GA Baptist Discipleship

This podcast episode featured Jay McSwain and his daughter Mary discussing church assimilation and connection strategies with host Scott Sullivan. Jay, who is president and CEO of PLACE Ministries, Atlanta Braves chaplain and discipleship pastor at First Redeemer Church in Cumming, Georgia, shared insights from 29 years of experience working with 15,000 churches. He highlighted that one of the biggest barriers to assimilation is programming for “very nice people” who enjoy church activities but do not actively participate or give back. He emphasized the importance of helping people find their right place in the church through personal connections rather than simply placing them in available positions. Mary, who works with PLACE Ministries, hosts the My Place podcast and oversees assimilation processes at North Hall Church, discussed how churches often fail to provide clear next steps for new members and the need for intentional relationship building. The conversation covered generational differences, with younger people craving authentic community and real connections over traditional programming. It also emphasized the importance of providing a “guide, not just a map” for new members. Jay stressed the critical role of the “ministry of presence” and one-on-one conversations to truly connect with people. Mary highlighted the need to find champions for assimilation efforts and avoid over-promising to maintain realistic expectations.

First Redeemer Church has developed and clearly communicates a simple, repeatable pathway for new member assimilation, ensuring it is personal and relational rather than solely programmatic.

Mary pointed out that North Hall Church focuses on identifying and empowering a champion, either a staff or lay leader, who is passionate about assimilation and connecting new members. That person is entrusted to lead and coordinate the process.

Scott shared the “guide vs. map” concept and the importance of personal presence with Georgia Baptist Discipleship Podcast listeners and church leaders to encourage relational assimilation strategies.

Next Steps

• Encourage church leaders to involve key lay leaders and staff in vision casting and training for assimilation, ensuring broader buy-in and support for implementation.
• Avoid over-promising on the specifics and timeline of new assimilation processes. Manage expectations as the pathway and systems are developed.
• Intentionally incorporate one-on-one conversations and personal coaching into the assimilation process. Move beyond digital or printed resources to build authentic relationships with new members.
• Regularly remind church members of the “why” behind routines and involvement, helping them connect their passions and spiritual gifts to meaningful roles within the church.
• Use tools such as PLACE Ministries assessments to facilitate personal discovery and coaching. Ensure follow-up conversations occur rather than allowing assessments to sit unused.

Church Activity and Engagement Strategies

Scott and Jay discussed the importance of helping people develop healthy rhythms in church activities while avoiding routines that become ruts. Jay emphasized the need to place people in appropriate roles where they can use their spiritual gifts and passions. Otherwise, they may feel unfulfilled and disconnected. Mary added that churches should focus on connecting people’s hearts as well as their hands through interpersonal relationships, since a lack of meaningful connections can lead to long-term disengagement.

Church New Member Assimilation Strategies

Scott and Jay discussed challenges churches face in providing clear next steps for new believers. Jay emphasized the difference between giving people a “map,” or information they can find themselves, and a “guide,” or personal support and guidance from the church community. Scott shared his experience of improving new member assimilation from 26% to 86% by implementing an intentional process called the “ERUPT strategy.” The conversation ended with Scott asking Mary about common mistakes churches make in assimilating new members.

Personal Church Connection Strategies

Jay discussed how churches often focus on placing people in available positions rather than getting to know individuals personally. This can lead to short-term connection but long-term disengagement. He emphasized intentional one-on-one conversations to understand people’s stories and connect them based on their unique needs rather than simply filling open slots.

Jay and Mary highlighted that younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, crave authentic community and real relationships over traditional church structures. They recommended creating clear pathways that are consistently communicated, finding a champion to lead the initiative and involving multiple key leaders in the vision rather than relying solely on the pastor.

You can contact Jay through PLACE Ministries.

This podcast episode featured Scott Sullivan hosting a discussion with Keith Boggs and Kevin McKoy about reaching and discipling men in churches. Keith, president of Real Momentum Men's Ministry, shared insights about churches doing events well but missing opportunities to create clear pathways for men to move from attendance to active discipleship. Kevin, discipleship pastor at First Baptist Villa Rica, emphasized the importance of authentic relationships, personal invitations, and moving men from isolation to brotherhood through small groups and service opportunities. The conversation covered practical steps for helping men transition from consumers to leaders, including the need for relational leadership, personal spiritual growth, and faithfulness in family leadership before taking on public ministry roles. Both speakers stressed that men are hungry for real relationships and biblical truth, and that churches should focus on building simple, reproducible pathways rather than complicated programs.

Scott will send the 12-month sample men's ministry plan to any leaders who email [email protected].

