Summer can be a great time to dig into your spiritual growth.
Unhurried mornings create extra time for reading the Bible and completing book studies. Summer might be the perfect occasion to take a deep dive into your faith with your friends.
Consider going through a book study together, participating in a Bible reading plan together, or using the sermon series small group materials. Another idea is to use your time together to share personal testimonies rather than doing a formal study. Try planning some social events for your small group. It’s kind of fun to get creative with your meeting spots as you make space for your group to come together whenever you can.
Looking for more ideas? Try some of these!
Unhurried mornings create extra time for reading the Bible and completing book studies. Summer might be the perfect occasion to take a deep dive into your faith with your friends.
Consider going through a book study together, participating in a Bible reading plan together, or using the sermon series small group materials. Another idea is to use your time together to share personal testimonies rather than doing a formal study. Try planning some social events for your small group. It’s kind of fun to get creative with your meeting spots as you make space for your group to come together whenever you can.
Looking for more ideas? Try some of these!
Sermon Series Small Groups
Follow along with our current sermons!
Sermon Series Small Groups are designed for anyone whose desire is to take the Sunday sermon to the next step. When you are able to sit around a table with a group of like-minded followers of Christ, discuss the sermon scriptures and themes, and contemplate how it all can be applied in your daily life, God can grow your faith in a big way. It's totally fine to join when it works best for your schedule, even if you can't make a long-term commitment. Find a Sermon Series Small Group that fits your routine.
Sermon Series Small Groups are designed for anyone whose desire is to take the Sunday sermon to the next step. When you are able to sit around a table with a group of like-minded followers of Christ, discuss the sermon scriptures and themes, and contemplate how it all can be applied in your daily life, God can grow your faith in a big way. It's totally fine to join when it works best for your schedule, even if you can't make a long-term commitment. Find a Sermon Series Small Group that fits your routine.
All Open Small Groups
We offer a wide variety of small groups at Ankeny First where you can CONNECT with others! We have small groups for new parents, young adults, empty nesters, couples, single, and MORE! Find one that fits your interests today!
flourish
A Women's Ministry
flourish is a community of women who desire to come together, get rooted in the Word of God, learn from one another, grow stronger in relationship with God, and spread the love of Jesus throughout our communities.
flourish is a community of women who desire to come together, get rooted in the Word of God, learn from one another, grow stronger in relationship with God, and spread the love of Jesus throughout our communities.
Meet Our Connection Coordinators
Maci Andersen
Uptown Connection Coordinator
Maci joined the staff at Ankeny First in June 2025. She is responsible for building relationships with church members, getting individuals plugged into connection opportunities, and developing small groups. Maci has her Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology and Health: Community Public Health from Iowa State University. Go Cyclones! She is married to her husband Garrett, and they have a daughter Olivia. They are also expecting a baby this spring!
Uptown Connection Coordinator
Maci joined the staff at Ankeny First in June 2025. She is responsible for building relationships with church members, getting individuals plugged into connection opportunities, and developing small groups. Maci has her Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology and Health: Community Public Health from Iowa State University. Go Cyclones! She is married to her husband Garrett, and they have a daughter Olivia. They are also expecting a baby this spring!
Amity Wagner
CLC Connection Coordinator
Amity joined the staff at Ankeny First in 2015 as Director of Worship and added Connection Coordinator to her title in 2025. Amity loves helping people find their place in community, providing support for small groups, and directing a ministry for women, flourish. She has a degree in music from Wartburg College. Amity is married to Pastor John Wagner, and they have two children, Gabe and Landry.
CLC Connection Coordinator
Amity joined the staff at Ankeny First in 2015 as Director of Worship and added Connection Coordinator to her title in 2025. Amity loves helping people find their place in community, providing support for small groups, and directing a ministry for women, flourish. She has a degree in music from Wartburg College. Amity is married to Pastor John Wagner, and they have two children, Gabe and Landry.