SUMMARY: In this episode, Brian and Rick speak with Lorie Hartshorn, the Connections Pastor at C4 Church in Ajax, Ontario. Lorie shares her church’s method of assimilating unconnected people into groups by defining a connected person as one who has someone else that notices his or her spiritual growth and cares when something tough happens. Based on this definition, Lorie leads Group Launch, a 5-week series that runs seasonally and directly aims to connect unconnected people with other unconnected people. Lorie shares her innovative use of a “group role sheet” to allow all participants to begin serving in a group setting using the particular gifts that God has given them.

In addition, Brian and Rick discuss a blog post by Andrew Mason entitled 12 Ways to Communicate Your Groups Launch, and Rick shares his thoughts on welcoming those who are different into a small group setting with his list for the week: What If Miley Cyrus Joined Your 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: Lorie Hartshorn is a national speaker, author, and Bible teacher with a love for God’s Word and the power it has to change lives. She shares candidly with authenticity and conviction how the Lord has met her in seasons of pain and plenty. Lorie has spent more than 25 years in education and training. In those years, she also provided leadership in the area of development. She served as the Director of Advancement for EQUIP Leadership Canada, Dr. John C. Maxwell’s organization, training leaders worldwide. Lorie is presently the Connections Pastor at C4 Church in Ajax, Ontario, where she oversees discipleship. Lorie speaks nationally and internationally the message of spiritual freedom. Her teaching can be seen on 100 Huntley St. TV and The 700 Club TV Canada as well as on C4church.com. Lorie and her husband, Dean, have three adult children. They live in Whitby, Ontario. You can follow Lorie on her blog at loriehartshorn.com or on Twitter at @loriehartshorn.

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 @RickHowerton.