Collaboration

• Intentionally create clear next steps and pathways for men after events, moving them from attendance to biblical community and service roles. 
• Emphasize personal invitations and relational leadership when forming men's small groups and discipleship environments. 
• Celebrate faithfulness, service, and spiritual growth—not just attendance numbers—to encourage men toward deeper discipleship and leadership. 
• Provide simple, reproducible discipleship steps for men, focusing on personal spiritual disciplines, relational health, and leadership in the home before public ministry. 
• Encourage and equip men to lead spiritually in their homes before seeking public leadership roles. 
• Regularly survey men in their ministries to better understand needs and foster personal connection. 
• Give men early ownership and responsibility in ministry, with appropriate encouragement and coaching, to foster leadership development.

Engaging Men in Church Communities

Keith and Kevin discussed strategies for engaging men in church communities, highlighting the importance of moving beyond event-driven ministry to create clear pathways for ongoing discipleship. They noted that churches are doing well by offering authentic and intentional engagement, using events as entry points rather than finish lines, and creating environments where vulnerability is possible. The key challenge identified was helping men transition from attendance to true belonging in biblical community, with both speakers emphasizing the need for simplicity and reproducible practices in discipleship.

Men's Leadership and Community Building
Kevin emphasized the importance of personal invitations and relational leadership in building meaningful men's groups, highlighting the need for approachable and transparent leaders who can create safe spaces for discussion. He stressed that serving together is a powerful way to build brotherhood and deepen community. Keith agreed, noting that many men are seeking clarity and biblical truth but often lack the relational connections needed to process and apply what they learn. Both speakers agreed that equipping men to lead in their families and homes is crucial, as this foundation can lead to broader engagement in church communities.

Men's Ministry Transformation Strategy

Keith emphasized that helping men transition from consumers to active participants in ministry requires starting with prayer and getting to know individual men through surveys and personal engagement. He noted that men often need to process their personal challenges and feel valued before they can take on leadership roles, suggesting this transformation takes time rather than happening through single events or short programs. Keith also highlighted that many churchgoers struggle with basic life challenges like family relationships, making it difficult for them to understand broader discipleship concepts. Kevin began to respond by suggesting there needs to be a mind shift in how churches approach discipleship, though his full thoughts were not captured in the transcript.

Men's Ministry Discipleship Strategies

Kevin emphasized the importance of developing disciples through reproduction and giving men ownership and responsibility early in ministry. He suggested celebrating mission and service rather than just attendance numbers to encourage men to become active participants rather than spectators. Scott shared examples from First Redeemer Church and Fusion Church, highlighting successful approaches to men's ministry, including structured next steps and relational discipleship. The discussion concluded with Scott raising questions about how men define success, noting a tendency to focus on career and financial achievements rather than spiritual growth.

Redefining Male Success and Leadership

Scott, Kevin, and Keith discussed redefining success for men by emphasizing faithfulness, spiritual leadership, and integrity over external achievements like career and wealth. They highlighted the importance of men leading themselves and their families faithfully, with Kevin noting that many men try to lead publicly before mastering private leadership. The group stressed that spiritual responsibility in the home and personal growth are foundational steps before leading in other areas, with Keith encouraging men to be intentional about their faith and involvement in their communities.

Men's Spiritual Leadership Discussion

Scott facilitated a discussion on reaching and discipling men, with Keith and Kevin sharing insights on spiritual leadership and manhood. Keith emphasized the importance of prayer, living a simple life, and community in spiritual leadership, while Kevin highlighted men's spiritual hunger for truth, brotherhood, and purpose. Scott concluded by reinforcing the importance of helping men succeed in all areas of life, especially at home, and thanked listeners for their support through the Cooperative Program.

You can contact Keith Boggs at [email protected].

This was an interview between Scott Sullivan from Georgia Baptist Discipleship and David Pollack, a former NFL player and author of the book Every Day Counts. The conversation covered David’s journey from professional football player to his current faith-focused life, including how a broken neck at age 22 led to a deeper relationship with God and how his wife’s brain cancer diagnosis has shaped their family’s approach to discipleship.

David shared key principles from his book, emphasizing the importance of daily habits, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and prioritizing faith over sports achievements, particularly in managing his children’s athletic activities while maintaining family values. The discussion highlighted how David and his wife have developed strong family rhythms, including regular church attendance, careful phone and social media management, and serving others during difficult times, while also addressing the challenges of balancing competitive sports with spiritual priorities.

Link to David’s new book: Every Day Counts https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/every-day-counts-2/

Scott and David discussed David’s new book, Every Day Counts, which focuses on providing a framework for living intentionally as a man of God rather than just sharing football stories. David emphasized that the book is designed to challenge readers and help them develop better rhythms and habits to become their best selves. The conversation began to touch on the topic of leadership development and the influence of mentors. Scott shared that many leaders “drink from wells they did not dig,” highlighting the idea that many who came before us as leaders paved the way for our success.

Influential Relationships in Spiritual Journeys

David shared how important influential relationships were in his spiritual journey, particularly highlighting his physics teacher, Mark Watson, who treated him with respect and introduced him to Christianity. David described how Watson helped him understand the Bible by comparing it to other historical texts, which led David to choose the Bible for his required reading assignment. Scott responded by sharing his own story about Calvin Phelps, a pastor who prevented him from resigning when his life was falling apart, which ultimately led to Scott’s continued ministry work.

