SUMMARY: In this episode, Brian and Chris speak with Eric Geiger, Vice President of Lifeway Resources. Eric discusses how much churches should expect from small group leaders and how they can develop these leaders for effective small group ministry. He shares how churches can train small group leaders to be more than just facilitators in order to ensure that the small groups in their church provide the kind of shepherding community that participants need. Eric also discusses the value of a leadership pipeline for the development of leaders within the church.

In addition, Eric discusses the Bible study for men that he wrote, titled Unfolded: The Story of God, and the importance of community group life for men in the church.

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 and discipleship expert in Lifeway’s Groups Ministry, and Chris Surratt, the small group and discipleship specialist at Lifeway and author of Small Groups For The Rest Of Us.

GUEST: Eric Geiger serves as one of the Vice Presidents at Lifeway Christian Resources, leading the Resources Division. Eric received his doctorate in leadership and church ministry from Southern Seminary. Eric has authored or co-authored several books, including Creature of the Word, the best selling church leadership book, Simple Church, and Designed to Lead. He is also the author of the men’s Bible study, Unfolded: The Story of God. You can follow Eric on his blog at ericgeiger.com and on Twitter at @EricGeiger.

Eric is married to Kaye, and they have two daughters: Eden and Evie. During his free time, Eric enjoys dating his wife, playing with his daughters, and shooting basketball.

EPISODE SPONSOR: This week’s episode is sponsored by SmallGroup.com. SmallGroup.com is an online subscription service that allows churches and group leaders to create customizable, sermon-based group bible studies. Visit the Groups Ministry blog for a quick how-to tutorial, or visit SmallGroup.com to begin your free 2-week preview.

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