Podcasts about small group leaders

In this episode, Jay talks with Dawn Stephens, Brook Hills' Women's Minister, about developing leaders. The session is an overview of her breakout session at the Fall 2024 SG Leader Gathering. The complete title was Building a Leadership Team in Your Group: Developing Leaders is a Win-Win. It's a win for you as a leader, and it's a win because the process prepares others to lead.  Listen and hear some ways you can develop leaders.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills. Lifetime Show Notes Brook Hills Pages: The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, Alabama, USA Small Group Leader Resources Page Small Group Discipleship Resources Small Groups @ Brook Hills

In this episode, we're revisiting the keynote message from our February Small Group Leader Gathering, featuring John Butterfield. John unpacks how people grow—one small, consistent step at a time—and why helping others take those steps is key to leading well. Tune in to hear practical insights on how we can guide growth in the three core priorities of our church. Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills. Lifetime Show Notes Brook Hills Pages: The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, Alabama, USA Small Group Leader Resources Page Small Group Discipleship Resources Small Groups @ Brook Hills

In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Chris Robbins about Leading Group Meetings Well: How to Lead Intentionally and Overcome Common Problems. The session is an overview of the breakout Chris led at our Fall 2024 SG Leader Gathering. Listen and hear three strategies Chris embraces with his group. Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills. Lifetime Show Notes Brook Hills Pages: The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, Alabama, USA Small Group Leader Resources Page Small Group Discipleship Resources Small Groups @ Brook Hills

In this episode, Chip and Brooks join Jay and Christ to discuss Ramadan-what it is and why Christ-followers should take note and pray for Muslims across the world during this holiday.  Join in and hear some stories from the field and be inspired to pray during Ramadan.Email for Ramadan Info from Chip (chip@brookhills.org).IMB Prayer Page(The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention)Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills. Lifetime Show Notes Brook Hills Pages: The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, Alabama, USA Small Group Leader Resources Page Small Group Discipleship Resources Small Groups @ Brook Hills

In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with John Butterfield as we revisit his breakout session from the Fall Small Group Leader Gathering. His session was entitled "The What and Why of Small Groups: Why We Do Small Groups and What We Seek to Accomplish."See our purpose statements as a church.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills. Lifetime Show Notes Brook Hills Pages: The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, Alabama, USA Small Group Leader Resources Page Small Group Discipleship Resources Small Groups @ Brook Hills

Brook Hills' missionaries serve in tough places and they deeply need our support. Groups can have a global impact by building a strong, supportive relationships with them. Join Chris and Jay as we talk to a group leader who has led his group well in that area.Suggested Missionary Support Ideas for GroupsSend us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, we review a recent live class at Brookhills entitled Leading Group Meetings 101: The First Things You Need to Know.  In this episode, Chris joins us to discuss preparation, study and organization of content, asking good questions, staying on track, and much more. Join us to see if reviewing the basics is helpful to you.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, we review a recent live class at Brookhills entitled Leading Group Meetings 101: The First Things You Need to Know.  In this episode, Chris joins us to discuss preparation, study and organization of content, asking good questions, staying on track, and much more. Join us to see if reviewing the basics is helpful to you.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