Faith Transformation Through Challenges

David shared how a career-ending injury at 22 led to a transformation in his faith from transactional to relational, providing a foundation for his family’s spiritual growth. He discussed how his wife’s brain cancer diagnosis presented additional challenges, though it also deepened their faith and enabled them to support other families facing similar circumstances. David emphasized the importance of community support during difficult times, noting that practical help, such as meal preparation and household tasks, meant more than asking what could be done.

Family Discipleship Strategies

David shared his approach to family discipleship, emphasizing that it evolves as children grow older. He outlined several nonnegotiables in his household, including attending church together, playing praise and worship music, and having strict cellphone rules. David also stressed the importance of family service and using the Pollack Family Foundation to facilitate service opportunities.

Balancing Family and Sports Commitments

David and Scott discussed balancing family priorities with sports involvement, with David emphasizing the importance of keeping family time sacred and not letting sports consume a child’s entire summer. David shared his approach of allowing his daughter to choose between basketball and church attendance and advised against overcommitting to travel sports that can strain family relationships. Scott shared that he has taught his children that they are disciples of Jesus who happen to play ball, rather than a travel-sports family who happens to be disciples of Jesus. The conversation concluded with David promoting his book, Every Day Counts, which focuses on how daily habits and morning routines determine long-term success and character development.

This podcast discussion focused on the future of small groups in churches, featuring Scott Sullivan hosting Steve Gladen and Rick Howerton, two veteran small group ministry leaders. The conversation explored opportunities for small groups to impact churches and culture over the next 5-10 years, with both guests emphasizing the importance of relationships and discipleship over mere friendship-building. They discussed challenges including the risk of institutionalizing what should be a spiritual movement, the need for clear discipleship outcomes, and the importance of properly trained leaders who can guide groups toward spiritual maturity rather than just social connection. The discussion also covered practical advice for churches transitioning from traditional Sunday school models to small group approaches, including the importance of maintaining both systems under one discipleship umbrella and using technology to meet people where they are before moving them toward deeper spiritual formation.

Next steps

• Promote and support hybrid models (small groups and Sunday School) within Georgia Baptist churches, encouraging equal weight and shared terminology for both models to foster unity and discipleship.
• Share and promote resources (e.g., Rick's “Cracking the Volunteer Code”, Steve's Small Group Network, Scott's cohorts) to equip pastors and group leaders for effective, multiplying discipleship.
• Highlight stories and models of successful hybrid (small group/Sunday School) ministries within the Georgia Baptist network to encourage other churches to consider similar approaches.
• Continue developing strategies to move various types of church groups (fellowship, mission, service, etc.) toward deeper discipleship, helping group members progress from assimilation to spiritual growth.
• Utilize the "three Ts" (Time, Trust, Truth) change management approach when guiding legacy Sunday school classes or traditional groups toward small group/discipleship models, investing in relational renewal before structural change.
• Advocate for clear, unified vision statements within church leadership regarding the definition and end goal of a "disciple," ensuring alignment across children, student, and adult ministries.
• Develop and communicate strategies for moving group members from interest-based or service-focused groups into intentional discipleship groups, without forcing rapid change but providing clear pathways.

Summary
Scott led a discussion about the future of small groups, noting that Steve and Rick are part of the top leadership who have experience with small groups implementation. Scott indicated there would be a follow-up podcast about Sunday school with Ken Braddy and Allan Taylor.

Scott interviewed Steve Gladen and Rick Howerton about the future of small groups, with the discussion being recorded for both audio podcast and video platforms. Rick explained that after retiring from Lakewood Church, he is now focused on coaching, consulting, training, writing, and leading cohorts, with his latest book being Cracking the Volunteer Code about recruiting and retaining volunteers.

Small Group Ministry Transition
Steve shared his transition from Saddleback Church to joining Pine Lake Church in Mississippi, where he will focus on discipleship and small groups. Both Steve and Rick discussed the future of small groups, emphasizing the importance of relationships and obedience over simply making friends, with Rick highlighting the need for doctrine clarity in groups and Steve stressing the need for proper structure while maintaining relational health. They identified key pitfalls in small group ministry, including over-institutionalization and focusing on system maintenance rather than discipleship, while emphasizing that healthy groups require both proper structure and strong relational connections.

Small Groups Transition Strategy
Rick and Steve discussed the importance of pastors engaging authentically with their small groups and having a captivating vision statement, like Rick's example of seeing biblical small groups within walking distance of everyone. They addressed the challenges of transitioning from traditional Sunday school to small groups, emphasizing that the focus should be on the outcome and discipleship rather than the format. Steve outlined a change management approach involving time, trust, and truth, and discussed the five levels of renewal and innovation diffusion curves to help leaders navigate these transitions effectively. Rick was about to provide practical advice for implementing small groups in churches that currently have Sunday school.

