Episode Summary

In this episode, Ken Braddy and Mike Taylor discuss the strengths and advantages of normative sized churches, which typically have congregations of 50 to 150 members. They explore relational advantages, decision-making processes, agility in ministry, and effective discipleship practices within these churches. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, flexibility, and the unique dynamics that smaller churches offer, while also providing encouragement for pastors who may feel limited by their church size.

Free Group Essentials Conference

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Disciple Making in Community podcast, host Ken Braddy chats with Dr. Scott McConnell to explore the unique dynamics of the normative church—those with 50 to 150 in attendance. Drawing on recent Lifeway Research, they share valuable pastor insights on how church size influences discipleship, church leadership, and overall church effectiveness. Listeners will discover practical strategies for strengthening small groups, fostering community, and encouraging sustainable church growth. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or volunteer, this conversation will help you see the powerful role normative churches play in God’s kingdom and equip you to lead with confidence.

Every thriving Bible study group begins with one essential ingredient—trust. Without it, vulnerability is rare, growth is limited, and connection remains shallow. In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy welcomes Steve Layton, Discipleship Pastor at Double Oak Community Church, for a powerful conversation about the role of trust in building biblical community. Whether you’ve led groups for years or you’re just starting out, this conversation will challenge and equip you to lead with authenticity and wisdom.

Steve shares how trust is the bedrock of spiritual growth within Bible study groups. The conversation explores why fostering trust matters, how it shapes the spiritual development of your group members, and the role of the leader in modeling vulnerability. Steve offers practical ways to encourage openness while maintaining confidentiality, and he shares the impactful reminder to “lead from scars, not wounds.” This episode is full of wisdom for leaders who want to cultivate safe, honest, and transformative group environments.

If your group isn’t growing in trust, it’s likely not growing in depth. Let this episode guide you toward building the kind of community that invites real life change. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast, and share this episode with fellow group leaders who want to lead with purpose and authenticity.

Building a thriving small group ministry isn't just about curriculum—it's about connection. In a world that’s increasingly digital and fast-paced, intentional community can be hard to cultivate, yet it's exactly what people are craving. In this episode, host Ken Braddy sits down with Jay Gordon to talk about what it takes to truly build and strengthen relationships within your church groups.

Ken and Jay dive into the practical side of community building, sharing best practices that group leaders can implement right away. Jay draws from his own ministry experience to emphasize the importance of regular fellowship, face-to-face interaction, and interactive elements that engage members beyond the weekly meeting. He also discusses how tools like GroupMe can help groups stay connected between Sundays. Monthly gatherings, group text threads, and shared service projects all play a part in developing a deeper sense of belonging. The conversation is a reminder that relational ministry takes consistency, creativity, and care.

 If you’re a group leader looking for real-world ways to grow community, this episode is for you. Be sure to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more leaders like you who are committed to making disciples in authentic community.

Think back to the first time you visited a small group. Were you greeted by name? Did someone show you where to sit or introduce you to others? Those small moments of hospitality can shape someone’s entire church experience. In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community, host Ken Braddy is joined by Delanee Williams and Zac Workun for a rich conversation on the biblical importance of hospitality in small groups. Drawing inspiration from the intentional, guest-focused environment of a cruise ship, they offer practical insights for leaders who want to create welcoming, transformative spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.

Delanee emphasizes that biblical hospitality isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence and love in action. Zac underscores the importance of readiness, safety, and consistency in helping newcomers feel welcome and known. Together, they share real-world strategies to strengthen group hospitality, such as using name tags, having leaders present in gathering areas, and cultivating a culture of attentiveness. The episode also acknowledges the challenge of rebuilding consistent hospitality post-COVID and how trust plays a critical role in transformation within group communities. They wrap up by highlighting their collaborative booklet, Welcome Aboard, a practical resource designed to help church leaders enhance the hospitality of their groups.

 Is your group ready to welcome new people with Christ-like hospitality? If this episode encouraged you or gave you a few new ideas, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us equip more leaders just like you. Thanks for listening, and remember: discipleship often begins with a simple, sincere welcome.

SHOW LINKS: 

Welcome Aboard

Deep Discipleship

Every church leader knows the tension - your worship service is full, but your Bible study groups are not. So how do we bridge the gap between Sunday morning attendance and deeper community engagement? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community, host Ken Braddy is joined by Jared Barham from Northside Baptist Church to unpack practical strategies for moving people from Sunday worship services into meaningful Bible study groups. If you’re a small group leader or church staff member looking to increase group participation, this conversation will both encourage and equip you.

