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Group Answers Podcast
March 3, 2021

Group Answers Episode 194: Online Bible Studies

By Chris Surratt
https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/03/GA-194.mp3

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On this episode of Group Answers, Brian and Chris sit down with Deborah Spooner to talk about online Bible studies and why thousands of people are now going through them.

Resources:

Online Bible Studies

The Group Answers 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 Leading Small Groups.

Lifeway Bible Studies Podcast
March 1, 2021

Lifeway Bible Studies Podcast Episode 2: Making Space Session 2

By Chris Surratt
https://groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/02/LBS-EP2.mp3

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On this week’s episode, we’re continuing the Bible study called Making Space by Pastor Jeff Vanderstelt. Making Space gleans wisdom from the Book of Proverbs and from the example of Jesus to show you how to center your life on God’s priorities.

One area in which people have difficulty fearing the Lord and surrendering their lives is money and work. God is interested in every part of our lives, including our work. In today’s session, we’ll apply the wisdom of God to our money and our work. If you would like to go deeper on this topic, you can purchase the full Making Space Bible study book here at Lifeway.com. 

The Lifeway Bible Studies Podcast is where you’ll find audio teaching from some of our most popular authors and Bible studies. It’s hosted by Chris Surratt and Deborah Spooner.

Group Answers Podcast
February 24, 2021

Group Answers Episode 193: From Sunday to Everyday Discipleship

By Chris Surratt
https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/02/GA-193.mp3

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On this episode of Group Answers, Brian and Chris sit down with Andrew Hudson to talk about the philosophy behind the Bible Studies for Life curriculum, and the new podcast, Discipleology.

Resources:

Bible Studies for Life

The Discipleology Podcast

The Group Answers 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 Leading Small Groups.

Lifeway Bible Studies Podcast, Uncategorized
February 22, 2021

Lifeway Bible Studies Podcast Episode 1: Making Space Session 1

By Chris Surratt
http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/lifewaybiblestudies/LBS-EP1.mp3

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On this week’s episode, we’re going to kick off a new Bible study called Making Space by Pastor Jeff Vanderstelt. Making Space gleans wisdom from the Book of Proverbs and from the example of Jesus to show you how to center your life on God’s priorities. In this first session, we learn how we receive wisdom by being teachable to God, submitting our hearts to God, and surrendering every aspect of our lives to God. If you would like to go deeper on this topic, you can purchase the full Making Space Bible study book here at Lifeway.com. 

The Lifeway Bible Studies Podcast is where you’ll find audio teaching from some of our most popular authors and Bible studies. It’s hosted by Chris Surratt and Deborah Spooner.

Group Answers Podcast
February 17, 2021

Group Answers Episode 192: Preview of The Lifeway Bible Studies Podcast

By Chris Surratt
https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/02/GA-192.mp3

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On this episode of Group Answers, you get a preview of the brand new podcast, The Lifeway Bible Studies Podcast, which will officially launch Monday, February 22nd. The Lifeway Bible Studies Podcast is a weekly show where you can listen to Bible studies wherever you are.

This first episode kicks off a new Bible study called Making Space by Pastor Jeff Vanderstelt. Making Space gleans wisdom from the Book of Proverbs and from the example of Jesus to show you how to center your life on God’s priorities. If you would like to go deeper on this topic, you can purchase the full Making Space Bible study book at Lifeway.com.

The Group Answers 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 Leading Small Groups.

Group Answers Podcast
February 10, 2021

Group Answers Episode 191: JT McCraw on Men’s Ministry

By Chris Surratt
https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/02/GA-191.mp3

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On this episode of Group Answers, Brian and Chris sit down with Pastor JT McCraw to talk about the state of men’s ministry in today’s world.

JT is the co-host of the Renovating Masculinity podcast, a John Maxwell certified Life Coach & Speaker, an independent life coach with Stephen Mansfield’s GreatMan Coaching team, the Executive & Men’s pastor at Bethel World Outreach and is one of the leading men’s ministers in the United States. He has traveled around the globe teaching men what he learned during his dark days of personal crisis.  He now coaches men and helps them build high quality noble manhood into their lives by drawing from his years as a successful custom builder.

Questions Discussed:

– What would you say is the most surprising thing you’ve learned on the Renovating Masculinity journey you started about a year ago now?

– As you engage men in various capacities, what are you learning about current and emerging crucial aspects of a man’s life and how to minister to men uniquely and specifically?

– Talk about the idea of band of brothers. Why is this important? What have you learned about developing this kind of relationship and what are the principles for fostering a sense of community within a group of men?