Shows Main Idea – A small group is more than a meeting—it's a place for transformation. Learn how to engage, grow, and build a gospel-centered community. Watch or Listen: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-543-webinar-small-group-leader-development/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Matthew Segall to explore the 'meaning crisis' in Western culture. The conversation covers historical forces and cultural transformations, responses to the crisis, the return of religious interest, and the insights of the process-relational framework. We touch on issues such as the role of the market, individualism, disenchantment, and the importance of a compelling cosmology. Along the way, they discuss the transformative potential of Christ's story, pluralism, and the need for a renewed cultural life. This episode promises a thoughtful and nerdy discussion that blends philosophical depth with practical implications for our shared future. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Dr. Segall is a transdisciplinary researcher and teacher who applies process philosophy to various natural and social sciences, including consciousness. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA. Make sure you check out SubStack Footnotes to Plato, his YouTube channel and recent book. Previous Podcasts with Matt Processing the Political  Cosmology, Consciousness, and Whitehead's God. Science, Religion, Eco-Philosophy, Etheric Imagination, Psychedelic Eucharist, Ecological Crisis and more… A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan Join us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time. Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul's understanding of Jesus' Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul's theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here. This episode is sponsored by the Upper Room's Disciplines: A Book of Daily Devotions As this new year unfolds with all its challenges and opportunities, are you longing for daily spiritual renewal with God? A daily practice to ground yourselves in God's presence and nurture a resilient spirit for the work ahead? Each year, The Upper Room publishes its popular lectionary-based devotional called Disciplines: A Book of Daily Devotions. Written by 53 diverse thought-leaders, The Upper Room Disciplines provides daily scripture, meditations, and prayers following the Revised Common Lectionary to help you pause and connect more deeply with God. Disciplines also includes a Guide to Daily Prayer and a Small Group Leader's Guide. Experience the spiritual renewal you've been looking for this year with The Upper Room Disciplines … and join thousands of others “praying the lectionary” and meeting God anew each day. Use promo code HBCD25 to get 20% off this popular resource now. Visit store.upperroom.org/disciplines to take advantage of this offer! _____________________ Join our class - TRUTH IN TOUGH TIMES: Global Voices of Liberation This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Luke Long fills in for Chris Amaro as we host Parker Snider, Brook Hills' Young Adult Minister in a conversation about hospitality. We're recapping the breakout sessions from our Fall 2024 Leader Gatherng. The official breakout title was "Building Biblical Community & Hospitality: How to Help People Connect with One Another and With Guests." Listen in and gain some tips for connecting members to one another and connecting guests to the group. Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

David McKnight and Mike Joiner are our guest for the topic "Leading Your Group Outside the Walls: Serving Together and Individually". This was one of our breakouts at the Fall 2024 Small Group Leader Gathering and we went to bring everyone the content from that session. Visit GreatGroups.org to listen, or better yet, subscribe to The Great Groups Podcast on your favorite podcast app. That way you'll never miss an episode.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

