In a world where everyone craves connection, many adults are finding it through friend groups who have become more like family.

The Garner/Patterson Life Group provides that support on a weekly basis. Gathering to grow in faith together, and learn more about each other.

These relationships, often referred to as “chosen family”, fill a space that traditional family structures sometimes can’t, offering understanding, support, and belonging in everyday life.

This article from Michigan State University says friendships can provide better support in life as you age.

Your chosen family can provide you with meaningful connection beyond just small talk, and that can be deeply helpful for mental health and personal growth. Sharing experiences, showing up for one another, and creating bonds all contribute to a sense of stability and purpose that many adults long for.

Finding common ground with a group of adults — whether it be religion, politics, sports, or countless other shared interests — becomes more important as you continue to grow in your life. These spaces give people an opportunity to form authentic relationships grounded in respect and trust.

This article from Our Mental Health, explains why these relationships are important.

“Chosen family” can be viewed in many ways. It might look like children learning to trust adults who aren’t their parents, or parents learning to trust other adults with their children.

In both cases, the beauty that comes from that connection is nearly unmatched, offering both security and joy to everyone involved.

This Bible group shows every aspect of that. Couples and families come together to grow and bond over the Word of God, but something much deeper comes out of it.

The benefits of small groups are vast, and can help you grow as a person and in faith. The Christian Library lists fellowship as one of the main benefits of those groups.

Children call adults who aren’t biologically related “aunt” and “uncle” because that’s truly how they feel about them. People make new friends, share life stories, and find comfort in community over a meal every week.

“Being able to love on these wonderful kids is such a blessing. My fiancee and I want children, but we’re waiting until after marriage of course. But having our friends children to care for at different times is such an underrated thing,” said member of the group Jade Hawkins.

Having a chosen family doesn’t have to mean you lack a good connection with your biological family — it simply means you have more people to share your life with. These relationships foster growth, mental health improvement, and emotional well-being when nurtured with care.

“Sharing our life with these people has been one of our favorite things to do since we became members at Journey (Church),” said group leader Erica Garner.

So many people crave this kind of connection and often find it in ways they don’t expect — but it almost always brings something meaningful and lasting.