“Don’t do live alone, because you are not alone, you always have us.”
SURABAYA – Amidst the hustle and bustle of the dynamic city of South Surabaya, a youth movement exists that seeks more than entertainment but also meaning. Connect Group (CG), a term familiar to the congregation of the Mawar Sharon Church (GMS), has become the lifeblood of spiritual development for thousands of young people. In this area alone, there are approximately 90 active CGs. Each of these small groups, consisting of 5 to 10 people, forms a network of life, established in different years, but with one goal: faith growth.
Among these dozens of scattered groups stands CG 74. This relatively young community, founded in 2024 as a "split" from CG 53. This split was not taken without reason, but rather in response to the pressing need for a more intimate and effective discipleship space. With a regular weekly meeting format, CG 74 strives to create a healthy spiritual ecosystem.
Riska Mariani, the leader of CG 74, explained that the fundamental difference between CG and youth worship or AOG (Army of God) lies in scale. "While CG is a small group, AOG is a combination of all CGs in each region," she explained. Flexibility is also key in member placement. Prospective members are not forced into a particular group, but are given freedom. "Usually, those who want to join CG are given a choice, whether they want one close to home or one they already know. They can request it," Riska added, emphasizing that member comfort is the main entry point into this community.
From Emotional Turmoil to Inner Peace
"God is not looking for people with the most perfect plans, but those who are willing to surrender their plans to Him."
Amidst the currents of modernization and the mental challenges facing Generation Z, CG 74 exists not just as a gathering place, but as a character-building workshop grounded in Christian values. Its primary spiritual vision is to create disciples who not only hear the Word but also experience real life change (transformation).
The regular Friday meetings are crucial moments. There, members don't just sing or listen to one-way sermons, but engage in in-depth discussions, pray for one another, and share their struggles. The next day, this spiritual energy is continued by attending a youth service together. This consistency is what slowly erodes old habits and fosters new character.
Tangible evidence of this spiritual impact is evident in the life of Yosia Fulius Patris, a 20-year-old law student who has been a member for a year. Yosia, who previously had serious issues controlling his emotions, found a turning point in this community. He recounted how his growing faith in CG helped him respond to conflict differently, far more maturely than in the past.
“Change is definitely there. My old life is gradually transforming into a new person, and I'm becoming more diligent in attending fellowship,” Yosia stated earnestly.
He shared a memorable testimony about his relationship with his father. In the past, physical confrontations and angry outbursts were his primary responses. He recalled a specific incident that served as a reflection of his own. “Once, my father asked me to sweep the house, but I refused. He kept forcing me, but I still refused. I got angry and hit the wall. Finally, my father pulled me out and hit me. That's when I realized what I did was wrong,” Yosia recounted.
This kind of confession and self-awareness is facilitated in the safe space of CG. Without judgment, members are encouraged to examine themselves through the lens of God's Word. Yosia admitted that before being embedded in the community, he was emotionally unstable. "In junior high, I was very emotional, but now I can control my emotions better when faced with what others say," he added.
The role of leaders like Riska is vital in maintaining the spiritual health of their members. She must ensure that every CG meeting has spiritual substance, not just a social gathering or empty gathering. The biggest challenge in this spiritual aspect is keeping the flame of faith alive amidst the busyness of college and the temptations of worldly relationships. However, through a personal approach and constant prayer, CG 74 strives to instill in members that worship is not a routine, but a spiritual need.
For members whose faith is weakening, the presence of friends in CG serves as a support. When someone feels distant from God, it is the community that draws them back. This “caregiving” mechanism makes the growth of faith in CG 74 feel organic and powerful, proving that the spiritual journey is not designed to be undertaken alone.
Embracing Differences Without Judgment
In a big city like Surabaya, where individualism often dominates, CG 74 positions itself as a "second home" or surrogate family, especially for those from outside the area. Many young people who migrate to study or work often feel alienated and lonely. This is where CG's social role becomes crucial.
Riska Mariani, herself a migrant, understands this psychological dynamic well. She built CG 74 on a foundation of close-knit family ties, where social status, economic background, or dark pasts are no barriers to acceptance. The principle of inclusivity is the mainstay of interactions among members.
"CG is very beneficial for me as a leader, especially as a migrant. CG is what gives us a sense of family in our hometown," Riska said emotionally. This statement emphasizes that the need for a sense of belonging is as important as spiritual needs.
In practice, togetherness in CG 74 isn't solely about religious activities. They recognize that bonds of brotherhood are often strengthened through relaxed and enjoyable activities. To prevent boredom from monotonous worship routines, CG 74 regularly schedules fellowship activities every two months. These activities vary, from casual picnics in the park to BBQ parties to group sports (such as futsal or badminton).
These non-liturgical activities are designed to lighten the mood and deepen the understanding between members. While grilling meat or playing ball, the barriers of formality are broken down. They can laugh freely, joke around, and see other sides of their fellow believers. This creates a strong emotional bond, so that when a member experiences a problem, they don't hesitate to share.
One of the highest social values upheld in CG 74 is "Anti-Judgment." Riska instills a culture of listening rather than pointing fingers. When a member comes to us with a serious problem, sin, or failure, the community's first response is to embrace, not lecture.“Kita diajari untuk menerima keadaan apa pun dari setiap member. Masalah apa pun tidak boleh dijudge. Kita tetap mendukung apa pun yang sudah terjadi, dan kalau bisa, kita bantu carikan solusi,” tegas Riska. Pendekatan empatik ini menciptakan ruang aman psikologis (psychological safety). Anggota merasa bebas menjadi diri sendiri tanpa perlu memakai topeng kesalehan semu.