This episode gives you a taste of what happens on the Theology Nerd stage at Theology Beer Camp. These super-nerdy breakout sessions are based on suggestions from the Homebrewed Community, and this session was designed to explore the connections and contrasts between Ground of Being theology and Process theology. I was joined by Benjamin Chicka, John Thatamanil, Thomas Jay Oord, and Taylor Thomas. If you want to get info, updates, and access to pre-sale tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2025, you can sign up here. Dr. Taylor Thomas is a philosophy instructor at Boston College, a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Mind and Culture, & host of the Tillich Today podcast. Dr. Thatamanil is Professor of Theology & World Religions at Union Theological Seminary in NYC. Previous Episodes with John Tillich and the Advent of New Being Deconstructing Divinity & Embracing Diversity God – the Ground, the Between, the Personal What we do when we do theology A Comparative Theology of Religious Diversity Theology Without Walls Non-duality, Polydoxy, and Christian Identity Dr. Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. He is an award-winning author, and he has written or edited more than twenty-five books. Oord directs a doctoral program at Northwind Theological Seminary and the Center for Open and Relational Theology. Previous episodes with Tom Big God Questions Christ, Christmas, & the Incarnation the Death of Omnipotence! Brian McLaren & Thomas Jay Oord: a God Worthy of Love Process This! Process Theology QnA Authority, Atonement, Abortion, and a Big Hug from Pluriform Love to Divine Revelation Big God Twitter Takes Trump is (NOT) a Process Theologian & Other Questions Thomas Jay Oord wants you to know “God Can't” Open and Relational Theology Throwdown Open and Relational Q&A with Thomas Jay Oord Why Go Wesleyan? Dr. Benjamin J. Chicka is Lecturer in Philosophy and Religious Studies at Curry College in Milton, MA. You can hear him on the podcast - Theology & Video Games. This episode is sponsored by the Upper Room's Disciplines: A Book of Daily Devotions As this new year unfolds with all its challenges and opportunities, are you longing for daily spiritual renewal with God? A daily practice to ground yourselves in God's presence and nurture a resilient spirit for the work ahead? Each year, The Upper Room publishes its popular lectionary-based devotional called Disciplines: A Book of Daily Devotions. Written by 53 diverse thought-leaders, The Upper Room Disciplines provides daily scripture, meditations, and prayers following the Revised Common Lectionary to help you pause and connect more deeply with God. Disciplines also includes a Guide to Daily Prayer and a Small Group Leader's Guide. Experience the spiritual renewal you've been looking for this year with The Upper Room Disciplines … and join thousands of others “praying the lectionary” and meeting God anew each day. Use promo code HBCD25 to get 20% off this popular resource now. Visit store.upperroom.org/disciplines to take advantage of this offer! _____________________ Join my Substack - Process This! Join our class - TRUTH IN TOUGH TIMES: Global Voices of Liberation Spend a week with Tripp & Andrew Root in Bonhoeffer's House in Berlin this June as part of the Rise of Bonhoeffer Travel Learning Experience. INFO & DETAILS HERE Get access to over 45 of our online classes at TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jay and Chris discuss things to pray for your Small Group and for the Small Groups Ministry at Brook Hills or your own church, if different. Listen in and learn some things to pray for your group. Please consider adding the items below to your personal prayer list.List of Things to Pray for Your GroupGreat Groups BuzzSprout WebsiteSend us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, Jay interviews Ashley Chesnut, Brook Hills' Associate Minister of Young Adults. We are reviewing breakouts from our Fall Small Group Leader Gathering. The full title of Ashley's breakout was Choosing Curriculum for Your Group: Identifying Where Your People Are and Selecting What's Next.  Join us for some thoughts on choosing curriculum for your Small Group.Choosing Curriculum HandoutPsalm 119 Small Group TemplateBrook Hills' Recommended CurriculumBrook Hills Leader ResourcesSend us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Luke Long, our new Adults & Small Groups Intern at Brook Hills. Join us to get to know Luke and hear his passion for Small Groups that has been passed down from his father and grandfather.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, we begin a series looking back on the breakout sessions from our Fall Small Group Leader Gathering. Those include Evangelism, New Groups, Meetings, Serving, Philosophy of Groups, Curriculum, Biblical Community & Hospitality, Leadership Teams, and Discipe-making. Today, we begin the series with Chris Amaro, both special guest and co-host, who led a breakout session on Starting New Groups & Multiplication. Listen and see how starting groups is like the movie, A Wonderful Life.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the seventy-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by the MAJ(P) Westly “West” LaFitte, the Brigade Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer for Brigade Command & Control on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today's guests are two Small Group Leaders of the Maneuver Captain's Career Course at the Maneuver Center of Excellence, CPT Matthew Dunn and CPT Jordan Scanlon.   The Maneuver Captains' Career Course (MCCC or MC3), hosted by the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Moore, Georgia, is a 22-week program designed primarily for U.S. Army infantry and armor officers, with participants also including U.S. Marine Corps captains and officers from allied nations. The course's mission is to equip these officers with the skills necessary for effective company command and to fulfill tactical planning duties as battalion S-3 operations staff officers. MCCC has its roots in the former Infantry and Armor Officer Advanced Courses, which prepared captains for command and staff roles within their respective branches. Since 2008, MCCC has merged these curricula into a unified “maneuver” focus, reflecting the integrated requirements of modern warfare. The course is organized into three teams, each led by a senior major and divided into 12 seminars of about 15 officers, guided by a senior captain or major. Offered six times annually, MCCC runs three classes concurrently, supporting a student body of approximately 400 to 600 officers at any given time.   In this episode we discuss key insights into leadership and operational effectiveness at the company and platoon levels during large-scale combat operations. A primary lesson learned is the critical importance of adaptability and readiness within small-unit leadership, as the complex and dynamic battlefield environment demands quick decision-making under pressure. Platoon leaders and company commanders must develop autonomous decision-making skills and a strong understanding of the commander's intent. This autonomy is essential, especially in scenarios where communication lines may be compromised by enemy electronic warfare efforts. Leaders must ensure that every soldier has a clear grasp of the mission objectives, allowing units to maintain operational effectiveness even when cut off from higher command.   This episode also underscores the importance of “brilliance in the basics,” particularly for foundational skills in movement, coordination, and logistics management. Small-unit leaders stressed that mastery of basic soldiering tasks, such as secure communication practices, tactical movement, and efficient resupply operations, is indispensable for sustaining momentum during prolonged engagements. Additionally, the integration of new assets, such as multifunctional reconnaissance elements and flexible support units, requires company and platoon leaders to be proficient in managing these resources effectively on the ground. These lessons underscore the need for platoon and company leaders to cultivate a blend of tactical proficiency and adaptability, ensuring that they can operate independently and sustain combat effectiveness across diverse and challenging LSCO environments.   Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.   Note from the podcast team: This episode was filmed during the Maneuver Warfighter Conference in April 2024, so the audio and video quality maybe reduced due to filming in an expeditionary manner. MAJ(P) LaFitte has since been promoted to lieutenant colonel.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

