In the wake of isolation brought on by the pandemic, many small group leaders have wrestled with a pressing question: How do we rebuild the kind of authentic community that leads to real spiritual transformation?

In this episode of the podcast, host Ken Braddy is joined by Ben Mandrell —church planter, former pastor, and president and CEO of Lifeway — for a powerful conversation about the vital role of community in discipleship. Together, they unpack how Bible study groups can move beyond simply delivering content to cultivating meaningful relationships. Ben offers hard-earned insights from his years of ministry leadership, highlighting the importance of genuine connection, vulnerability, and the foundational pillars that support thriving group life. 

Whether you’re leading a small group, discipling young believers, or guiding a class through the Word each week, this episode will challenge and encourage you to rethink how your group can become a place of spiritual growth, resilience, and true belonging. Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend. 

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Adults 

Connect with Ben Mandrell 

Together Bible Study

Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show. 

Every small group leader has faced it—slumps in attendance that leaves you wondering how to reignite your group’s passion and connection. In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Brandon Adams to discuss strategies for overcoming attendance challenges. Together, they share insights on creating a welcoming environment, re-engaging absentees, and the importance of serving together to strengthen group bonds. 

Ken and Brandon explore the factors that contribute to these slumps, including group size and the need for intentional re-engagement of absentees. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and highlights how serving together can deepen connections and foster a stronger sense of community within the group. 

If you're looking for practical tips to revitalize your group, this episode is packed with helpful advice! If you found this episode helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us reach more leaders like you! Thanks for listening!

SHOW LINKS:

Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show. 

As small group leaders, we know the importance of investing in others—especially when it comes to raising up new leaders. But how do we ensure we're not just filling spots but truly developing individuals who will carry the mission of the church forward? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy and guest Nathan Miller discuss the critical role of apprenticeship in church leadership. 

In this conversation, Ken Braddy and Nathan Miller explore the vital role apprenticeship plays in building strong leadership within the church. They discuss the importance of connecting individuals to Bible study groups and the challenges small group leaders face when starting new groups. Nathan highlights the key qualities to look for in potential leaders and underscores the necessity of being intentional in both recruiting and training them. The conversation also delves into available resources to support the development of new leaders, helping group leaders foster an environment where leadership growth and discipleship go hand in hand. The episode concludes with practical encouragement for group leaders to invest in their apprentices and create a culture of mentorship and leadership within their groups.

We'd love to hear how you're fostering leadership development! If this episode was encouraging to you, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us continue to offer valuable insights for leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and let’s continue to make disciples and raise up leaders together!

SHOW NOTES: 

Ministry Grid

Breakthrough by Ken Braddy

Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show. 

As leaders, we often pour ourselves into the work of others—but who’s taking care of you? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy and guest Dr. Mark Dance discuss the critical importance of self-care for group leaders. They explore the scriptural basis for self-care, how to recognize burnout, and the need for setting boundaries. 

Ken and Mark discuss the signs of burnout and offer strategies to maintain wellness, including the role of boundaries and the support of pastors. The conversation also highlights the benefits of taking sabbaticals to recharge, reminding leaders that maintaining their own health is essential for effective ministry. If you're feeling stretched thin or need encouragement to prioritize your own health, this episode is for you.

If this episode was helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us continue providing valuable insights for leaders like you! Thanks for listening!

SHOW LINKS:

Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show. 

As small group leaders, we know that keeping everyone engaged during Bible study can be a challenge. Is the traditional lecture-style Bible study the most effective way to communicate God's Word, or is there a better way to engage and connect with the diverse learning styles within your group? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy and guest Peter Burmeister discuss the importance of moving beyond the lecture method in Bible study groups. Together, they explore more interactive and engaging approaches to teaching, helping you create a more dynamic and participatory learning environment. 

The conversation also highlights the challenges Bible study leaders face when implementing new teaching methods and offers practical advice for overcoming those obstacles. Whether you're trying to engage quieter group members or keep discussions from growing stagnant, this episode provides valuable insights to help you enhance both engagement and retention in your Bible studies.

What teaching methods have worked best for you in your small group? We’d love to hear about your experiences! If this episode was helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us continue to provide useful content for leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and let’s keep exploring new ways to teach and grow together!

SHOW LINKS:

Tempered Resilience by Tod Bolsinger 

7 Kinds of Smart revised 

Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show. 

Have you ever walked into a small group and immediately felt like an outsider? Maybe you've seen groups within your church that seem more like exclusive circles than welcoming communities. While strong friendships are a great thing, they can unintentionally turn groups into cliques that make newcomers feel unwelcome. So how do we shift our small groups from being inward-focused to truly inclusive communities? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Alicia Wong to tackle this challenge head-on. 

