Discipleship & Culture with Brian Daniel

When evangelical christians were asked if everyone born is innocent in the eyes of God, 65% said, "yes". 48% of evangelicals agreed that God learns and adapts to different circumstances, while a staggering 43% agreed that Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God. With the Bible being more accessible than ever, research shows that Biblical literacy is at an all time low. In today's conversation, you'll hear Jen Wilkin explain how the church can change that!

Jen Wilkin is a Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas. An advocate for Bible literacy, she has organized and led studies for women in homes, churches, and parachurch contexts. She as authored multiple Bible studies and books, including the bestseller, "Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible iwth Both Our Hearts and Our Minds.".

Brian Daniel and Haley Malone interview Jen Wilkin, and discuss the importance of Bible literacy and the need for a clear understanding of core beliefs. They also explore the evolution of discipleship conversations in the local church and the role of community and learning environments. Jen introduces the concept of Training the Church, which focuses on active, dedicated learning spaces that encompass the Christian story, Christian belief, and Christian formation.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Knowing Faith Podcast
Women of the Word
Training the Church
You Are A Theologian
Revelation Study

Hey friends! Welcome back to another great season of Group Answers! On today's episode we invited former long time cohost of Group Answers, Chris Surrat.

Chris Surratt currently serves as the Executive Pastor of Discipleship and Groups at Harvest Church in Southern California. Prior to Harvest, he was the Discipleship and Small Groups Specialist for Lifeway Christian Resources, and served on the Executive Teams at Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN., and Seacoast Church in Charleston, S.C. Chris is the author of Leading Small Groups and Small Groups for the Rest of Us, and co-host of the podcast, The Surratt Brothers.

Chris shares his experience of ministering in the aftermath of a devastating fire in Maui and a tornado in Nashville. He discusses the personal and lasting impact of these disasters and the challenges faced by the affected communities. Chris reflects on the stages of grief and the importance of community and discipleship in times of tragedy.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Chris Surrat
Connect with Brian Daniel
The Surratt Brothers
Leading Small Groups
Small Groups for the Rest of Us

Hey friends! We are excited to start a new season of Group Answers starting next week! You are not going to want to miss the incredible conversations with guests J.T. English, Jen Wilkin, Coleman Ford, and so many more! 

If you have caught up on last season, we encourage you to go do that now! Join us back next week to kick off a season you're not going to want to miss!

In this episode of the Group Answers podcast, Mary Wiley and Ashley Gorman discuss the value of reading lists and their approach to curating and consuming books. They explore the impact of reading on discipleship, leadership, and group ministry, as well as the role of reading in forming relationships and fostering curiosity. The conversation delves into the significance of books in shaping character, knowledge, and relational connections within a group setting.

Mary Wiley holds a Bachelors in Theology and a Masters in Theological Studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She serves as the Associate Publisher at B&H Publishing Group, and teaches and writes for women. She is passionate about teaching the importance of having a strong understanding of what you believe, why you believe it, and why it matters.

Ashley Gorman serves as a senior acquisitions editor at B&H Publishing Group. She holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Theological Seminary and has been trained under The Charles Simeon Trust. Her passions are biblical literacy, women’s discipleship, foster care, theology, teaching the Bible, and books. Ashley and her husband, Cole, live in Nashville, TN, with their daughter (Charlie) and son (Raleigh). You can find her writing in various Lifeway Women Bible studies, books like World on Fire, and on digital venues like The Gospel Coalition, Lifeway Voices, ERLC, and Christ and Culture.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

Host of His Glory, Her Good, Amanda Mejias, joins Haley Malone and Brian Daniel to discuss a much needed topic! Amanda discusses the significance of relationships in discipleship, the challenges and needs of teen girls, and the evolving role of women in ministry. It also delves into the impact of technology on youth and the importance of creating space for young women in church.

Amanda Mejias serves on the Lifeway Student team as the Specialist for Girls Ministry and Women who lead in Student Ministry. She is passionate about equipping church leaders as they minister to and disciple students.

Amanda shares insights on effective discipleship and the changing dynamics of ministry for the next generation. We know you'll love this episode! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!


SHOW LINKS:
-His Glory, Her Good
-This is Girls Ministry
-Connect with Lifeway Girls Ministry

On today's show we are diving into the intersection of creativyt and discipleship! Brain Daniel and Haley. Malone are joined by Heather Zemple to cover a range of topics including leadership, discipleship, creativity, and generational dynamics within the church.