In this episode, Jay and Chris discuss ten thoughts on pursuing the spiritual growth of your group members. Here are the thoughts we'll dive into.1. Pray for the spiritual growth of your group. 2. Expect spiritual growth. Don't be content without it.3. Model spiritual maturity for them.     High Potency + Clear Communication + Close Proximity + God's Hand = Maximum Impact (Maximum Spiritual Growth)4.  Be transparent about your spiritual highs and lows.5.  Help them Build spiritual disciplines.      a. Get them in the Word daily.      b. Get them praying daily.      c. Encourage scripture memory6. Expose them to challenging activities. (Let them stretch their faith.)7. Expose them to examples of spiritual maturity.8. Challenge the group with specific steps they can take.       Hear Chris' reaction to the too-general statement, "Y'all go and be better Christians this week."9.  Once you build a relationship, don't be afraid to ask some probing questions.      a. What are you reading in the Bible?      b. How is God growing you?      c. Would you consider reading a Bible plan with me?10. Consider entering an intentional discipleship relationship with a few people in your group. See the link below.Disciple-making Quick Start GuideThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, we'll hear our Pastor, Matt Mason, as we look back to the Fall 2024 Small Group Leader Gathering. His talk is entitled Three Big "Ones": Encouragement for Ministry and Mission. It includes One Passion: Cultivating our Walk with the Lord, One Posture: Eager Reception of God's Word and Application of It, and One Mission: Gospel Conversations. Listen in to be encouraged by Matt's talk.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Nathan and Blair Sherman about things that are going well in their group. This is a follow-up to their brief discussion on a panel during Brook Hills' recent Faith Family Gathering. There were so many things to dig into that we made it two podcasts. Here is the first.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

Bill Search has been a leading voice in the small groups movement, authoring multiple articles and books, including the popular, Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders. He was Senior Advisor for www.smallgroups.com and Christian Bible Studies at Christianity Today. Join us for part one as we unpack Small Groups on a deeper level.

Josh Griffin is one of the leading voices in youth ministry with 25+ years experience in the trenches, currently serving as the junior high pastor at Mariners Church and before that the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church. He's the co-founder of DownloadYouthMinistry.com, YMUniversity.com and heard in 400+ episodes of the DYM Podcast w/Doug Fields. He's created more than 50 youth ministry resources and authored several books including 99 Thoughts for Small Group Leaders. Josh and his wife Angela have 4 kids, which are now all teenagers!  In this episode we talk about the importance of youth ministry especially in today's culture. We talk about discipleship, and how we can disciple teens towards Jesus with all of the competing influences in their lives. And specifically we talk about digital discipleship, and how we can help our teens understand the influence of technology on their faith, and teach them to use it wisely and not be ruled by it. 