Drawing from Jared’s experience at Northside Baptist Church, they discuss how personal invitations, welcoming environments, and consistent group promotion can create bridges into deeper community. The episode emphasizes the power of church members - not just pastors or leaders - in fostering engagement through intentional relationships and communication. They also identify common barriers that keep people from joining groups and offer practical ways to overcome them. Whether you’re looking to grow your group or strengthen connections in your church, this episode is full of actionable advice for building a thriving culture of discipleship.

If this episode sparked new ideas or helped clarify your next steps, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us reach and resource more leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and keep making disciples in community!

SHOW LINKS: 

In an age when connection is just a click away, many small group leaders are asking: How can we use technology to bring people closer together without replacing real, meaningful relationships? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community, host Ken Braddy is joined by Crystal Mazzuca to explore how Bible study groups can build stronger community both in person and between meetings. With insight from her role at Lifeway and experience navigating remote work, Crystal brings a thoughtful perspective on balancing screens and face-to-face connection in group life.

Together, they explore the strengths and weaknesses of digital tools like Slack, texting, and email—offering practical tips on how leaders can use them to encourage connection without letting them replace in-person interaction. The conversation emphasizes the importance of intentionality, reminding leaders that while technology can support community, it’s the heart behind it that truly matters.

How are you using technology to strengthen—not replace—real relationships in your group? If this episode gave you something to think about, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us reach and equip more leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and keep building community with purpose and presence!

SHOW LINKS: 

Hyfi

Slack

Group Me

In a world full of noise and distraction, prayer has the power to anchor us - and our groups - in what truly matters. But for many small group leaders, prayer can feel routine or even rushed. So how do we move from surface-level prayers to meaningful conversations with God that deepen community and stir hearts for the lost? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Dr. Dwayne McCrary to discuss how prayer can become a powerful, consistent force in Bible study groups.

The two explore the essential role prayer plays in fostering authentic community and spiritual growth within small groups. Drawing from personal experiences, they share practical ways leaders can make prayer a central part of their group dynamic—going beyond opening and closing prayers to truly interceding for one another and for the lost. The conversation emphasizes the value of praying with purpose, the impact it has on group relationships, and how it strengthens discipleship. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode offers encouragement and actionable steps to make prayer a cornerstone of your group culture.

 How are you incorporating prayer into your small group? If this episode challenged or encouraged you, we’d love for you to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us equip more leaders like you. Thanks for tuning in, and keep building communities rooted in prayer and purpose!

SHOW LINKS: 

Marked By Prayer by Dr. Dwayne McCrary

Explore the Bible

In a culture that often values convenience over connection, small group leaders carry the vital responsibility of cultivating spaces where people feel known, welcomed, and spiritually encouraged. But how do we move beyond just meeting for Bible study and into meaningful community? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Andrea Lennon to explore the powerful role of fellowship in group life. With experience in both ministry and her current role at Lifeway, Andrea brings wisdom, warmth, and practical insight into how authentic relationships can strengthen your group and support lasting discipleship.

Ken and Andrea unpack the biblical importance of fellowship as a key part of small group ministry. They reflect on Andrea's background in ministry and her work at Lifeway, setting the stage for a conversation centered on building community through intentional connection. The episode highlights how group gatherings—both formal and informal—can deepen relationships, create trust, and encourage spiritual growth. Andrea shares memorable fellowship experiences, discusses the human need for connection, and offers practical advice for group leaders on how to plan and promote events that are welcoming and meaningful. From planning a simple meal to cultivating a culture of care, this episode reminds leaders that creating strong, relational bonds is just as important as studying Scripture together.

If today’s episode inspired you with new ideas or renewed purpose, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us reach more leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and keep building biblical community that lasts!

When was the last time your leadership team truly felt like a community, not just a collection of volunteers? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with David Loyed, adult discipleship pastor at Whitesburg Baptist Church, to explore what it takes to build genuine community within church groups—starting with leadership. If you're a small group leader who wants to strengthen your group’s dynamics, develop new leaders, and foster spiritual growth through service, this conversation will both challenge and equip you.

 Ken and David dive into the critical role of community within church groups and how leadership teams can set the tone for authentic relationships and discipleship. Drawing from his experience and insights from the E4 Conference, David unpacks the value of training and equipping leaders, highlighting how serving in leadership positions promotes both personal and group growth. The episode emphasizes trust, communication, and the importance of inviting group members to step into leadership roles. Whether you're leading a group or building a team, this conversation offers practical encouragement for creating a vibrant, service-driven church community.

 If this episode encouraged you, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us continue equipping leaders like you. Thanks for tuning in!

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Adults