SUMMARY: In this episode, Brian and Rick speak with Tim Smith, a state missionary of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, about the trend of building a ministry of smaller groups of three to five individuals, in addition to the typical Sunday school class, for the purpose of intentional discipleship. Tim shares his insight about how discipleship happens more often (and more effectively) not from the pulpit but in small group settings, and he discusses how these “smaller small groups” can be a good way for church members to experience closer fellowship, more in-depth Bible study, and more detailed accountability.

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: Tim Smith serves as the leader of the Groups & Faith Development team. Tim has been with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board since 1999. Prior to coming to the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, he served churches in Georgia and North Carolina. Tim has earned degrees from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky; Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina; University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia; and Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Georgia. Tim is a native of Georgia. He has been married to his wife Cathy since December 17, 1983 and they have two grown children and one grandchild.  Tim love baseball, camping, fishing and reading.

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