In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Nathan and Blair Sherman about things that are going well in their group. This is a follow-up to their brief discussion on a panel during Brook Hills' recent Faith Family Gathering. There were so many things to dig into that we made it two podcasts. Here is the first.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Wade and Joan K to learn about their background and call to missions and hear stories about what God is doing in Slovenia, where they serve. We want to help Small Group Leaders see that some future missionaries may very well be in your Small Group now. Let's keep mission work and missionaries in front of our group members and see what God does.After the podcast, the stories kept rolling. We regret that we couldn't keep recording or make two podcasts out of their stories. God is at work. We heard about the church in Domzale praying the Psalms, about an architect, we said she now believes in Jesus,  about Reformation Day ministry by the church members, and about events that meet the needs of people there.Prayer Points1. For the salvation of many people, particularly U, S, and M to come to Christ this year.2. For the KW's and their kids as they are apart, that the kids would be secure and spiritually healthy, and that God would put people in their lives to minister to them.3. Pray for the health of the church in Domzale and for Goran and Metke Macura, who also lead the church.KW Slovenia Info & Support PageLet's join them on Thursdays at Noon as they meet at 7:00pm there to pray.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In Episode 114, Brennan Strain joins Jay and Chris as they all share ideas for starting the new group year strong following our summer break. We are introducing a new format that we plan to use fairly often - a mix of interview and color commentary. It's just more fun with more people, especially people you haven't heard from yet. Brennan co-leads a young adult group along with his wife, Kasi, and Stephen and Kimberlee Brooks.Suggested document:Brook Hills Small Group Values & Great Conversation  - The first group meeting of the year is a great time to share this with your group. Summer Survey used by Brennan's Group - We just built a sample in a google doc so you wouldn't actually contribute to their survey.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, Jay and Chris host Grayson and Lucy Gayle to hear stories about how their group has been on mission for Christ. From the very start, the Gayles have been very intentional about equipping and engaging in evangelism as a group. And the group is all in. Join us to get some tips that you can apply in your groupThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

If your ministry has small group leaders, then your ministry should have some way for those leaders to be coached. Oftentimes the coaching is left to the point leader, but as your ministry grows you should also find ways to empower volunteers to step into the small group leader coach role. In this conversation, Jeremy and Chandra discuss the importance of coaching and Chandra shares her experience implementing a coaching culture in her ministry and provides practical tips around supporting and guiding leaders, setting goals, and providing resources. Listen in for ideas that you can implement in your ministry this week!Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

How can studying the Bible help you hear the voice of God?Spiritual director Janice McWilliams shares how recognize and encounter the voice of God as we read and study the Bible.https://livesteadyon.com/Email Angie at: steadyonpodcast@gmail.comFacebook: @livesteadyonInstagram: @angiebaughman421Looking for something not listed? It's probably here: https://linktr.ee/livesteadyonhttps://janicemcwilliams.com/https://www.instagram.com/janicemcwilliams/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077699886775http://linkedin.com/in/janice-mcwilliams-a774593bJanice McWilliams is the co-author of the Small Group Leader's Handbook and The Anxiety Toolbox on Scribd Coach. She attended Howard University's Divinity School for her theological training. It was there that she found her love for pastoral counseling and pursued her counseling degree at Loyola University in Maryland. She has worked in a number of capacities with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, more recently as a trainer and spiritual formation specialist. She is a certified Enneagram trainer and Spiritual Director. Janice works as a therapist and spiritual director in private practice, specializing in couples counseling and treating anxiety disorders. She speaks and offers workshops on Marriage Strengthening, Self-Care, and the Enneagram.Janice's book is, “Restore My Soul: Reimagining Self-Care for a Sustainable Life”Free resources (Including the Hormone Soup resource) from Janice can be found here: https://janicemcwilliams.com/resources/Theme music:Glimmer by Andy EllisonLearn more about Steady On University here:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/nNuXFKn/souOrder the Be Still Bible study here:https://livesteadyon.com/books/Midroll MusicI Miss the Beach Instrumental by Mikey Geiger

In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Dale Kendrick and Chris Robbins about their Small Group. They use a weekly email to communicate with their group, discussing what they studied last week, looking forward to the coming week, and sometimes giving some homework that links to the upcoming meeting. Listen and hear how they use that and more to build community in their group.Here's the KR (Kendrick-Robbins Small Group) annual survey. Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Rus Goodwin, Brook Hills' Pastoral Care Minister and part of our Member Care Team. We take a few minutes to get to know Rus and then discuss the overlap of pastoral care and groups.  Listen and hear how Rus can help you and the members of your group. You can also help Rus coordinate the work of meeting needs.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