– Why does men’s ministry pose such a challenge within a church context?

– How is a gender-specific group different from a co-ed group? Why might this be more important for men than women?

– How are you defining “intentional awareness” and why have you adopted this term for men’s ministry?

The Group Answers 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 Leading Small Groups.
Group Answers Podcast
February 3, 2021

Group Answers Episode 190: Coaching New Leaders

By Chris Surratt
https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/02/GA-190.mp3

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On this episode of Group Answers, Brian, Chris, and Brandon talk about a few principles to follow as you train and coach new group leaders.

  • New leaders need more direction than veteran leaders.
  • Use multiple forms of communication. Communication level will decrease over time.
  • Care for the heart as much as the hands (skills).
  • Pray for and with your leaders often.
  • Eat what you sell. Growing leaders grow leaders.

The Group Answers 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 Leading Small Groups.

Group Answers Podcast
November 18, 2020

Group Answers Episode 179: Avoiding Drift in Personal Discipleship

By Chris Surratt
https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/11/GA-179.mp3

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On this episode of Group Answers, Chris, Brian and Brandon talk about ways to avoid drifting in our personal discipleship routines.

Resources:

  • The Daily Discipleship Guide

The Group Answers 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 Leading Small Groups.

Church Leadership
November 16, 2020

Four Ways to Make Sure Your Small Groups Ministry Is Healthy

By Chris Surratt

If there is any “good” to come out of our current COVID-19 crisis, it’s that churches have been forced to reexamine the health of their current programs and ministries. What was working to help create disciples nine months ago may no longer be as effective.

It has also helped shine a spotlight on ministries that have been merely existing for some time—even before this pandemic—but are not producing fruit like they once were.

For many churches, small groups are designed to be the spiritual and relational lifeblood for the congregation. Groups are the environment where the message of the gospel is lived out through the practice of the “one anothers.”

If groups truly are that important to the current and future state of the church, we should do everything we can now to ensure they’re healthy and resourced for success for the future. Here are four ways to help make that happen.

1. Budget for current and future success.

Small groups and discipleship aren’t normally at the top of the budget needs for churches. Groups are a somewhat low-maintenance and self-sustaining ministry line item.

In order for groups to function effectively in this new reality, there will have to be more invested financial resources. The means more investment in the depth and quality of what’s being studied, more in staffing for discipleship, and more in helping group leaders and hosts provide a safe and welcoming environment.

2. Refresh your curriculum for groups.

Whether your small groups are meeting in-person or online, it is time for a curriculum refresh. If your only option for curriculum is printed materials, it will be more difficult for online groups to utilize these fully. Lifeway now provides all of it’s ongoing and short-term studies in digital formats.

Providing studies based on the weekend message is also a great option for new groups and those only meeting online. Smallgroup.com is a tool that makes the process of writing your own studies faster and easier.

3. Make groups a priority everywhere.

The option to join a group can no longer be three clicks away on the website, or a once or twice a year emphasis from the pulpit. The church website was once considered the new lobby for the church, but it’s now the lobby, bulletin, and sometimes the stage.

Getting people assimilated into groups has to be easy and obvious from the first page of your website. Online Zoom groups have made this easier than ever, but in-person groups will need to be just as easy.

4. Model from the top.

Sheep will follow where the shepherd leads. Research shows that churches with leadership that is highly invested in groups have more people in the congregation actively attending groups.

If the lead communicators are actively involved in groups and frequently share stories from those group experiences, people will understand groups are a priority. If groups are just another option listed on the website, they’re easily passed over.

This next season of ministry will require much from our small groups and leaders. Let’s do everything we can to make sure they’re as healthy as they can be!

CHRIS SURRATT (@ChrisSurratt) is the discipleship and small groups specialist for Lifeway Christian Resources, a ministry consultant and coach with more than 20 years of experience, and the author of Leading Small Groups: How to Gather, Launch, Lead, and Multiply Your Small Group.

Group Leadership
October 19, 2020

10 Ways to be a Great Small Group Member

By Chris Surratt

If you do a quick Google search on “How to be a Great Small Group Leader,” you will find a treasure trove of articles—several of them written by me. But what about being a great small group member? After all, it’s hard to feel like a successful leader without faithful followers.

Leading a group is not easy. I have personally led a group for over 20 years, and there are countless Tuesday nights when I have felt like a complete failure.

Several people were late to the group or just didn’t show up. The discussion felt like it didn’t go anywhere. Prayer time turned into gossip hour, and the list goes on.