Small Groups and Sunday School Integration
Rick emphasized the importance of maintaining both small groups and Sunday school while ensuring they work together under a unified discipleship umbrella. He recommended starting with an experimental small group and using consistent terminology and training across both ministries to prevent conflict. Rick also highlighted that people from churches with only Sunday school often leave in search of more relational experiences, suggesting that small groups can help address this gap. The discussion ended with an uncompleted question about how traditional small group models might need to evolve to produce multiplying disciples, particularly in light of technology and cultural changes.

Church Small Groups Evolution
Scott and Rick discussed the evolution of small groups in churches, with Rick explaining how the model has shifted from Sunday school-focused education to more relational small groups due to people moving away from their hometowns. Rick emphasized the need to focus on making mature disciples rather than just building community, noting that 70% of high school students leave the church after graduation. Steve highlighted how technology can help provide master teachers in small groups and discussed different types of groups that can help people connect with the church, including online groups, missional groups, fellowship-based groups, and service-oriented groups, while emphasizing the importance of gradually moving people toward deeper discipleship.

Small Groups Future Planning
Scott, Steve, and Rick discussed the future of small groups, focusing on both exciting opportunities and concerns. Steve expressed enthusiasm about seeing lives changed and helping people grow closer to Jesus through community, while Rick highlighted the importance of effective pastor training and groups engaging with the Holy Spirit. Concerns included the church not harnessing its full potential, lead pastors not promoting group ministry, spiritually immature leaders, and group leaders lacking biblical knowledge to address heresy. The discussion emphasized the need for simple, gospel-focused approaches and spiritual maturity in leadership to make a meaningful impact.

You can contact Rick Howerton at [email protected] and Steve Gladen at [email protected].

Scott Sullivan interviewed Dr. Patrick Morley about transforming men's ministry from event-driven programming to intentional discipleship pathways. Morley emphasized that men aren't seeking more meetings—they need brotherhood, mission, and practical help solving real-life problems. Churches must shift from hoping men connect to building deliberate systems that reach, disciple, and deploy men into mission.

Core Framework: Four Organizing Questions

When a man reaches for your church's door handle, leaders must ask:

• Why did he just do that? (What motivated him to come?)  
• What problems is he trying to solve? (Career, marriage, fatherhood, purpose)  
• What does he need from us? (Not what we need from him)  
• How can we give that to him? (Practical pathway design)

Men driving past churches daily are asking: "Could this place help me solve my problems?"

The Momentum Problem: Capturing Event Energy

72% of men who attend Man in the Mirror events sign up for follow-up groups when asked immediately—not weeks later.

Proven Event-to-Discipleship Model

Form small groups at the event itself:

Give men the follow-up resource in hand

• Direct them: "Form groups of 4-5 right now"  
• Exchange contact info and pick first meeting time/place  
• Answer one question together: "Where are you on your spiritual journey?"

Critical insight: Don't say "give us your info and we'll call you in two weeks." That's like a car salesman asking a ready buyer to come back later.

After 4-6 week groups, offer clear next steps: ongoing discipleship groups, mission trips, or service opportunities. Men's ministry becomes the track to populate existing church ministries, not a parallel organization.

Addressing Real Pressures: The Broken Boy Reality

8 out of 10 men grew up in dysfunctional homes.

Churches must disciple men both into their future and out of their past.

Practical Resources

• Free workbook: patrickmorley.com/actionplan - 28-day self-administered plan for healing childhood wounds 12  
• Small groups specifically for addictions, divorce recovery, and trauma  
• Vetted counselor referrals for issues beyond pastoral scope 1213

Pastor vulnerability matters: Share your own brokenness. "If God didn't use flawed men, He wouldn't have any to work with."

Clarity Drives Engagement

Every men's ministry needs three communication tools:

1. Internal purpose statement: "Give every man a credible offer of Jesus and resources to grow"  
2. Public slogan: "Bethel Men—Building men for stronger families and stronger community" 14  
3. Elevator pitch: Simple, repeatable explanation any leader can share

Men respond to aspirational vision—becoming fully alive, making life count, having great relationships.

Reaching Younger Men: What's Working Now

COVID Impact on Young Leaders

Morley's Bible study lost all leaders under 40 post-COVID (38% of leadership team). Young men at their tables also disappeared. "Like attracts like" principle in action.

Current Effective Strategies

One-on-one engagement is working best:

Personal coffee invitations

• Ask questions like a first date: family background, spiritual journey, work, aspirations  
• No judgment, genuine curiosity  
• Assign 4-5 men in church to each meet one younger man in 60 days, then share stories

Other proven approaches in Georgia:

Service projects (wheelchair ramps, hurricane relief) for men not yet church-engaged

• Father-child activities (fishing trips)  
• Men's gatherings for worship and equipping (150 men in South Georgia woods)  
• Skill-building programs (oil changes, tire repair) paired with intentional mentoring

Don't Change the Gospel—Change the Methods

Francis Schaeffer (1968): "Each generation has the responsibility of communicating the gospel in understandable terms, considering the language and thought forms of that setting."