Today, I'll tackle a tricky topic: gossip in the church. The one thing that I love about going to church is the fellowship. Talking freely with other Christians while enjoying a coffee or tea while the kids play. It's nice. And then, if you're lucky, you get to attend a weekly small group meeting where 5-10 people usually come together to either unpack the sermon of the week or to learn about and unpack a new topic. However, it's in this fellowship that gossip can become an issue. Satan will try and find a way to interject himself into Godly conversations and one way he does this is through gossip. …………………..………………….. One way that gossip masks itself is through concern. Let's use Sue as an example (fictional of course) Sue might know someone who is going through a tough time and then share her concern with others, causing people to talk about that person. Or Sue might know a piece of confidential information that someone might have shared with her and then share that with others by asking them to pray for that person. Inadvertently, Sue is creating a gossip culture, where no one in the church can feel safe anymore because they can't share any concerns with people they trust, for fear that it would be shared with others “out of concern” or because that person asked others to pray for them. …………………..………………….. Another way that gossip can mask itself is through the judgement and/or so called “empathy” towards others. I've always found it super interesting that Christians, in general, are so super judgemental of others when Jesus himself came and broke all thought patterns about judging others. And I'm 1000% including myself in this discussion, because I have found myself very guilty of this. When someone does something that we know is sinful or specifically mentioned in the bible as a no-go-zone, then we are quick to judge them, and it becomes a topic of discussion with others. "Oh, have you heard that Sue's teenage daughter is pregnant? Isn't it just such a shame? Sue must be so embarrassed." Or "/have you heard the sad news that Sue and Jo are getting a divorce? It's such a shame, isn't it? I feel so sorry for Sue, because rumour has it that Jo cheated on her." So, we're talking about others, seemingly feeling sorry for them, but in actual fact we're gossiping. …………………..………………….. Church communities can be small communities and the thing we know about communities is that there will always be people who love to know what is going on in the community with other people. So what can we as leaders in the church do about this? Is it even your duty to do something about this? Or should it just be the main leader, the pastor who as a duty of care?   No, I don't believe it should be.   I believe that God gave all of us the ability to speak up, to say no to gossip and to not stand for it. …………………..………………….. What does the bible say about gossip? Go and listen to episode 4 where I discuss in full what the bible says about gossip. Proverbs 18:21 reads: “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences” The Bible, both the Old and the New Testament, warns strongly against gossip and the effect that your words and your tongue can have. God, however, doesn't leave us in the lurch and say, “Figure it out by yourself”. No, in true God-style, He gives us the tools, “the antidote” if you will, for dealing with gossip and for dealing with the gossipers. …………………..………………….. Ephesians 4:32 “Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God through Christ has forgiven you. This verse requests that we be kind to each other, and tender-hearted (which according to Webster dictionary means compassionate) Forgive the person, just like Christ has forgiven you. …………………..………………….. Proverbs 17:9 says, “He who covers over an offence promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” Basically, stop the gossip with you, don't spread it any further. You can make the choice to not gossip anymore if this is an issue for you. ……………………………. Proverbs 20:19 tells us, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much As a leader, it is crucial that we do not betray someone's trust. Whatever is said to you should remain confidential, unless it's life-threatening and you are compelled to speak up to another leader, but do not utter a word to anyone else. Do not fall in that trap. ……………………………. Lastly 1 Timothy 18:15-18 reads: “If another believer sins against, you, go privately and point out the offence. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you may say be confirmed by two or three witnesses. In a church environment, this would translate to going directly to that person and asking them to stop spreading rumours and gossiping …………………..………………….. The main things that I would like you to take away from today's podcast is: Take gossip seriously, it can have long-term effects on you and the church Speak up against gossip, address it directly with the person/person's involved If you are struggling with gossip yourself, pray that the Lord will guide you and help you to stop, so that you can show integrity at church and not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. Join the Facebook Group Click here to join like-minded faith-driven leaders in our Women of Faith in Leadership Community.  1:1 Coaching Book a 1:1 coaching call with me Next steps:  1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can: Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here.  Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers. 2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com 3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

