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

What if one of the most powerful ways to grow your small group isn’t found in your meeting room, but out in your community? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Kim Harris from the Noonday Association to talk about how service can be a catalyst for deeper relationships and stronger discipleship. If you’ve been looking for ways to bring your group closer together while making a meaningful impact beyond your walls, this conversation is packed with practical inspiration.

Ken and Kim dive into the power of service as a tool for building authentic community within church groups. They share real-life stories of how serving others has led to stronger connections among group members and discuss both the challenges and rewards of organizing service initiatives. Kim highlights how consistent, intentional service can help churches build long-term relationships with their communities and reflect the true heart of discipleship. This episode offers encouragement and actionable ideas for leaders who want to take their groups beyond the Bible study table and into the mission field of everyday life.

If this episode encouraged you, take a moment to rate and review the podcast, your feedback helps us reach and equip more small group leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and keep making disciples through community and service!

SHOW LINKS:

Noonday Association of Churches 

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

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:

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

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:

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 

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:

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: