Discipleship & Culture with Brian Daniel

On today's show, groups expert Ken Braddy joins Haley and Brian on a great conversation about groups ministry! As Ken travels all over the country to support churches and their groups ministry, he shares with us the positive and negative trends churches across the nation are experiencing. Ken also shares how we can do groups better than ever despite challenges, how to connect various generations, and the trend of a shepherd teacher. 

Ken Braddy is an author of 10 books on groups/group ministry. Ken blogs, is the host of Discipleship in Community Podcast, trains group ministry leaders, and leads a webinar about groups. I've led two churches to become fastest-growing group ministries in two states. I'd rather be golfing or eating some good Tex-Mex.

Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
-Connect with Ken Braddy
-Connect with Brian Daniel

Hey friends! Filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick have an incredible discussion with Brian Daniel about their latest movie, The Forge. This film focuses on discipleship and following Jesus, and Alex and Stephen share their hearts behind making this film. They emphasize the importance of having a strong foundation in Christ and prioritizing Him above all else. 

 Alex Kendrick has dedicated his life to following Jesus Christ and making His truth and love known among the nations. After serving in church ministry for 20 years, he now writes, speaks, and produces Christian films with his brothers Stephen and Shannon. Alex directed and co-wrote the movies OVERCOMER, WAR ROOM, COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF, FACING THE GIANTS,  FLYWHEEL, COURAGEOUS Legacy Edition, SHOW ME THE FATHER, and LIFEMARK. Alex co-wrote the New York Times bestselling books The Love Dare, The Resolution for Men, and The Battle Plan for Prayer. Alex and his wife, Christina, live in Albany, Ga. with their six children and are active members at Sherwood Church. 

After serving in church ministry for 20 years, Stephen Kendrick now writes, speaks, and produces Christian films with his brothers Alex and Shannon. Stephen produced and co-wrote the movies OVERCOMER, WAR ROOM, COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF,  FACING THE GIANTS, COURAGEOUS, SHOW ME THE FATHER, and LIFEMARK. Stephen co-wrote the New York Times bestselling books The Love Dare, The Resolution for Men, and The Battle Plan for Prayer. He serves on the boards of the Fatherhood CoMission and the Christian Film Foundation. Stephen and his wife, Jill, live in Albany, Ga. with their six children and are also active members at Sherwood Church. 

As God moves you through a path of discipleship through surrender, our prayer is that you encourage others to join you in this path! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
The Forge Movie
Connect with The Kendricks Brother
The Forge Bible Study
Devoted to Jesus
I Surrender All
Connect with Brian Daniel

Have you ever been talking to a teenager and find yourself in a situation where you don't know what to say? Sometimes it can feel like there is a huge wall between you and the teens in your life. Today on Group Answers Zac Workun and Brian Daniel dive into how we can effectively engage with the next generation in small groups.

Zac currently serves as the Student Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Students. Zac is also the co-founder and network lead for Youth Ministry Booster. Zac is a voracious reader, avid gamer, car-camper, folk musician, black coffee-drinker, beard aficionado. He loves to eat breakfast food at new places with his wife Karen and two wild boys Isaiah & Gideon.  For 15+ years, Zac has served on staff at local churches in Oklahoma and North Carolina to oversee middle school, high school and college-aged ministries. Zac received his undergraduate education from Oklahoma Baptist University and his Master’s of Divinity from Duke University.

Zac emphasizes the importance of effective communication with teens, acknowledging the challenges of generational differences in language and technology. Brian encourages adults to be curious about what teens are interested in and to engage in conversations about their future. They also discuss the current state of parent-child relationships, particularly in the context of technology and social media.

We know you'll be encouraged and challenged throughout this episode! Thank you for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!


SHOW LINKS:
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Connect with Zac Workun
Connect with Brian Daniel

Hey friends! Welcome back to another great season of Group Answers! We have soem incredible guests lined up for this season and we can't wait to dive into all things students, adults, women, and men, small groups! Today on the show Josh Smith joins Joel and Brian to discuss his ministry to men and the importance of investing in men in the church. 

Josh begin serving as senior pastor of Prince Avenue Baptist church in 2018. He has ministered in more than 30 countries, worked with international students at Duke University, and served as a missionary in central Europe. He and his wife Andrea, share four daughters and one son and he's passionate about the advancement of Christ's kigndom to the ends of the earth through the ministry of the local church.

Josh discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of men's minstry and shares his insights on the importance of building relationships and creating a culture of investment in men. He also discusses the legacy he hopes to leave—a generation of faithful, godly men who love Jesus, their families, and their church. 

Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
-Connect with Josh Smith
-Connect with Joel Polk
-Connect with Brian Daniel

We are wrapping up another great season of Group Answers with Brian Daniel. If you haven't listened to the entire season, we encourage you to go back and check out the amazing guests we've had on the show! On today's show Brian and Haley discuss the attributes of compelling community with Jared Osselaer.

