Small Groups in the Wesleyan Way

When Trinity United Methodist Church in Kansas City needed to raise $50,000 for much-needed repairs to their historic building, the congregation of 75 found themselves facing a big challenge. The Rev. Tex Sample shares with Ken Sloane the journey of Trinity's capital campaign.

In this session, we hear from Rachel Gilmore, Director of Recruiting, Assessing, and Training for Community Engagement and Church Planting at Discipleship Ministries. Rachel, also a former church planter, will cover a wide range of topics including in-home versus at-church small groups, the connection between worship and small groups, and the various roles within small groups. To participate in the online course for free, visit smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org.

People inside and outside of our churches are hungering for places that feel smaller and offer welcome, connection, and belonging. Small groups offer that and so much more. In this session, we will hear a unique perspective from Rev. Motoe Yamada Foor who serves at the Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church, the Garden Church. Pastor Motoe will help us explore the essential elements of a small groups and casting a vision for small groups among other important ideas. To participate in the online course for free, visit smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org.

People inside and outside of our churches are hungering for places that feel smaller and offer welcome, connection, and belonging. Small groups offer that and so much more. In this session, Mark Youngman and Joy Dodge of Providence United Methodist Church help us explore the big “why” of small group ministry. To participate in the online course for free, visit http://smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org.

In this session, we will hear from Pastor Brad Kalajainen, the author of "How to Start Small Groups" which serves as our main text for this course. Kalajainen highlights the role of small groups in pastoral care and growing disciples and leaders within the church. To participate in the online course for free, visit http://smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org.

Scott interviews Christine Hides who is a deacon in the Northern Illinois Annual Conference, the Director of Christian Education at Kenilworth Union Church, and a blogger at www.christinevhides.com. Scott and Christine explore the positives and challenges of online small groups.

Scott interviews author, psychologist, and third-degree black belt, Angela Schaffner. Scott and Angela explore self-awareness as a means to Christian maturity, the importance of reflection for small group leaders, and the need for vulnerability. Checkout Angela’s book "Revealed: What the Bible Can Teach You About Yourself" (https://bookstore.upperroom.org/Products/1861/revealed.aspx/?path=BookstoreBanner&dept=marketing) and her blog at http://angelaschaffnerphd.com/.

Scott caught up with author and coach Scott Boren. They discuss Scott Boren’s new book "Beyond Small Groups: From Programmatic Meetings to Flourishing Communities". In this episode, they explore the importance of spiritual practices and trust in small groups. Also, checkout Scott Boren’s blog at http://mscottboren.org/

Scott caught up with author and coach Scott Boren. They discuss Scott Boren’s new book "Beyond Small Groups: From Programmatic Meetings to Flourishing Communities". In this episode, Scott explores the importance of spiritual practices and trust in small groups. Also checkout Scott Boren’s blog at http://mscottboren.org/

Scott and David Teel, Director of Laity and Spiritual Leadership, discuss Discipleship Ministries’ See All The People resource for churches and small groups.

Scott interviews Meagan O’Brien from the Gathering United Methodist Church in St. Louis. Meagan is an Associate Site Pastor at the McCausland location of the Gathering. Scott and Meagan discuss CoreGroups and the necessity for leadership development.

Scott offers encouragement to churches and small groups willing to engage in Courageous Conversations following the special called General Conference. There is a resource for local churches and small groups to use called Courageous Conversations following General Conference.

Scott interviews Lauren Miller, Minister of Discipleship at Gay Street UMC in Mount Vernon, Ohio. They discuss discipleship and small groups at Gay Street UMC as well as the role of the church in giving guidance for discipleship formation.

Scott interviews Flo Sapp Martin, part-time Director of Education at Centenary United Methodist Church in the South Georgia Conference. They discuss Flo’s involvement in an Interfaith small group and how such a group might help us to grow in our faith.

Scott interviews Rev. Thomas Cross, Pastor of Discipleship at Broomfield United Methodist Church in Broomfield, Colorado. They explore the importance of having a clear entry into groups, identifying leaders, training teachers, and being a church of small groups, not just a church with small groups.

Scott interviews Robert Martin, professor of Christian Education and Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary and elder in the Missouri Conference, to discuss what it means to grow spiritually. They also discuss the role of habits and small groups as a catalyst in spiritual growth throughout a congregation.

Scott interviews Robert Martin, professor of Christian Education and Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary and elder in the Missouri Conference. They discuss what it means to grow spiritually, and the role of habits and small groups in spiritual growth.

Scott interviews Jack Seymour, author and professor emeritus from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Jack is a guru of religious education. He has authored several books including: "Teaching the Way of Jesus", "Teaching Biblical Faith: Leading Small Group Bible Studies", and "Yearning for God: Reflections of Faithful Lives".

Scott interviews Rev. Dale McConkey. Dale is a professor of sociology at Berry College and a part-time local pastor at Mount Tabor United Methodist Church in Armuchee, Georgia. Dale is also the author of "United Methodists Divided: Understanding Our Differences over Homosexuality".

Scott interviews Barbara Bruce, author and teacher. Barbara has a contagious passion for teaching and learning. She has authored several books including "Start Here: Teaching and Learning with Adults" and "Our Spiritual Brain: Integrating Brain Research and Faith Development".

From the national CEF(Christians Engaged in Faith Formation) Conference, Scott had the opportunity to interview Lynne Smith, Director of Education at North Georgia Family Counseling Centers and Associate Pastor at Mount Carmel UMC in Norcross, and Kim Reindl, Director of Intergenerational, Youth, and Children Discipleship at Cokes Chapel UMC. Lynne and Kim discuss what they’ve learned at the conference about small groups and offer a number of tips for small group success.

Scott interviews the Rev. Allison Fasig, pastor of discipleship at The Village United Methodist Church. Scott and Allison discuss Village Groups, mission based small groups, sermon based groups, giving group's homework, and other small group dynamics.

Scott interviews Rev. Lenny Luchetti, Professor of Proclamation and Christian Ministries at Wesley Seminary of Indiana Wesleyan University. Scott and Lenny explore the deeper discipleship that transcends American virtues and how small groups can be mirrors to foster discipleship growth.

Scott interviews the Rev. Mark Youngman, one of the pastors at Providence United Methodist Church. Scott and Mark discuss some of the common challenges churches face with regard to small group ministry.

Scott interviews Rev. Dave Barnhart pastor at Saint Junia United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Saint Junia is a network of house churches that is intentional about participation, justice ministries, and discipleship formation. Learn more about Rev. Barnhart at https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/author/david_barnhart

Scott joins Rev. Cynthia Wilson, Associate General Secretary for Leadership Ministries at Discipleship Ministries, and Rev. Jackson Henry, Director of Music Ministries, for a conversation about the vital link between worship and small groups. They also highlight Discipleship Ministries’ worship resources that now include small group resources.

Scott interviews Rev. Chris Barbieri, author and deacon in North Georgia. They discuss dynamics to consider when having a difficult conversation in a small group or Sunday school class.

Scott interviews Rev. Talbot Davis, pastor at Good Shepherd UMC in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Abingdon author. We explore the small group ministry model at Good Shepherd, multi-ethnic small groups, and the use of Davis’ books as small group resources.

Scott welcomes Rev. Doc Hall, Director of Older Adult Spiritual Formation Programs for the Upper Room, to discuss unique dynamics of small groups with and for older adults.

For Steve’s last episode, we explore what a General Rule of Discipleship is and how it can cultivate a culture of disciple-making across the church and for small groups.

This the second part of Steve’s interview with Phil Meadows who is a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary. Phil’s latest book "Remembering Our Baptism: Discipleship and Mission in the Wesleyan Spirit" is the focus on the conversation. In this episode, they explore a shocking metaphor of baptism and how classes and band meetings helped the early Methodist live out their baptism.

Steve interviews Phil Meadows who is a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary. Phil’s latest book Remembering Our Baptism: Discipleship and Mission in the Wesleyan Spirit is the focus of the conversation. In particular, we explore the question, What is the life in which we are baptized?

Scott and Steve debrief about their interview with James K. A. Smith. We explore cultural liturgies that shape us and the importance of the connection between worship and small group ministry.

Scott and Steve had the opportunity to interview James K. A. Smith who is a professor of philosophy at Calvin College. Professor Smith has written numerous books including "You Are What You Love" which is the focus on our conversation on how culture disciples us and how small groups can be a means of grace that disciples us in the image of Christ.

In the second part of Steve’s interview with Scott Kisker, they focus on the risk of intimacy that occur in band meetings. They also explore how real freedom to love God and neighbor results from the dynamics of being in a band meeting.

Steve interviews Scott Kisker, professor of the History of Christianity at United Theological Seminary, and co-author of "The Band Meeting". In Part 1, the discussion centers on the history and practical use of band meetings.

Scott and Steve interview Cindy Yanchury, Minister of Faith Formation at Advent United Methodist Church in Eagan, Minnesota. Cindy discusses the growth of Connect groups while Scott and Steve explore the concept of Grace Groups. Also, some breaking news for the podcast.

Scott interviews Nancy Going (Executive Director at Vibrant Faith) to discuss the use of the Visual Faith Project’s image cards and other visuals for faith formation. Scott and Steve also explore the use of icons and imagination in discipleship.

Scott and Steve consider the vital role trust has in making groups thrive. We also note how baptism provides a foundation for identity and the place of vulnerability.

Scott and Steve discuss group dynamics including the cycle of Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Reforming. They also discuss how to push groups through the “doldrums.”

Scott and Steve explore the downsides of printed and video based curricula. They discuss other resources small groups can use for intentional disciple making, such as "A Disciple’s Journal".

Scott and Steve build on General Secretary Junius Dotson’s mantra “stop fixing churches” by discussing how to build a culture of growing Wesleyan leaders through small groups.

Scott and Steve continue their interview with Kevin Watson about his book "The Class Meeting". Scott and Steve also interview Amy Sigmon from Belle Meade United Methodist Church about her experience with The Class Meeting.

Scott and Steve interview Kevin Watson about his book "The Class Meeting". This is part one of a two-part series.

Scott and Steve explore the essential elements of most small groups. Find out the seven components necessary to make your small groups thrive.

Scott and Steve interview Lead Pastor Donna Banks, and Associate Pastor Cameron Merrill from St. Francis United Methodist Church in Cary, North Carolina about their small group ministry called Table Groups.

Steve and Scott continue their interview Dr David Lowes Watson about the history of the class leader.

Steve and Scott interview Dr David Lowes Watson about the history of the class leader.

Scott and Steve interview Rev. Jean Tippit, Discipleship Pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Mobile, AL. Rev. Tippit gives her expertise regarding small group dynamics, such as the role of food, recruiting leaders, and conflict. Additionally, we learn the difference between setting up for a party and a small group.

Scott and Steve give their answers to questions they’ve been frequently asked about small groups: How to start small groups in a church without them; how to get participation; how to identify new leaders; how to accommodate busy schedules.

Scott and Steve explore the Wesleyan distinctive of small groups – accountability. We also discuss the Book of Discipline’s mandate to accountable discipleship through small groups.