SUMMARY: In this episode, Brian and Rick speak with Carolyn Taketa, the Executive Director of Small Groups at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, California. Formerly a litigation attorney, Carolyn shares about her transition from a professional work environment into vocational ministry, including many of the resources and books that she studies to build a theological and biblical foundation for the small groups ministry at the church she serves. Carolyn also discusses being a female church staff member in a primarily male-driven field and offers some words of wisdom for functioning in a diverse leadership team. Finally, she suggests a variety of practices for church staff leaders who want to build their attendance while maintaining clear and consistent communication with their congregation and their volunteers. Brian and Rick also discuss the Post of the Week, Five Ways to Serve Your Leaders Well, and Rick shares his list of five necessities for guiding a group beyond bible study.

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 of@RickHowerton.