all those who are looking to learn more about the Jewish culture, regardless of prior knowledge or background.
Girlfriends Pray: A local chapter of a national organization, Girlfriends Pray Ministries helps women get closer to God through prayer, and their overall vision is to get 1 million women around the world united in prayer. The group holds breakfast book clubs often.
Indianapolis Buddhist Discussion and Meditation Group: The group is for those in central Indiana looking to meet others interested in Buddhism and the practice of Buddhism. It is a group of Buddhists and friends who get together for casual and friendly sessions for teachings, discussion and meditation practice.
For more information, visit meetup.com.
