On this episode of Group Answers, Chris and Brian talk to David Platt about missions and discipleship.

Dr. David Platt serves as pastor at McLean Bible Church in Washington, D.C. He is the founder and president of Radical.

Books by David Platt include Radical, Radical Together, Follow Me, Counter Culture, and the forthcoming book Something Needs to Change.

David Platt received his Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Along with his wife and four children, he lives in the Washington D.C. metro area.

Questions:

* David, the book Something Needs to Change doesn’t release until September, but the manuscript has been turned in and it’s for the most part complete. Let’s start there — how does this book mark this season of the journey you’re on and that God continues to guide?

* We were just in SE Asia for a relatively extended time. In what ways was this last trip similar to others and how was it different?

* Perhaps the most noticeable attribute of Something Needs to Change is the level of transparency you’ve undertaken. In what ways have your visits to Asia, processing the content of Something Needs to Change, and how you plan to lead from this point forward taken on such a personal nature? In other words, what has changed in you?

* As you know, our listeners are comprised mostly of group and educational leaders in some capacity. How can we lead our groups to become involved with our mission to the nations?

* Our team is adapting Something Needs to Change for small groups and I believe this is one of the most important projects we’ve taken on. Tell about your hope for this Bible study experience and why it’s important not only to engage the content in book form but to essentially “live” with it as an 8-week Bible study experience.

* What are some ways we can support missionaries in our small groups?

* How are missions and discipleship both intertwined with a sincere and regular devotion to God’s Word?

Quotes:

* How does my life need to change, right where I live, in light of these realities in the world?

* I feel like ever since that first trip years ago, there is a greater urgency in my life.

* I want to show a more intentional focus on urgent spiritual and physical need.

* Start where you are.

* Show those you lead that their lives were created for the spread of God’s grace and glory among the nations.

* “Unreached” is not the same as “lost.” There is access to the gospel here that does not exist in the Himalayas.

* If somebody doesn’t cross geographic barriers to get to these people, they will continue to be born, live, and die without the gospel.

* We want to make the good news of Jesus’ name and his love known in all the world.

This Episode’s Sponsor: The Overcomer movie has inspired the creation of several resources. For small groups, there is the Overcomer Bible study. For individuals, there is a book called Defined. Both are based upon powerful insights from the Book of Ephesians. Learn more about all the resources at Lifeway.com/Overcomer

The Group Answers Podcast is a weekly show designed to resource, train, and encourage small group leaders. Each episode considers current trends and resources as well as timeless truths and methods of discipleship. It is hosted by Brian Daniel, a Bible study and discipleship expert in Lifeway’s Groups Ministry, and Chris Surratt, the small group and discipleship specialist at Lifeway and author of Leading Small Groups.