In a world where men are looking for self-improvement and coaching, is the church the place where they can find that? On today's show Brian and Joel discuss this topic with John Simons. 

John Simons was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and raised in Orange County, California. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at California Baptist University (CBU), M.A. Philosophy & M.Div from Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and is a PhD student in Ethics & Public Theology at Southern Seminary. He previously led in Small Group ministry and served as the Men’s Community Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. Currently, John and his family live in Franklin, TN, where he has the privilege of being the Men’s and Sports Pastor at Rolling Hills Community Church. He has been married six years to his wife, Kristen, who he shares two children with. 

John's heart is to help men grow in their relationship with God and be the leader their family and community needs them to be. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend! 
SHOW LINKS: 
The Toxic War on Masculinity 



Ministering to Men with John Simons

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.

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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 

Attributes of Compelling Community with Jared Osselaer

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 

Discipleship in an Urban Context with Rebi Varghese and Haley Malone

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 



Vacation Bible School with Melita Thomas and Haley Malone

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

The State of Discipleship 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

Ministering to Men with John Simons

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