Critical mistake: "We must stop trying to win young people to our way of thinking. Keep the gospel as it is but engage them and understand their way of thinking."

Shifting from Recipients to Responsible

The 12-Person Church Problem

Morley observed same pastor, same 12 people, same 60 empty seats—one year apart. Everyone loved God and wanted growth but lacked intentionality.

Reframe Your Expectations

If 12 people serve and one new person responds to a serve message, that's 8% ROI in one week. Celebrate incremental growth instead of being disappointed.

Critical mindset: If someone's not doing ministry, they probably are the ministry—they need to be ministered to first.

Georgia Baptist Men's Ministry Initiatives

Scott Sullivan is launching:

Digital men's ministry cohorts transitioning to regional in-person gatherings

• 12-month planning template for churches—most requested resource addressing the "what do we do between events?" problem 27

Stronger Together conference (August 22, 2026, Warner Robins) with Morley keynoting

Patrick Morley's Greatest Lesson

"There is a God we want. And there is a God who is. They are not the same God. The turning point of our lives is when we stop seeking the God we want and start seeking the God who is."

To pastors and leaders: "Jesus wants you to know: I see you. I know what you're going through. I love you unconditionally, and I will always be with you."

Action Items

• Scott Sullivan: Promote Warner Robins conference (August 22, 2026) to Georgia churches  
• Scott Sullivan: Launch digital men's ministry cohorts, transition to regional in-person format  
• Church leaders: Download free "Broken Boy to Mended Man Action Plan" at patrickmorley.com/actionplan  
• Men's ministry leaders: Implement at-event small group formation using 72% proven model  
• Pastors: Recruit 4-5 men to each meet one younger man for coffee in next 60 days, share stories afterward
• To find out more about men’s ministry leader cohorts, reach out to [email protected]  
• For a copy of the 12-month Men’s Ministry Plan, email [email protected]

Scott Sullivan and Robbie Norman conducted a podcast interview discussing intentional multiplication in discipleship, focusing on the fourth element of the FORMED: A Discipleship Culture Blueprint. They explored how to assess whether gospel preaching, and church culture produce multiplying disciples rather than just attendees, with Robbie sharing how First Baptist Statesboro tracks spiritual fruit through stories of transformation rather than just counting attendance numbers. The conversation covered practical steps for creating multiplying environments, including finding third-generation disciple makers and making multiplication visible through storytelling. They discussed challenges churches face when disciple-making processes break down, emphasizing the importance of having biblical, scalable, and reproducible systems. The interview concluded with practical suggestions for implementing multiplication, including highlighting disciple-making in membership classes and regularly training church members in discipleship practices.

Discipleship Multiplication Effectiveness Measurement

Scott and Robbie discussed the fourth element of the FORMED: A Discipleship Culture Blueprint, focusing on intentional multiplication. They explored how to measure the effectiveness of discipleship efforts beyond just attendance numbers, with Robbie sharing how First Baptist Statesboro tracks both metrics and stories of spiritual growth. The conversation highlighted the importance of evaluating fruit rather than just activity, and the need to identify where God is working in the church to join and support those efforts.

Church Discipleship Process Improvement

Scott and Robbie discussed how to assess and improve disciple-making processes in churches. Robbie emphasized the importance of having a biblical, scalable, and reproducible discipleship process and suggested diagnosing where people are dropping out in the process. They also discussed the need for clear communication of the process to church members. Scott highlighted the challenge of low baptism numbers in some churches and encouraged perseverance, noting that God may be working behind the scenes.

Disciple-Making Environment Evaluation Strategies

Scott and Robbie discussed evaluating disciple-making environments and preventing stagnation. Robbie shared how he identifies multiplication by looking for third-generation disciple makers, contrasting this with stagnant Sunday school classes. Scott recommended two resources for leaders seeking to implement effective discipleship strategies: the ReFocus Pathfinder revitalization plan through Rob Peters and upcoming regional cohorts launching in April 2026.

Discipleship Culture Strategy Discussion

Scott and Robbie discussed strategies for creating a discipleship culture in churches, focusing on making multiplication simple and repeatable. Robbie suggested sharing stories of multiplication through videos and social media to inspire others and emphasized the importance of lead pastors discipling others. They also discussed outreach methods, with Robbie sharing First Baptist Statesboro’s approach of leveraging everyday interactions rather than traditional visitation programs. The conversation concluded with Robbie highlighting the importance of training disciple-makers and incorporating discipleship into the new member process.

FORMED: Transformational Teaching

Scott Sullivan interviewed Jeremy Elam, Connections Pastor at Peavine Baptist Church, about the third element of the FORMED Discipleship Culture Blueprint: Transformational Teaching. They discussed how Peavine has grown from 500 to over 2,500 members over 15 years, with over 300 baptisms annually, and explored the four key components of transformational teaching: biblical authority, gospel impact, calling out the called, and measuring life change.

