Discipleship among NGU girls: Big and Little 2023
Sadie Beaumont, Staff Writer
Being a freshman girl on any college campus can be intimidating. Everything from classes to the people are completely new. But North Greenville University has the perfect fix for this: the Big and Little Program.
Big and Little creates an opportunity for girls to connect and pour into each other throughout the school year. “Littles” are usually freshmen, although upperclassmen looking for connection can apply too. “Bigs” are upperclassmen looking to help younger girls find their rhythm around campus and grow in their faith.
This year, Big and Little is being ran by senior Rachel Davidson, junior Espi Williams and junior Taylor French. The three girls have each been mentored by their own Bigs in the past, which has inspired them to disciple and mentor others.
“B and L also pushed me out of my comfort zone to disciple other girls on and off campus. Now, I have seen the Lord use me in ways that I would have never imagined,” Davidson said.
The main goal of this program is discipleship. Just one girl taking the time to mentor another can make a lasting impact on the world.
Big and Little’s Instagram page, @bigandlittle.ngu said, “The end goal of discipleship is to reach the world. While B&L might not reach the nations during this school year, the Lord has equipped us to make disciples on our campus. Lord willing, these impacted disciples will reach the world.”
Williams shared how this program helped her as a freshman and the impact she hopes it will continue to make.
“When I was a freshman, I looked forward to meeting my Big every week, and it was such a blessing that left such an impact on my life. Coming to NGU, I’ve learned what a beautiful thing discipleship is and the cost of discipleship. Jesus tells us to go and make disciples and Big and Little is helping people live this out,” Williams said.
In order to become the best disciples that they can be, Bigs will undergo training on October 3. This will help possible Bigs feel more confident in their ability to spread the Gospel with their Little.
“Even if you don’t feel totally prepared to be a Big, you can apply! We will have training for all Bigs and we will help you along the way!”
Once each Big and each Little has been paired, a reveal night is held.
“At Big and Little reveal, you will meet the girl that you will meet with for the rest of the year. You will have time at this event to get to know one another and find a consistent time to meet every week!” said @bigandlittle.ngu.
This year, the reveal takes place on October 9. It is a night you won’t want to miss, as the Bigs are always surprising their Littles in fun and creative ways. In 2022, Bigs were revealed by dropping blankets that had been hiding their identities from the younger girls.
Big and Little is the perfect opportunity for NGU girls in all walks of life to connect and share the Gospel. Hopefully the program will continue to grow and help disciple more and more people as time goes by.
