SUMMARY: In this episode, Brian and Rick speak with Don Blackmore about the challenges of discipling men in small groups. Don explains that many men who are believers want to be spiritual leaders but don’t know how and don’t often have good examples to follow. Don shares some specific principles and practices for discipling men based on his ministry experience. He also discusses the particular challenges facing men’s discipleship today and how small group leaders can help overcome them.

In addition, Brian and Rick discuss a blog post by Ben Reed titled 9 Truths Nobody Told You About Small Groups, and Rick shares his list of the week, 6 Excuses (and Responses) to Those Who Say They Can’t Lead a Small Group.

The Groups Matter 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, a Bible study expert from the Lifeway Groups Ministry Team, and Rick Howerton, the discipleship and small group specialist at Lifeway and author ofGUEST: Don Blackmore is the Executive Pastor of Family Ministry and Leadership Development at Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Don is passionate about discipleship. He believes life change best happens in the context of biblical community.

Don and his wife of 33 years, Barbara, have four grown daughters who are married, and they are proud grandparents of three grandchildren.  Don is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and also holds a Masters of Christian Education from Southwestern Seminary.

Don’s vocational ministry is at Central Baptist in Jonesboro, but his ministry outside the walls of the church is through serving as a volunteer chaplain with the Jonesboro Police Department.

EPISODE SPONSOR: This week’s episode is sponsored by The Disciples Path series, a 6-session Bible study on systematic discipleship created for smaller groups of 2-8 members. The Disciples Path was created by a group of 14 disciple makers from churches of different sizes and different denominations across the country. Find more information at lifeway.com/disciplespath.

RESOURCES: If you have a question you’d like discussed on our Groups Matter Podcast, please tweet your question to @BcDaniel or @RickHowerton.