Jeremy shared how Peavine creates clear pathways for people to move from hearing the truth on Sundays to practicing it during the week, including their Step 1 class and community outreach initiatives like paying off $6–7 million in medical debt. They also discussed Peavine's approach to leadership multiplication through intentional identification, development, and launching of new volunteers using spiritual gifts assessments and personality profiles, rather than just recruiting for specific roles.

The conversation concluded with Jeremy explaining how they measure success through engagement metrics, people movement tracking, and sharing transformation stories during staff meetings to keep everyone focused on making multiplying disciples.

Develop and offer clear on-ramps and pathways, such as Step 1 class, serving opportunities, and community outreach, to help church members move from hearing the truth to practicing it during the week.
Maintain and update the monthly scorecard tracking volunteer movement, Step 1 class completions, and new volunteer deployment to ensure ongoing volunteer and leader development.
Provide spiritual gifts assessments, personality profiles, and one-on-one conversations to help individuals identify their God-given wiring and match them to meaningful volunteer roles.
Share stories of life transformation and vision wins regularly with staff and volunteer teams to reinforce the impact of their service and maintain focus on the mission.
The Peavine staff continues to evaluate metrics beyond attendance, such as engagement, movement from guest to member, and stories of transformation, to measure spiritual fruit and discipleship impact. They regularly discuss “vision wins” in staff meetings to keep the team focused on the main mission, celebrate stories of life change, and maintain alignment with the church vision.

Transformational Teaching and Discipleship
Scott explained the concept of transformational teaching, using the metaphor of concrete foundation building to illustrate how the Word of God refines and prepares believers to become multiplying disciples. He emphasized that transformational teaching focuses on biblical authority and gospel impact, not just information transfer.

Scott invited listeners in Georgia to join regional discipleship cohorts led by Jeremy, with more detailed discussions planned for August.

Gospel-Centered Transformational Teaching
Scott explained the importance of gospel-centered teaching, emphasizing that it transforms hearts rather than just modifying behavior. He outlined four key components of transformational teaching:

Biblical authority
Gospel impact
Calling out the called
Measuring life change
Scott concluded by discussing the need to develop a discipleship culture that reaches, connects, matures, launches, and multiplies disciples. He asked Jeremy about building a culture of personal investment in learners’ lives.

Practical Spiritual Growth Pathways
Jeremy discussed the importance of practical spiritual messages from the pulpit that filter down to small groups and one-on-one conversations, where people can take next steps in their faith journey.

He identified the challenge of connecting head knowledge with heart application, citing James’ warning about being hearers rather than doers of the Word.

Jeremy explained that Peavine Church creates clear pathways for spiritual growth through Sunday morning invitations, Step 1 classes that call people to action, and community outreach projects both inside and outside the church building.

Church Medical Debt Initiative
Jeremy shared an example of how Peavine Baptist Church paid off $6–7 million in medical debt for three counties using a $25,000 offering, with Pastor Joel announcing the initiative from the pulpit.

The church received community impact through letters sent to debtors directing them to a gospel-sharing video on the church website.

Scott emphasized the importance of including next steps in all church activities and events, then shifted the discussion to focus on leadership multiplication and volunteer development strategies.

Leader Development and Volunteer Strategy
Jeremy described his approach to identifying and developing leaders at Peavine, which involves tracking metrics like volunteer growth and completion of membership classes.

He explained his shift in mindset from focusing on meeting needs to helping individuals discover their God-given gifts and talents for fulfilling volunteer roles.

Scott emphasized the importance of calling people to purpose rather than just filling roles, referencing Jesus’ approach of calling disciples to a relational journey, and questioned whether there are easy on-ramps for people to serve at Peavine.

Church Service Involvement and Metrics
Jeremy explained that Peavine Church has different levels of service involvement, with some roles requiring formal training or code-of-conduct agreements while others have more flexible on-ramp opportunities.

He shared his experience of eliminating the six-month waiting period for new members when he became kids pastor.

The discussion then shifted to measuring spiritual transformation, where Jeremy outlined key metrics including attendance, group numbers, volunteerism, and tracking people’s movement from first-time guests to regular attendees and members.

Church Engagement and Growth Strategies
Jeremy discussed the importance of measuring engagement rather than spiritual maturity through church metrics, emphasizing that serving opportunities and sharing transformation stories are key to growing the church.

He shared an example of how telling life transformation stories to his connect card team has strengthened their spiritual growth and encouraged family members to join the church.

When asked about staff culture, Jeremy explained that focusing on living out biblical principles and agreeing on the main thing creates significant ministry wins, even when people do not fully agree on every detail.

Scott encouraged interested leaders in Georgia to sign up for the regional discipleship leader cohorts by reaching out via email to [email protected].

