If you’ve ever stood beneath a towering sequoia tree, you know the feeling: awe, wonder, and maybe a crick in your neck. These giants of the forest can grow over 300 feet tall and live for thousands of years. But here’s the kicker—they don’t do it alone.

Despite their size, sequoias have surprisingly shallow roots (around 6 feet only!). So how do they stay upright through wind, storms, erosion, snow, and centuries? They grow in rows or groves, intertwining their roots with one another. Their strength comes from proximity.

And that, my friend, is exactly how Bible study groups work best.

Let’s dig into three ways Bible study groups are like sequoia trees—and why growing together is the secret to thriving in the Christian faith. Together.

1. We are Designed to be Together

In Genesis 2:18, God declared, “It is not good that the man is alone. I will make a helper corresponding to him” (CSB). Later in the New Testament (Hebrews 10:25), believers are commanded not to forsake their gathering together – we need each other! In a recent study by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2/3 of believers surveyed agreed with the statement, “I do not need others to grow spiritually.” Let that number sink in – two-thirds! While there are ways to grow in God (daily Bible reading, Scripture memorization, meditation on the Word, etc), we are better together. We need one another. So God created us for proximity to others in groups.

Sequoias don’t grow solo, and neither should we. When we gather regularly in Bible study, we’re not just reading Scripture—we’re rooting ourselves in relationship. We share our joys, our struggles, our questions, and our prayers. Over time, those connections deepen, like roots weaving together underground.

Ever had a week where you felt spiritually dry? Or maybe you were wrestling with a tough decision? A Bible study group is like a grove of sequoias—when one tree is weak, the others help hold it up. That’s the power of proximity. It’s not just about being near people; it’s about being known by them.

2. We Grow Taller Together

Sequoias grow taller when they grow together. The same is true for our faith. When we study the Bible in community, we gain perspectives we’d never see on our own. Someone else’s insight might be the very thing that unlocks a truth you’ve been missing.

Plus, let’s be honest—sometimes we need a little nudge to stay consistent. Left to our own devices, we might let our Bibles gather dust. But when we know our group is meeting and expecting us to bring our thoughts on Romans 8? That’s motivation. Accountability isn’t a burden—it’s a blessing.

3. We Weather Life’s Storms Together

Life throws storms at us—grief, illness, death, job loss, failure, and doubt. Sequoias survive because their roots are intertwined together. In the same way, Bible study groups provide spiritual stability when life gets shaky.

When someone in your group is hurting, the others rally. Meals get delivered. Prayers get prayed. Scriptures get shared. Encouraging words get spoken. And somehow, even in the middle of the mess, you feel held. Not just by your group, but by God working through them.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Go It Alone

If you’ve been trying to grow your faith solo, consider this your invitation to “find your grove.” Join a Bible study (like the old Nike commercial said, “Just Do It”). Ask your pastor or church leaders to help you connect with others by recommending a good Bible study group to join.

Start a Bible study group (others are looking for community, too – you are not alone in your quest). Invite a few friends to read through a book of the Bible with you. You don’t need to be a theologian—just willing to show up and grow together. Conversation and community are two powerful things.

Don’t forget to reach out to all of the people in your Bible study group who have fallen by the wayside. Life happens. People drift away. Your absentee group members need community and proximity to their fellow believers, so be proactive in your follow-up and reclaim them.

Because just like the mighty sequoia, you were never meant to stand alone.