Small Groups in the Wesleyan Way

From the national CEF(Christians Engaged in Faith Formation) Conference, Scott had the opportunity to interview Lynne Smith, Director of Education at North Georgia Family Counseling Centers and Associate Pastor at Mount Carmel UMC in Norcross, and Kim Reindl, Director of Intergenerational, Youth, and Children Discipleship at Cokes Chapel UMC. Lynne and Kim discuss what they’ve learned at the conference about small groups and offer a number of tips for small group success.

Scott interviews the Rev. Allison Fasig, pastor of discipleship at The Village United Methodist Church. Scott and Allison discuss Village Groups, mission based small groups, sermon based groups, giving group's homework, and other small group dynamics.

Scott interviews Rev. Lenny Luchetti, Professor of Proclamation and Christian Ministries at Wesley Seminary of Indiana Wesleyan University. Scott and Lenny explore the deeper discipleship that transcends American virtues and how small groups can be mirrors to foster discipleship growth.

Scott interviews the Rev. Mark Youngman, one of the pastors at Providence United Methodist Church. Scott and Mark discuss some of the common challenges churches face with regard to small group ministry.

Scott interviews Rev. Dave Barnhart pastor at Saint Junia United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Saint Junia is a network of house churches that is intentional about participation, justice ministries, and discipleship formation.

Learn more about Rev. Barnhart at https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/author/david_barnhart

Scott joins Rev. Cynthia Wilson, Associate General Secretary for Leadership Ministries at Discipleship Ministries, and Rev. Jackson Henry, Director of Music Ministries, for a conversation about the vital link between worship and small groups. They also highlight Discipleship Ministries’ worship resources that now include small group resources.

Scott interviews Rev. Chris Barbieri, author and deacon in North Georgia. They discuss dynamics to consider when having a difficult conversation in a small group or Sunday school class.

Scott interviews Rev. Talbot Davis, pastor at Good Shepherd UMC in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Abingdon author. We explore the small group ministry model at Good Shepherd, multi-ethnic small groups, and the use of Davis’ books as small group resources.

Scott welcomes Rev. Doc Hall, Director of Older Adult Spiritual Formation Programs for the Upper Room, to discuss unique dynamics of small groups with and for older adults.

For Steve’s last episode, we explore what a General Rule of Discipleship is and how it can cultivate a culture of disciple-making across the church and for small groups.