Heather Zemple is passionate about making disciples, cultivating community, and curating experiences that expand the horizons of possibility. With a background in biological engineering, she brings a unique perspective to ministry leadership.   Heather leads NCC’s Dream Collective community of pastors, artists, and entrepreneurs who explore the intersection of gospel and culture.  Heather wrote a few books, including Community is Messy, Amazed and Confused, and Big Change, Small Groups.  She loves watching football, finding the best BBQ joints, and trekking through National Parks with her husband Ryan and energetic daughter Sawyer Elizabeth.

Heather shares insights on the association between creativity and leadership, the role of creativity in discipleship, and the challenges and opportunities presented by multi-generational congregations. The conversation explores the evolution of discipleship and small group ministry, focusing on generational differences, authenticity, and the challenges of navigating modern issues. It delves into the nuances of discipleship, the role of technology, and the importance of creating safe spaces for asking hard questions.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
The Dream Collective
Connect with Heather Zemple

Hosts Brian Daniel and Haley Malone sit down with Dr. Katie McCoy to discuss her new book, 'To Be a Woman: The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond'. Katie provides insights on engaging in conversations about gender confusion and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the issue and the individual.

Katie McCoy serves as Director Women's Ministry at Texas Baptists. She holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from Southwestern Seminary (TX), where she served on faculty for five years. Katie's research includes the patterns of justice for women in Old Testament laws as well as the intersection of theology, gender, and women's studies. She is the author of To Be a Woman: The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond and co-author of Humanity, part of the Theology for the People of God series. Katie is a political news junkie and a frequent contributor to WORLD Radio’s Culture Friday.

Throughout this conversation, Katie shares how Christians can respond with care, patience, and loving confrontation to those who are struggling with their identity. She also highlights the need for parents and group leaders to address these topics with children and young adults, teaching them to discern between personal interests and their God-given identity. She recommends resources such as Mama Bear Apologetics and Foundation Worldview for parents and leaders.

SHOW LINKS:
-Foundation Worldview
-Mama Bear Apologetics
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On today's episode of Group Answers, Daniel Im discusses the changing landscape of the church in a post-everything world. He highlights the increased hunger for spiritual things and the recognition that the world's promises don't deliver. Daniel emphasizes the need to move beyond assumptions and focus on the interested individuals in our churches and communities. He introduces the concept of sleepers, seekers, consumers, and disciples, and encourages small group leaders to create an open and non-judgmental space where people can ask the questions they are wrestling with. Daniel also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in group discussions.

Daniel Im is a pastor, Bible teacher, writer, and podcast host with a passion for the local church. He is the lead pastor of Beulah Alliance Church and the author of No Silver Bullets, Planting Missional Churches, and You Are What You Do: And Six Other Lies about Work, Life, and Love. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta with his wife Christina and their three children. For more information, visit danielim.com and connect with him on social media @danielsangi.

SHOW LINKS:
-The Discipleship Opportunity: How Can Our Churches Become Stronger, Healthier, and More On-Mission in Our Post-Everything World?

Our theology can never be divorced from biblical theology! On today's show Brian Daniel and Haley Malone discuss the importance of theology in group life with guest and theologian Mary Wiley.

Mary Wiley is the author of Everyday Theology, an eight-week Bible study exploring essential doctrines and why they matter in our everyday lives. She holds an MA in Theological Studies from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and works in publishing, She and her husband, John, have two children and live near Nashville. She loves tacos, Survivor, good books, and good coffee. You can follow her on Instagram.

Today's conversation emphasizes that theology is the starting point and foundation for understanding God and His Word. They highlight the need to worship the God of the Bible rather than creating a God in our own image. Mary discusses the integration of theology into group life and the importance of discernment in navigating false teachings. Theology is a personal discipline that should be grounded in prayer and seeking God.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
-Delighting in the Trinity
-Culture Matters Podcast

Have you ever asked your spouse a simple question, like, "whats for dinner?" and all of a sudden they're making a snarky comment back to you? Have you ever found yourself responding out of irritation and frustration when your spouse or kids simply ask you a question? On today's show we're highlighting an episode from The Glass House Podcast where Nicole Zasowski describes to us what happens when we are operating in our pain cycle, how we can regulate our emotions, and why the simplest of questions can push us over the edge.

Many group leaders and their families live in a "glass house" - an environment where they are left vulnerable to the stress of ministry, the criticism of others, and feel the spotlight on their personal weaknesses. Lifeway's "The Glass House" is a space where ministry leaders will shed light on the challenges they often don't feel permission to talk about. 

Nicole Zasowski is a marriage and family therapist outside of New York City. She is an author of Lost to Found and What If It's Wonderful, along with being a full time mom and wife. She also has a Bible Study resource coming soon through Lifeway!

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Head over to The Glass House to hear more ministry leaders sharing the challenges we all face! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
From Lost to Found
What If It's Wonderful
The 5 Temptations of a CEO
Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE
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