In this episode, Jay and Chris react to Small Group Leader responses to our Spring Snapshot. It's an electronic form we use at Brook Hills to check vital signs for our groups and get feedback from our leaders. We specifically discuss the answers to two questions: 1) STRENGTHS: What are some positive things happening in your group? and 2) STRUGGLES: What challenges is your group experiencing? Listen in and hear some feedback and a few tips along the way.Referenced Documents:Spring 2024 Snapshot Online FormSmall Group Values DocumentGreat Conversations DocumentLeader Resources PageThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form. Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

Check out Right Now Media: https://schools.rightnowmedia.org/  Leveraging Right Now Media for Effective Church Discipleship Link to discipleship.org youtube: https://youtube.com/@discipleshipdotorg?feature=shared Ryan Kucera, a former pastor and current Right Now Media account manager, shares his journey and passion for digital discipleship. He outlines Right Now Media's mission to support small to medium-sized churches in their discipleship efforts, detailing the platform's history, expansion, and current strategies. He also gives us practical tips for utilizing Right Now Media's resources and custom content creation to help churches to effectively foster spiritual growth. Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 00:36 Discovering Right Now Media and Its Impact 00:58 Working with Churches: Insights and Trends 04:25 Challenges in Church Engagement and Technology Adoption 07:56 Small Group Dynamics and Right Now Media's Role 17:05 Leveraging Right Now Media for Small Group Leadership Training 20:07 Customizing Content and Training for Churches 27:29 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer Resources on Discipleship The Definition of a Disciple Becoming a Disciple Maker https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/

In this episode, Jay interviews Parker Snider, Brook Hills' new Young Adult Minister. Listen in to learn about Parker's background, hobbies, spiritual story, small group, and a little about young adult ministry. We'll also discuss spiritual growth catalysts and helping people grow during crisis.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

Our recent snapshots (feedback from leaders) indicate many groups are struggling with attendance issues. In this episode, Jay and Chris continue to discuss having the right perspective on these issues. They also share some tips and thoughts on ways to strengthen consistency.Jay referenced the document Small Group Essentials, which mentions faithfulness to attend. One option is to review this document with your group at the start of every ministry year (August).Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

Our recent snapshots (feedback from leaders) indicate many groups are struggling with attendance issues. In this episode, Jay and Chris discuss having the right perspective on these issues, and they also share some tips and thoughts on ways to strengthen consistency.Jay referenced the document Small Group Essentials, which mentions faithfulness to attend. One option is to review this document with your group at the start of every ministry year (August).Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, Jeremy and Sid discuss how to coach other small group leaders in both informal and formal settings. They emphasize the importance of fostering a culture of teachability and asking questions to spark curiosity and learning. They also suggest defining a fixed time for coaching sessions and setting clear expectations for the coaching relationship. The hosts encourage veteran small group leaders to take on the role of coaching and supporting younger leaders, recognizing the impact they can have on the next generation.   Check out the Next Steps Awards from Power to Change - Students. There's $50,000 available this year!   If you'd like to find a university campus group, check out this link: https://p2c.com/students/campuses/   Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Harry Handlin, one of our Small Group Leaders. We discuss his group, which uses a Bible reading plan together, and Harry then draws his teaching time from the plan. God's word changes lives, so we're interested in teaching plans that encourage people to read the Bible regularly. We included some ideas for groups that may not fully engage in this type of plan.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, Jay reviews a list of 11 things Small Group Leaders should avoid when leading their groups. The list begins with showing up late or unprepared, includes being too guarded, and closes with failing to apply the Scripture to life and to follow up with guests and prayer requests. Listen in to hear the whole list and choose a "sin" to avoid in leading your group.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

Small groups are a cornerstone of many faith communities, but is your group feeling a little stale?  Are you looking for fresh ideas to foster deeper connections and growth? In this episode, we chat with Adam Erlichman, author of the new book “Group Leader Training Course Workbook“. He challenges the status quo and offer practical strategies for reinvigorating your small group ministry.  We discuss: The changing landscape of small groups and how to adapt. Creative formats and activities to engage a wider audience. Building authentic relationships within the group to help grow disciples And much more! Whether you're a seasoned small group leader or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the tools to build a thriving and impactful ministry.  Tune in and get ready to ignite your small group! HERE is where you can get your copy of Group Leader Training: A Biblical Manual for Small Group Leaders and Teachers in the Local Church by Adam Erlichman. More Info on Adam's Organization - Build Groups

