Have you ever walked into a small group and immediately felt like an outsider? Maybe you've seen groups within your church that seem more like exclusive circles than welcoming communities. While strong friendships are a great thing, they can unintentionally turn groups into cliques that make newcomers feel unwelcome. So how do we shift our small groups from being inward-focused to truly inclusive communities? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Alicia Wong to tackle this challenge head-on. 

Drawing from her background in women’s ministry, Alicia shares insights on creating welcoming environments, fostering deep relationships, and making sure every group member feels valued. Ken and Alicia identify the signs of cliques forming within church groups and offer strategies to shift the focus toward true community. This conversation highlights practical ways to encourage group ownership among newcomers, build trust through open interactions, and make sure connection, not just content, remains the heart of discipleship. 

If you’re looking for ways to build authentic community within your group, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you lead well. We’d love to hear your thoughts! If this episode encouraged you, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—your feedback helps us equip more leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and let’s continue creating spaces where discipleship and authentic relationships can flourish!

SHOW LINKS:

Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.