FORMED: Disciplemaking Environment
Podcast Recording Show Notes
Scott Sullivan and Matthew Gibbs
April 9, 2026

Scott Sullivan and Matthew Gibbs discussed the second element of FORMED: A Discipleship Culture Blueprint, focusing on disciple-making environments. They explored four key components using a concrete metaphor: water (Holy Spirit), sand (small groups), gravel (micro groups), and cement (personal one-on-one time with God). Matthew shared insights from Second Baptist Church in Warner Robbins, Georgia emphasizing the importance of connecting people through multiple environments rather than relying on just one. They discussed the danger of churches focusing solely on large group assemblies without intentional discipleship pathways. The conversation covered practical tips for aligning different environments, including creating intentional processes, recruiting and training leaders, and defining what biblical discipleship means. They concluded by highlighting the critical importance of pastors maintaining a strong personal walk with God and leading by example in discipleship.

Discipleship Culture Blueprint Presentation

Scott presented the second element of their Discipleship Culture Blueprint, focusing on Disciplemaking Environments. He explained that discipleship doesn't happen by accident and requires intentional environments, using concrete as an analogy with water (Holy Spirit), sand (small groups), gravel (micro groups), and cement (personal one-on-one time with God) as essential components. Scott emphasized that while many churches focus on programs and systems, the key is to create environments where people can grow spiritually through relationships and community.

Multi-Level Discipleship Environments

Scott discussed the importance of trust and personal relationships in transformation, using concrete illustrations like cement to represent a personal walk with God. He emphasized that Jesus modeled multiple discipleship environments, including large groups, small groups, micro groups, and one-on-one time with God. Scott highlighted a gap in many churches that rely on only one or two environments for discipleship and stressed the need for connecting people across multiple levels to facilitate greater life change.

Church Discipleship Engagement Strategies

Matthew discussed how church members often value what is most accessible or central to them, noting that at Second Church, about 30% of members primarily attend large gatherings. He emphasized the importance of intentionally guiding people into smaller groups and discipleship environments to move them beyond just attending services. Matthew highlighted the difference between stated values and actual practices, using Second Baptist Church's mission to help people find and follow Jesus as an example. Scott shared an illustration about people "sniffing" a meal rather than fully engaging, emphasizing the need for integrated discipleship environments that foster genuine growth and collaboration.

Intentional Discipleship Process Development

Matthew and Scott discussed the importance of intentional discipleship processes rather than relying on assumptions. Matthew emphasized that programs should form people through a connected system rather than just filling calendars, suggesting a pathway from visitor to member to growing disciple to leader and multiplier. He recommended mapping out current processes to identify gaps and redundancies, then developing a plan to address these issues over the next 30-90 days.

Ministry Environment Alignment Discussion

Matthew and Scott discussed the importance of aligning ministry environments to produce multiplying disciples rather than maintaining existing programs. Matthew emphasized that intentional, regularly evaluated environments are more likely to produce growth and multiplication, using a yard maintenance analogy to illustrate the point. They agreed on a definition of discipleship as a lifelong process where individuals mature in faith and multiply their experience. The conversation concluded with Scott asking about the importance of leadership pipelines for sustainability.

Ministry Leadership Development Strategy

Matthew discussed the importance of new leaders for ministry growth, outlining a process for recruiting, training, and developing leaders with the end goal of starting new groups within 18-24 months. He emphasized that pastors must lead by example in their personal walks with God and make disciple-making a regular part of their lives. Scott highlighted the principle that personal ministry should never outpace private devotion, and both agreed on the critical role of intentional environments and cultures in making disciples who multiply.

Key Outcomes 

Scott Sullivan and John Spencer (Discipleship Team Leader at Sherwood Baptist  Church in Albany, GA) introduced FORMED, A Discipleship Culture Blueprint, a new resource developed over 2.5 years to help Georgia Baptist churches create disciple-making cultures rather than programs. This resource addresses the core question: How do we reach new people, connect them to the church, move them to spiritual maturity,  and launch them to multiply. 

Resource Overview 

FORMED Structure: 

• Four core elements: Real Relationships, Transformational Teaching, Disciple Making Environments, and Intentional Multiplication 

• Built from dozens of pastor roundtables identifying common church struggles. • Developed by Scott Sullivan, Ray Sullivan (now Pastor at First Waycross), and PJ  Dunn (overseeing Revitalization at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board) • Will be taught through six regional cohorts led by trained leaders, including John.
 
Key Definitions: 

• Culture: The shared expression of beliefs, values, and rhythms that define an  organization's identity; "how it feels" rather than just mission or vision
• Disciple (Georgia Baptist definition): A committed, passionate follower of Jesus  Christ, based on 2 Timothy 2:1-7's four generations of disciples and three-word pictures (soldier, athlete, farmer) 

Critical Leadership Questions 

Three essential questions every pastor should answer: 

• Do we have a culture of discipleship, and is it working? 

