In a time when many churches are facing decline, especially among younger generations, discipleship leaders are being called to think differently, lead intentionally, and rely fully on the power of the Holy Spirit. Church revitalization isn’t about returning to old models—it’s about making space for God to move in new and powerful ways through transformed lives and authentic community.

In today's episode, host Brian Daniel welcomes Sarah Jackson to discuss her work with the Church Revitalization Trust (CRT) and their mission to renew and revitalize churches across the UK and beyond. Sarah shares honest insights into the challenges churches face today - particularly in engaging Gen Z—and offers a hopeful vision of what’s possible when churches create transformational environments that are both Spirit-led and deeply rooted in relational discipleship.

The conversation explores the impact of the Alpha course in helping people explore faith in a welcoming and accessible way, as well as the critical need for churches to engage their communities, foster discipleship, and equip leaders to shepherd spiritual renewal. Sarah also highlights the exciting movement among young people encountering Jesus, and what church leaders can do to nurture these moments into lasting transformation.

If you’re a small group leader or pastor longing to see your church come alive again, this episode will reignite your hope and offer practical steps toward Spirit-empowered revitalization.

If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to rate, review, and share it with someone else passionate about church renewal and disciple-making.

SHOW LINKS: 

Revitalise Trust

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.

Discipleship doesn’t happen by accident—it grows through intentional systems, equipped leaders, and a church culture that values transformation over attendance. As small group and discipleship leaders, we carry the weight of cultivating environments where spiritual growth is possible, but the path toward healthy group ministry can often feel unclear or overwhelming.

On today's episode, host Brian Daniel welcomes longtime discipleship strategist Rick Howerton for a deep dive into the evolution and current state of group ministry. Together, they unpack the non-negotiables for a growing, sustainable groups strategy, including the importance of clear systems, visionary leadership, and ongoing training and credentialing for group pastors.

Rick shares tried-and-true strategies for launching new groups, strengthening existing ones, and expanding the infrastructure needed to support a growing discipleship movement. He also highlights the distinction between coaching versus managing leaders, and how the right relational investment can unlock exponential growth. The episode concludes with an introduction to Rick’s Group Pastor Master Class Cohort, designed to equip leaders with practical tools and seasoned mentorship for long-term ministry impact.

If you’re looking to grow your groups ministry and multiply disciples with purpose and clarity, this conversation will give you the inspiration—and the blueprint—to do just that. If this episode helped you think more strategically about your ministry, please take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast with another leader or pastor in your network.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Rick Howerton - [email protected] 

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.

In a rapidly changing culture, especially in dynamic environments like college towns, discipleship requires more than just a good curriculum, it demands discernment, intentionality, and a deep understanding of the people we serve. As small group leaders and disciple-makers, we must be attuned to our unique ministry contexts and ready to engage with both clarity and compassion.

In this episode of Group Answers, host Brian Daniel welcomes Senior Pastor Rob Tims to share his experience leading a local church in Athens, Georgia - a vibrant college town filled with energy, diversity, and complexity. Pastor Rob unpacks the importance of understanding cultural context in ministry and how it shapes the way discipleship is approached. He emphasizes building a shared vision with church leadership, navigating cultural tensions, and clearly articulating church values so that members feel a sense of ownership and belonging.

If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast, and share it with another leader who is seeking to make disciples with wisdom and intentionality.

SHOW LINKS: 

The 4 Disciplines of Execution

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.

In a culture that often prioritizes charisma and credentials, it’s easy to forget that biblical leadership is first and foremost a matter of the heart. As leaders, we’re not just forming good volunteers or skilled communicators, we’re shaping men and women into the image of Christ. What does it look like to lead from character, build relationships that matter, and measure success by spiritual transformation rather than statistics?

In this episode, host Brian Daniel sits down with Barnabas Piper, pastor, author, and ministry leader at Emmanuel Church, to explore the kind of leadership that fosters lasting discipleship. Barnabas shares why character must outweigh competence, especially in church leadership, and how relational discipleship sets the foundation for genuine spiritual growth. 

We're confident you'll walk away with practical insight on training and equipping group leaders, cultivating a thriving church culture, and keeping the focus on what matters most: becoming more like Jesus in the context of authentic community.

If this conversation encouraged or challenged you, please take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast with a fellow leader or small group member. Your support helps us reach more people who are passionate about making disciples that make disciples.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Barnabas Piper

Connect with Lifeway Adults

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.

In today’s culture, the conversation around masculinity is often marked by confusion, polarization, and deep emotional complexity. As leaders and disciplers of men—whether in small groups, homes, or churches—we’re faced with the challenge of helping the next generation navigate manhood in a way that reflects both strength and humility, courage and compassion.

In this thought-provoking episode, Brian Daniel welcomes pastor and author Casey Hough to discuss his new book, When Poets Were Warriors. Together, they explore the cultural crossroads at which modern masculinity stands, especially among Gen Z males. Casey and Brian discuss how the church can reclaim a healthy, holistic view of biblical masculinity—one that includes emotional awareness, spiritual leadership, and a right understanding of sexuality. Casey also shares how his book can be used as a practical discipleship tool for parents raising sons, helping them grow into men who reflect Christ in today’s world.

If this episode encouraged or challenged you, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps more small group and discipleship leaders find helpful conversations like this one. And be sure to share this episode with a friend or fellow leader navigating this important topic.