Drawing from her background in women’s ministry, Alicia shares insights on creating welcoming environments, fostering deep relationships, and making sure every group member feels valued. Ken and Alicia identify the signs of cliques forming within church groups and offer strategies to shift the focus toward true community. This conversation highlights practical ways to encourage group ownership among newcomers, build trust through open interactions, and make sure connection, not just content, remains the heart of discipleship. 

If you’re looking for ways to build authentic community within your group, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you lead well. We’d love to hear your thoughts! If this episode encouraged you, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us equip more leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and let’s continue creating spaces where discipleship and authentic relationships can flourish!

SHOW LINKS:

Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show. 

Every small group leader has faced this challenge—a well-meaning but overly talkative group member who dominates the discussion. How do you keep the conversation balanced without discouraging participation? How do you ensure that quieter members feel heard? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Alan Raughton to discuss the challenges of managing over talkers in small group settings. Drawing from his extensive experience in group ministry, Alan shares insights on navigating these dynamics, especially in the unique setting of a downtown church.

Whether you’re dealing with a passionate speaker who tends to dominate or quieter members who need encouragement to speak up, this episode provides valuable advice for keeping group discussions healthy and engaging. We’d love to hear how you’ve handled it! If this episode was helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us equip more leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and keep leading your groups with wisdom and grace!

SHOW LINKS:

Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show. 

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, learn, and even engage with Scripture—but what does that mean for small group leaders? Can AI actually help with Bible study preparation, or does it pose more risks than rewards? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Dr. Dwayne McCrary to discuss the role of AI in group ministry. Together, they explore the potential benefits of AI, the ethical concerns surrounding its use, and how leaders can leverage technology without sacrificing personal study and spiritual discernment.

The discussion covers best practices for utilizing AI effectively, practical applications for small group leaders, and the risks of over-reliance on technology. Dwayne shares insights on how to navigate AI ethically, ensuring that it remains a tool to support rather than replace genuine disciple-making efforts. As churches continue to adapt to an evolving digital landscape, this episode offers valuable guidance for leaders looking to integrate AI thoughtfully and responsibly. 

 If you’ve ever wondered how AI fits into the world of disciple-making, this conversation will challenge and equip you with a balanced perspective. We’d love to hear your thoughts! If this episode gave you something to think about, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us reach more leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and keep leading with wisdom and discernment!

SHOW LINKS:

Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show. 

As small group leaders, we all want to create meaningful, Spirit-led discussions that help people grow in their faith. But how do we balance prayer and teaching time in a way that feels natural and impactful? 

In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Sean Beach from First Baptist Dallas to explore these challenges. Together, they discuss how to seamlessly integrate prayer into teaching sessions, create a culture of prayer in small groups, and adjust plans based on the needs of the group. Sean shares lessons from his experience at First Baptist Dallas, highlighting how his team has learned to adjust their approach to prayer and teaching based on the needs of the group. 

Whether you’re leading a group that loves deep discussion or one that thrives on extended prayer time, this conversation will equip you with practical insights to lead well. We’d love to hear your thoughts! If this episode encouraged you or gave you new insights, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps us equip more leaders like you. 

Thanks for listening, and keep leading your group with wisdom and prayer!

SHOW LINKS:

Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show. 

Every small group leader has faced it—that one personality in the group who seems to dominate discussions, challenge every point, or drain the energy of the room. While small groups are meant to foster discipleship and community, navigating difficult personalities can feel overwhelming. How do you lead well without alienating members or losing the purpose of the group? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Ashton Wright to tackle this very issue. Together, they unpack practical strategies for handling challenging group dynamics while maintaining a Christ-centered, welcoming environment.

Ken Braddy and Ashton Wright explore specific personality traits—such as assertive, vocal, persistent, and inquisitive individuals—that can sometimes create tension in a group setting. Through real-life case studies, they highlight the impact of dominating or draining behaviors and share strategies for addressing these issues with grace and wisdom. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of supportive leadership, the power of open communication, and the courage required to have difficult but necessary conversations. 

Whether you're facing a particularly challenging group dynamic or simply want to be better equipped as a leader, this episode offers biblical and practical guidance to help you navigate group challenges effectively. We’d love to hear how this conversation has encouraged or equipped you! If this episode was helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us reach more leaders who are striving to make disciples in their communities. Thanks for listening, and keep leading well!

SHOW LINKS:

Leading Small Groups by Chris Surratt 

Breakthrough by Ken Braddy 

Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.