Internal conflict is certainly inevitable within a group, but its resolution always rests on the principles of love and forgiveness. This social support is also evident when a member is ill or experiencing difficulties in their studies; other members will take the initiative to provide assistance, whether through prayer, attendance, or other practical assistance. For Yosia and his friends, CG 74 is more than just a church organization; it's also a group of close friends, ready to support them through thick and thin.
Dedication of Time and Social Impact for the Next Generation
For CG 74, true service begins with dedicating time to discipling others. The decision to expand from CG 53 to CG 74 in 2024 is a concrete example of structural service. The goal is to ensure that each individual is served optimally, as overly large groups tend to overlook their members.
Riska explained that serving as a CG leader requires significant sacrifice. As a leader, she must be a role model and servant to her members. This is not about position, but about function. Riska's decision to divide the group cells demonstrates her concern for the quality of each person's growth.
"This CG was formed because the previous CG was overcrowded, making it impossible to make disciples optimally," Riska explained. This statement implies the burden of ministry responsibility she carries: she doesn't want any member to feel neglected because the group is too large.
The most concrete form of service in CG 74 is the investment of time. Amidst her busy personal schedule, Riska consciously chooses to set aside Fridays specifically to serve her CG members. This demonstrates spiritual discipline and a strong commitment to service. Service is also reflected in how members, like Yosia, have begun to take on roles in the broader community. In addition to being active in CG and AOG, Yosia also extends her ministry impact to the campus environment through the Indonesian Student Service Institute (LPMI).
This integration of church and campus ministry demonstrates that CG 74 has successfully produced cadres with an impact beyond the campus. Fortunately, good time management allows Yosia to balance both. "My schedules don't clash. This makes it easier for me to manage my time between worship and other campus activities," Yosia said. This demonstrates that service in CG doesn't hinder academic or organizational activities, but rather complements them.
Furthermore, CG 74's social impact is evident in how they serve as a support system for the surrounding micro-community. By accommodating students from out-of-town and providing moral guidance, CG 74 indirectly helps reduce the potential for juvenile delinquency and depression among students. They create more emotionally and spiritually stable members of the community.
The challenge in this ministry is maintaining consistency and a sincere heart. There are regular leadership meetings called Core Team Leaders (CT Leaders) held once or twice a year, as well as monthly meetings. These forums are used to evaluate the progress of each member and provide serious discussion to ensure the ministry remains on target.
Through CG 74, the church is no longer an ivory tower distant from its congregation, but rather reaches down to the grassroots level. They are present in boarding houses, on campuses, and in cafes, making a positive impact through their tangible presence. The hope is that through this sincere service, Christ's character will shine through and be a blessing to the surrounding community in South Surabaya.
Facing the Digital Era and the Challenge of Consistency: "Don't Do Life Alone"
Looking ahead, CG 74 realizes that their journey will not be without challenges. As a community of young people, the dynamics of change are rapid. One of the biggest challenges faced by both leaders and members is time management and self-consistency. In this fast-paced era, laziness and physical exhaustion are often the main obstacles to maintaining a consistent meeting rhythm.
Riska admits that managing time between work, personal life, and the responsibility of leading 5–10 people is no easy feat. However, the biggest challenges often come from internal factors within the members themselves, such as their changing moods. Yosia, representing the members, honestly acknowledges this.
“Sometimes I suddenly feel lazy, but deep down, there's still a compulsion to join in worship” admitted Yosia. Besides internal factors, external factors like the weather often test our loyalty. Heavy rain in Surabaya is often a classic excuse for absence. However, this is where the strength of the community is tested.
When Yosia or other members feel reluctant or distant from God, the friends in CG 74 serve as a wake-up call. They don't let their members drift into laziness. "My CG friends always support me and encourage me to continue worshipping," added Yosia. This demonstrates that the key to CG's future sustainability lies in the strong initiative of mutual reminders among its members.
To stay relevant, CG 74 has also begun to branch out into the digital world. They recognize that young Generation Z members live in two worlds: the real and the virtual. Therefore, CG 74 actively manages an Instagram account called "Part of 74." This platform not only documents activities but also serves as a means of digital evangelism and branding the community to gain wider recognition. Through social media, they hope to reach new souls who may be looking for community. healthy one.
Logistical issues, such as meeting venues, also pose challenges that require constant adaptation. Flexibility is key to this community's survival. Riska recounted having to hold CG meetings on campus because it was difficult to find a suitable venue. This adaptability is what makes CG 74 optimistic about the future; they are not fixated on the building, but on the essence of the meeting itself.
Riska's vision for the future is clear and simple, yet profound: growth in quantity and quality. She hopes CG 74 can become a place where many people are won to God. "May the children continue to grow in their faith, and more people come and are won to CG 74," she hoped. Echoing her leader, Yosia offered a brief but concise suggestion: "May CG 74 continue to grow."
In closing, the core message CG 74 wants to convey to all young people in Surabaya is the importance of togetherness. Isolation is the enemy of growth. Riska continues to echo a life mantra that is the soul of this community:
“Don’t do life alone (Jangan menjalani hidup sendirian),” Riska's message is emphatic.
This sentence perfectly encapsulates CG 74's vision for the future. In an increasingly individualistic world, they offer an alternative path: a shared journey of faith, where burdens feel lighter and joys are more tangible because they are shared with fellow believers. CG 74 is determined to remain present, accompanying, strengthening, and growing the faith of every young person who knocks on their door.