I can always work to be a better leader, but there are also many ways a group member can help the leader and the rest of the group have a better experience. Here are 10 of them.

1. BE ON TIME (BUT NOT TOO EARLY).

It can be really frustrating when group members are consistently late to the meetings. Especially if they are responsible for bringing food, or if the discussion flow is interrupted by their late arrival.

On the other hand, it’s also hard on the leaders and group hosts if members arrive too early. There are always last-minute preparations taking place for the meeting or a needed few moments of rest before everyone shows up.

Being on time, but not too early, helps start the meeting in the right direction.

2. LOOK ENGAGED IN THE DISCUSSION.

Speaking in front of a group is one of the most intimidating things in life for a lot of people. It’s especially difficult if the people in the room seem disengaged in the discussion. When I am leading a group, I always look for the people looking back for encouragement.

One of the best ways you can help your group leader out is to be fully present in the moment. Don’t constantly check your phone for the latest scores or stare out a window the whole time. Occasionally give visual cues, like a nod of the head, that you are fully engaged in the conversation.

3. BE THE FIRST TO ANSWER A QUESTION (BUT NOT EVERY TIME).

A big part of being engaged in the meeting is answering questions during the Bible study. When the leader tosses out a question, the silence that follows can be super uncomfortable. It’s always a relief when someone steps in to answer the question or offer an opinion. That answer may also be the catalyst that gets more people talking.

However, it’s important to not be the first person to answer every question so that more people have the opportunity to jump in with their thoughts. An over-talker will dissuade a lot of people from answering.

4. BE THE FIRST TO OFFER TO READ SCRIPTURE.

Just like it’s awkward when no one answers a question right away, it’s the same when no one volunteers to read the Scripture passage. Most of us have the Bible on our phones now, so be that person who volunteers quickly. Treat it like a “sword drill” in Sunday School—fastest one to the passage wins a prize!

5. HELP HEAD OFF RABBIT TRAILS AND GOSSIP.

Some rabbit trails are inevitable in a discussion. The trick is getting it back on topic before the whole meeting is off the rails. Instead of waiting for the group leader to have to step in and bring everyone back, offer a helpful comment that gets the discussion back in the right direction.

The prayer time can also easily slip into gossip if we’re not careful. Help the group leader out by not going there yourself, and also help others see when it’s starting to take place. The leader hates always having to be the “bad guy” in those situations.

6. OFFER TO ORGANIZE THE NEXT GROUP OUTING.

Planning and preparing for normal group meetings is a big job in and of itself. There’s prepping for the Bible study, making sure everyone has the details for the meeting, cleaning the house, preparing food options, and many other varied details that help make it a great experience for group members.

One way to take some of the load off of the leader is by offering to organize a fun outing or a mission opportunity for the group to participate in. This can be a monthly or quarterly event. The leader will appreciate the initiative, and the group will be better for it.

7. OCCASIONALLY HOST THE GROUP MEETING.

Now that we understand how much work it is to host a group every week, it would be a big relief for someone to offer to take that responsibility occasionally. It’s also nice for the group to meet in a different environment. A new location can lead to a different perspective.

8. GO HOME ON TIME.

As a group leader, it’s always great to see the group engaged in discussions before and after the official meeting time. A lot of the time, the life-changing conversations happen outside of the group meeting. However, there has to be respect for the host’s personal time. The conversation may need to continue at a local coffee shop so the host family can go to bed.

9. PRAY FOR YOUR GROUP LEADER(S). 

Stepping up to lead a group is no small task. Group leaders are asked to spiritually shepherd the people in their care. This responsibility comes with a lot of weight. Satan loves to attack those who are helping pull people out of darkness and into the light.

Group leaders also have the same struggles and stress that we all do. Consistent prayer is not only appreciated, but much needed. Remember that they are also praying for you.

10. OFFER TO START A NEW GROUP.

The only way we are going to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission of making disciples is by starting new groups for new people. I know how hard it can be to step out of a successful group for something new, but the time is short, and the harvest is plentiful. We need new disciple makers to carry on the work that Jesus started.

Every small group needs great leaders and great members. Together, we can change the world with the message of the gospel through biblical community!

This article first appeared at lifewayvoices.com.

CHRIS SURRATT (@ChrisSurratt) is the discipleship and small groups specialist for Lifeway Christian Resources, a ministry consultant and coach with more than 20 years of experience, and the author of Leading Small Groups: How to Gather, Launch, Lead, and Multiply Your Small Group.

 

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