SHOW LINKS: 

When Poets Were Warriors 

Connect with Casey Hough

Connect with Lifeway Adults

The Great De-Churching 

Research on The State of Groups - lifewayresearch.com/stateofgroups

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.

In a world overflowing with noise and opinions, how can we, as disciples and leaders, cultivate wisdom, grace, and meaningful conversations? Discipleship doesn’t just happen in classrooms or sermons—it happens in the daily rhythms of our lives, in the words we speak, the beauty we notice, and the way we lead others in truth and love.

In this episode of Group Answers, host Brian Daniel sits down with bestselling author and GraceLaced founder Ruth Chou Simons for a deeply thoughtful conversation about discipleship in an age of information overload. Ruth challenges listeners to embrace intentionality in their spiritual walk, starting with wisdom in speech and a commitment to truth. Together, they discuss the crucial role of small group leaders in cultivating spaces for honest and constructive dialogue, even when cultural conversations feel overwhelming.

Ruth also unpacks how beauty can be a powerful tool in discipleship—drawing hearts toward God’s character—and she shares how everyday family conversations can lay the groundwork for faith in the next generation. This episode will encourage leaders to slow down, pay attention to what truly matters, and guide others with wisdom rooted in Scripture and grace.

If this episode inspired you, we’d love for you to rate and review the podcast. And don’t forget to share it with a friend or fellow leader who’s walking the discipleship journey right alongside you!

SHOW LINKS: 

Connect with Ruth

Beholding and Becoming 

When Striving Cease

Now and Not Yet

The Ruth Cho Simons Podcast

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.

Discipleship can be both rewarding and challenging, especially in today’s ever-changing church landscape. As leaders, we often find ourselves navigating cultural shifts, combating spiritual apathy, and seeking new ways to foster genuine community. In multi-site churches, these challenges can be even more pronounced, requiring intentional strategies and innovative approaches to ministry.

In this episode of Group Answers, we invite you to explore how one church is addressing these very issues. Host Brian Daniel sits down with Matt Vairetta, Executive Pastor of Ministries at Church of the City in Franklin, Tennessee, to discuss how they are combating cultural Christianity, building strong community groups, and equipping leaders in a multi-campus environment. Whether you’re leading a small group or overseeing ministry initiatives, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to think differently about discipleship in today’s world.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Brian Daniel

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.

Discipleship is at the heart of the Christian journey, but how do we truly measure its impact? In this episode Brian Daniel and Haley Malone sit down with Dr. Richard Blackaby to discuss the critical importance of making disciples as the final command of Jesus. They explore the challenges of gauging discipleship effectiveness and emphasize that genuine discipleship goes beyond merely attending classes or services—it’s about following Jesus and experiencing real transformation.

Dr. Blackaby shares profound insights on what true maturity in faith looks like, highlighting the importance of practical discipleship that fosters a deep relationship with Jesus. The conversation also addresses the challenge of forgiveness, the need for leaders to practice what they preach, and the empowerment of ordinary believers to make a difference. Dr. Blackaby discusses the importance of a God-centered approach to discipleship, allowing the Spirit to guide teaching moments and focusing on helping others respond to God’s call. This episode will inspire leaders to cultivate discipleship that not only informs but also transforms lives.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more leaders who are passionate about making disciples. Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who values practical, Spirit-led discipleship!

SHOW LINKS: 

Experiencing God 

Paul and Union with Christ

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.

In a world consumed by screens and distractions, how do we cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Jesus? In this episode, host Brian Daniel sits down with author and counselor John Eldredge to explore the impact of technology on our spiritual lives and what it truly means to follow Christ in today’s culture.

John unpacks the essence of discipleship, emphasizing the need for genuine communion with God and the beauty of love in faith. He introduces the concept of ordinary mysticism—experiencing God’s presence in everyday life—and discusses how embracing this reality can transform the way we engage with Him. The conversation also tackles the growing challenge of apathy in faith and how understanding our union with Christ can reignite passion and purpose in our spiritual journey. Ultimately, John points us back to the heart of God as our true refuge, encouraging believers to pursue a life of deep, transformative discipleship.

If this episode encouraged you, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps others discover these conversations. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who is passionate about growing in their walk with Christ!

SHOW LINKS: 

Connect with John Edlredge

Experiencing Jesus. Really. 

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.

Why are so many people leaving the church—and what can we do about it? In this episode of The Group Answers Podcast, hosts Brian Daniel and Haley Malone sit down with Jim Davis, teaching pastor and co-author of The Great De-Churching, to explore one of the most significant movements happening in the church today. Together, they unpack the growing phenomenon of de-churching, where individuals who once regularly attended church have walked away from community life and corporate worship.

Jim shares eye-opening insights from his extensive research, including surprising statistics about who is leaving, why they’re leaving, and what this trend means for the future of the church. The conversation highlights the critical role of authentic community, the power of education in shaping discipleship, and the need for churches to adapt their approaches to reconnect with those who have drifted away. Whether you’re a small group leader, pastor, or disciple-maker, this discussion will equip you with a better understanding of the de-churched and how to engage them with compassion and purpose.

If you found this episode helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your support helps more leaders discover these important conversations. And don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow leader who’s passionate about discipleship and reaching the next generation!

SHOW LINKS: 

Together Bible Study 

The Great De-Churching

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.