Group Life Podcast

Join hosts AnnaMaria Mattey and Dave Liefeld as they continue unpacking the second "C" - commit. Ary Grubner from Willow's Young Adults ministry joins them to discuss his own experience leading.

Join hosts AnnaMaria Mattey and Dave Liefeld as they go deeper on the first "C" - connect. Featuring Lead Pastor of Parkcrest Christian Church and former Willow Creek staff member Jared Wilkins. 

Join hosts AnnaMaria Mattey and Dave Liefeld as they unpack the 4 Cs that make up a great small group - Connect, Commit, Confess, and Challenge.

Explore strategies and tools to grow as a leader and to help your people to flourish.

At the very heart of the gospel, and our rescue is God’s grace and mercy. Yet we can find it so hard to demonstrate in our own lives. Why would that person do such a thing? How can I love them when they say things like this? What could possibly make them think that way? However, perhaps the person we find so hard to love is doing the best they can—with who they are and what they have. Join Mandy Burbank as she explores the loving and legitimate discipline of believing that people are doing the best they can whilst establishing healthy boundaries. Discover that this perspective embraces sound theology and science rather than requiring mental gymnastics and the denial of reality.

How do we support people wherever they are on the spectrum of marital status? Everyone has a marital status – not everyone likes it.  It affects a group member’s life in different ways, in different seasons.  It can contribute to growing and thriving as fully devoted followers of Christ.  For others . . . nothing could be further from the truth.  How can you help those who are thriving in their marital status to continue to do so?  How can you help those who are struggling in their marital status to transform their situation?  Join Karis Reichert as she brings insight and clarity that will equip and empower you in this pivotal issue.

As a group leader you have a strategy for creating an environment for connection.  That is Group Leadership 101.  However, is it inevitable that every group come with its own revolving door?   Disengaged people looking to leave the group.  Unconnected people looking to become a part of the group.  As the leader how can you catalyze the formation of new connections, protect existing ones and restore damaged relationships?  Join Jared Wilkins as he draws upon his experience and insight to explore the stages of development of every group. Then take your connection strategy to the next level by learning when to apply the tools that he shares.

Isn’t this simple a matter of semantics?  Surely, great teaching results in great learning!  Perhaps.  A group leader who is a charismatic, humorous, persuasive and knowledgeable can be very engaging and motivating.  However, often this allows their group to remain passive.  Consequently their group retain little and apply even less to their lives.  A leader that chooses to facilitate people’s learning shifts the focus and ownership onto the learners.  They design opportunities and experiences for their group to ask and explore rather than to listen and absorb . . . and it can all begin with a simple shift from giving answers to asking more questions.

Alpha is about sharing God’s love through friendship. Do this by listening well, taking interest, learning from everyone’s point of view, and affirming group members so they feel heard.

Healthy leadership requires a healthy soul, something we often neglect. Learn to care for your soul and lead out of the overflow of your deepening relationship with Christ.