Small Groups. Huge Impact.

by Rev. Johnru Villamor on June 29, 2023

Small groups made a huge impact in my faith as a disciple of Jesus Christ. I believe that small groups are one of the best ways we disciple each other.

(2013: Joint fellowship of two of my small groups in the Philippines)

Earlier in my life, I led small groups in my church back in the Philippines and met long-time friends from it. I believe that in small groups, we get to engage with people and journey with each other as our faith in Jesus Christ is being established. It is also important that as we raise leaders, we equip and empower them to practice servant leadership.

(2023: Young adult men’s small group that I co-lead with Vince—2^nd from the left and Peter—rightmost)

Now, I am co-leading a young adult men’s small group with Vince Rodriguez and Peter Wassef. We meet every Wednesday, 6:45 p.m. at Starbucks in Precinct Line Road in Hurst. We share lives with one another as we continue to connect with God, connect with people, and connect with purpose.

What about you? How did a particular small group impact your faith story?

About the Author

Rev. Johnru Villamor

Johnru, short for John Rudolph, was born and raised in the Philippines. He served as a youth director in his late teens at their church in his home country and has always believed that God is calling him for church ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering in 2006 and used to work as a telecommunications engineer in Manila while leading various ministries as a church volunteer.

God brought him to a point when he felt a stronger desire to serve the church on a full-time capacity. So, he responded to God’s call to leave his corporate job and work as one of his church’s administrative staff, up until the time he decided to move to the U.S. in 2016. Shortly after he moved, Johnru became a member of Davis Memorial United Methodist Church (North Richland Hills, TX) where God provided opportunities for him to serve through preaching in services and leading discipleship programs. At that point, with the guidance of his family and mentors, God’s calling for him for ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church has been more discernable, hence he started attending seminary in 2018.

In 2020, Johnru began his pastoral internship at Smithfield United Methodist Church where he eventually was appointed as their associate pastor. He graduated in May 2022 with a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. In the same year, he got commissioned as a provisional elder in the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church and was appointed as one of the associate pastors at First United Methodist Church of Hurst.

Johnru is a beach lover who grew up in a close-knit family. His parents, Carmelo and Jocelyn, have recently joined FUMC Hurst. His older sister, Joice, is a campus missionary in the Philippines who will join the family in the U.S. soon. Johnru loves to have meaningful conversations (preferably over good food)! He is passionate about building relationships and sharing Jesus’s love with people, especially in the community.

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