Jared is the Pastor of Story City Church in Burbank, California. He received the calling of ministry when he was eight years old and since then his ministry path has taken him to so many unexpected places. From time in the marines, to a church planter, police chaplain, and even the founding father of a motorcycle club, Jared's ministry over the years has been extremely diverse. Pastor Jared loves spending time with his wife of 28 years, Monique, and their two children.

 This conversation covers the concept of missional community and the importance of belonging before believing. They explore the book 'The Celtic Way of Evangelism' and its emphasis on accepting people into the community to work out their faith. You'll hear how we can navigate the challenges of a post-Christian worldview and the cultural dilemmas between different regions, and how christians everywhere can tear down walls and be bridge builders.

Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
-The Celtic Way
-Connect with Brian Daniel 

Hy friends! Welcome to another great episode of Group Answers! Discipleship can play out in a variety of ways in depending on the context: big churches vs. small churches, or  rural areas vs. urban areas. On today's show Rebi Varghese, Community Groups Pastor at Church of the City in New York, shares his passion for discipleship and the challenges and opportunities of ministry in a city like Manhattan. He discusses the unique rhythms of New York City and the importance of community in the discipleship process. Rebi emphasizes the universal principles of disciple making, such as the need for relational equity and a hunger for God. He also highlights the importance of resourcing and caring for leaders, as well as the value of cohorts and mentoring in building sustainable ministries. Rebi's vision is to see discipleship impact the entire city of New York and beyond.

Rebi Varghese has served as the Community Groups Pastor at Church of the City (COTC) New York for almost 2 years. Born and raised in Michigan, God called Rebi and his wife Liz to to take a step of faith to move to New York and be a part of the work God is doing through COTC. Rebi served as an assistant pastor at Harvest Mission Community Church in Ann Arbor for 7 years prior to joining COTC. When not at work he enjoys spending time with Liz and their 7 month old son Caleb and following Detroit sports teams and the University of Michigan.

Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Rebi Varghese
Connect with Brian Daniel 

Churches all over the world will be embarking on Vacation Bible School this summer! Besides it being a fun-filled week for kids, VBS has an amazing potential for discipling the next generation and reaching families. On today's show Melita Thomas shares with us the history of VBS, the "how", and the "why"!

Melita Thomas serves as Lifeway’s VBS and Kids Ministry Specialist. Melita holds a masters degree in Childhood Ministry from Dallas Baptist University. A passionate advocate for kids ministry in the local church, Melita enjoys teaching kindergartners and preteens at Nashville First Baptist Church. She also enjoys cheering on Nashville's hockey team and spending time with her two nephews.

Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Lifeway VBS
Connect with Haley
Connect with Brian

Jesus' parting words were to "go and make disciples," yet the Church tends to plan thier programming like those words were more of a suggestion than a commission. On today's show Brian Daniels, along with Haley Malone and Scott Sullivan, discuss what discipleship is and isn't and what Scott sees is and isn't working for churches.

Scott is married to the love of his life, Elizabeth. They have four children: Erika, Austin, Caleb, and Noah. He serves as the Discipleship Catalyst for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board representing 3400 churches and 1.4 million Georgia Baptists. Scott is an author, think leader, national discipleship consultant, personal disciple-maker, and speaker. He is passionate about Jesus, family, and the outdoors.

Scott shares with us negative and postive trends he's seeing in discipleship throughout the churches, and shares applicable practices to think through when implementing programs in ministry.

Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
-Connect with Brian Daniel
-Connect with Haley Malone
-Connect with Scott Sullivan

Each episode we cover the different complexities, trends, methods and resources for  group life in churches all over the world. On today's show, Brian Daniel and Haley Malone discuss women's ministry with Kelly King. 

Kelly is the Women's Minister at Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK. Recently, she served as the manager of Magazines/Devotional Publishing and Women’s Ministry Training for Lifeway Christian Resources. She is the author of Ministry to Women: The Essential Guide to Leading Women in the Local Church. She is a contributor to the Lifeway Women’s Bible, as well as several Lifeway Women Bible studies. In addition, she spent four years as a cohost of the MARKED podcast for Lifeway Women. She has a Master of Theology degree from Gateway Seminary as well as a Doctorate in Ministry degree.

Kelly shares with us why gender specific groups are important, what to look for in emerging leaders, and how to help guide women in their next best step! Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Marked Podcast
Seamless by Angie Smith
From Beginning to Forever
When You Pray
Is God Calling Me
Ecclesiastes
Unreasonable Hospitality

Welcome back to another great episode on Group Answers with Brian Daniels. Today Brian discusses how to manage group time with Haley Malone.

Haley Malone is the managing Director of Adult Groups at First Baptist Church of Orlando in Florida. She grew up in South Florida and attended Florida State University. After a few years in Tallahassee, Haley moved to Orlando and spent 5 years in the classroom and on the volleyball sidelines before stepping into full time student ministry. Most importantly,  Haley is a wife and mom of three and is daily trying to find balance between life, liturgy, and laundry!

Managing group time can take some strategy, but it doesn't have to be impossible. Haley and Brian discuss the benefits of preparing for the small group time, the importance of being aware of body language, and how to set up a warm and inviting environment.

Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!

Show Links:
-Connect with Brian Daniel
-Connect with Haley Malone