In this episode, Jay and Christ discuss challenging group members to identify and take some next steps toward growth in Christ. Next steps might be defined as small steps that lead to big change when taken consistently. Jay gets Chris' reaction to a list of ten areas where next steps may be needed. Listen in and get some ideas to help your group members grow spiritually.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, Jay and Chris review Equipping Your Group to Go Strong: Tips for Leaders, a document created with lots of practical ideas for your group. As we are in the final few months of 2Strong, look it over and choose some of the tips to use with your group. You can also reach the document at brookhills.org/leaderresources.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

In this episode, Jay and Chris briefly talk about the Small Group Leader Gathering before listening to the clip of Pastor Matt's talk. Join us for some inspiration if you missed the leader gathering or just want to hear it again.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

Facebook marketplace is safe right?  Zach and Chad, your ministry mentors and amateur online bargain hunters, are here to draw the parallels. This episode is an open lesson for what we have learned  navigating the challenges that small group leaders face, especially when confronted with the whirlwind or overload that is a roomful of teenagers. For the next 30 minutes we're dishing out our practical strategies  to help your newbie leaders turn anxiety into confidence, transforming those small group gatherings into from sessions to community. Support the showJoin the community!

In today's episode, Jay and Chris talk with Scott and Alison Elliott about being a spiritual influence at work, home, neighborhood, or wherever you are. They were on our Leader Gathering Panel Discussion back in September when we focused on Going Strong to Our Community. We are in Year 2 of Going Strong. On the podcast, we take time to get to know them personally and talk more in-depth about their personal experiences in evangelism.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Group Leader and Elder at Brook Hills.

Do you want to help women learn how to invite God into their fitness? Is faith and fitness and Christian health and fitness something you feel called to do? I have a special announcement, The Fit God Way Small Group Leader Guide and Video Lessons are available now! The Fit God's Way Small Group Leader Guide and Video Course will equip you with everything you need to know to lead your group with confidence, or should I say Godfidence!  Here's what's included A Step-by-Step Fit God's Way Downloadable Leader Guide 5 Fit God's Way Video Lessons to Address All of Your Questions and Concerns. Small Group Leader Prayer and Scriptures to Fuel Your Confidence. Has God put it on your heart to lead a small faith and fitness group? Today I'm asking you an important question, will you answer the call? Fitness is something we don't hear enough about in Church and I hope with your help we can change that! This scripture comes to mind as I picture us linking arms and standing against what the world has taught us about fitness.  “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV) Before the enemy tells you, who are you to do this? I want to share the very thing I learned that set me free. You are the perfect person to help the person you used to be get through what God brought you through. You don't need to have all the answers or be an expert, you just need to say yes and step out in faith! Are you ready to step out in faith and lead other women to Jesus in their fitness? Get all the details here, https://www.kimdolanleto.com/smallgroup Jesus and Christian accountability is what we have been missing from our Fitness! I'm excited to see you on the inside of The Fit God's Way Small Group Leader Course. Sign Up Here >>> https://www.kimdolanleto.com/smallgroup Remember You are Strong. Confident. His. Kim Dolan Leto

Don't launch your small groups until you've listened to my interview with Adam Erlichman author of Group Leader Training: A Biblical Manual For Small Group Leaders and Teachers in the local Church. My Youth Ministry Playbook https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/cfmra As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Get Adam's book https://amzn.to/48XHEqs Visit Adam's website https://www.buildgroups.net/

What do you think about free COVID tests? | What do you look for in a good church? | How do you reconcile using Amazon or others with their pro abortion stances? | We don't want to send our kids to different programs every time we go into church. Is this wrong? | How do I escape an annoying small group leader? | I have one kiddo who just can't find anything he likes about homeschool. What do I do? | and more! Show Notes: https://heidistjohn.com/blog/podcasts/mailbox-monday-free-covid-tests-annoying-small-group-leaders-children-cant-pleased --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heidistjohn/message