• Do you have a definition of a biblical disciple for your people? 

• Does the culture and success of the ministry depend solely on you as the leader? Core Principle: "I hope so is not a strategy" - churches cannot keep running the same play if it's not helping them win. 

Real Relationships Framework 

Foundation: Jesus invited disciples into a relationship ("follow me"), not a program - discipleship happens best within relational contexts. 

The Rebar Principle:

• Like rebar tied together before concrete is poured creates tensile strength,  intentionally tied relationships provide reinforcement when storms come • Without tied relationships, ministry cracks under pressure 

• You cannot pour ministry on top of relationships you never tied together
2:00 AM Friendships: 

• Deep, loyal, hesed-type Old Testament connections that never walk away • Many mature believers lack these foundational relationships 

Sherwood Church Model 

Disciple Definition at Sherwood: 

Know Christ, Love God, Unite with Believers, Serve the World, and Entrust the Gospel - visible everywhere (classrooms, atrium, new member materials) to maintain cultural focus. 

Sherwood on Mission Class: 

• Equips members to live gospel-centered lives daily, not just share gospel facts • Most valuable component: hearing stories of others interacting with people in their  zones (work, home, neighborhood) 

• Available to share with other churches upon request 

Practical Implementation: 

• Michael Catt established Wednesday morning Cracker Barrel group with 5-6 men  who could speak candidly into his leadership 

• Prayer walking neighborhoods with an online sign-up chart tracking coverage across  Albany 

• Daily Bible reading groups (using MacArthur Daily Bible) meeting at 6:00 AM 

Overcoming Barriers to Connection 

Common Church Barriers: 

• Poor or insufficient signage around campus 

• Greeters who overwhelm rather than read people appropriately • "Holy huddles" that look inward rather than outward 

• Inadequate nursery facilities that parents don't trust 

• Inefficient processes (coffee stations, check-in) that create frustration. Key Insight: Confused people don't move; they wander - clear signage and processes are essential. 

Cultural Shift Required: 

• People want to be noticed, not just noted (Luke 19 - Jesus didn't just see  Zacchaeus, he went to his house) 

• New member classes must set expectations: "Your job as a disciple-maker is to  welcome people to your life, not just your seat." 

• Tell stories constantly - in baptisms, classrooms, social media, pulpit - to inspire and  give ideas 

Intentionality Over Randomness

Ministry Trap Warning: 

The managerial trap of settling to manage people rather than shepherd and disciple them - easier to manage groups than invest intimately in messy lives. Personal Disciplines for Leaders: 

• Start with personal abiding - "I can't lead what I don't do." 

• Distinguish between being in the Bible for your people (sermon prep) versus being in  the Bible for yourself 

• Pray specifically: "Lord, who do I invite in?" 

• Most successful ministry comes from one-on-one, one-on-two investments over time. Example: John invested ten years in a man who came hungover most mornings; now that man is leading a college ministry. 

Multiplication Mindset: 

• Invite younger leaders into discipleship groups to pass the torch • Equip them to replicate: "Now you go find some guys." 

• Story: A man moving to North Carolina took extra MacArthur Daily Bibles to start  groups there 

Practical Opportunities 

Beyond Sunday Services: 

• Partner with existing community services (food banks, deliveries) 
• Prayer walks in neighborhoods 

• Student car washes 

• Leverage natural contexts (pickleball example: introvert wife built new friendships,  led couple to church, provided support during medical crisis) 

Church Facility Design: 

North Metro Church built a massive foyer/mall effect holding 500 people, transforming culture by giving space for pre-service connection rather than herding people like cattle. 

Action Items 

• Georgia Baptist Mission Board Discipleship Team: Launch FORMED resource by the end of April, release four podcast episodes every two weeks for cohesive learning • Regional leaders (including John): Prepare to lead cohorts using  an overview/introduction approach (Matthew Gibb’s piece to be distributed) • Churches interested in Sherwood’s On Mission materials: Contact John Spencer at [email protected] for manual/digital copies 

Closing Principle 

"A church that is easy to attend but hard to connect in will always struggle to multiply.  Bet the farm on relationships - Jesus did."

This broadcast will help church leaders see the need to utilize church management software as part of their efforts to make disciples.

Boyd Pelley has been the Co-founder/Culture Architect at Churchteams since 2000. From 1990 to 2008 has served as discipleship, administrative and family pastor of churches in New Mexico, Nebraska, and Texas. Churchteams was born out of his passion for discipleship and team-building in the local church. Married for 37 years, he and Pam have two married, adult children who love and serve Jesus with kids of their own!

In this broadcast we discuss:

• This isn't just a broadcast for nerds.
• How church software can help you engage with a person for ministry.
• How can software be relational?
• How does a church that has never had software take its first step towards starting and building a church management software to be discipleship focused?
• Software does not replace a human relationship. It can only enhance relationships to help churches align values, processes, and data track to accomplish their mission.