SUMMARY: In this episode, Brian and Rick discuss assessing and applying group members’ learning styles with Sam O’Neal, a content editor for the Bible Studies for Life curriculum at Lifeway. Sam introduces the VARK model of learning styles—Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic—and argues that getting people engaged through the way they learn is a useful way of getting them involved in community. While most group meetings are centered on sitting and speaking and listening, an approach that privileges certain learning styles, Sam suggests several ways in which group leaders can diversify their approach and incorporate activities and group experiences that appeal to a variety of individuals.

Also, Brian and Rick share a blog post from Darryl Wilson, The Sunday School Revolutionary, and Rick discusses the differences between leading a movement and managing a ministry.

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: Sam O’Neal is a Content Editor on the Adult Ministry Publishing team at Lifeway. He has a passion for seeing discipleship and full-bodied Christian education done right in the local church—especially in the context of small-group communities. Sam is the author of The Field Guide for Small Group Leaders.

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