Every small group leader has faced it—slumps in attendance that leaves you wondering how to reignite your group’s passion and connection. In this episode of Disciple-making in Community , host Ken Braddy sits down with Brandon Adams to discuss strategies for overcoming attendance challenges. Together, they share insights on creating a welcoming environment, re-engaging absentees, and the importance of serving together to strengthen group bonds. Ken and Brandon explore the factors that contribute to these slumps, including group size and the need for intentional re-engagement of absentees. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and highlights how serving together can deepen connections and foster a stronger sense of community within the group. If you're looking for practical tips to revitalize your group, this episode is packed with helpful advice! If you found this episode helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast —it helps us reach more leaders like you! Thanks for listening! SHOW LINKS: Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

As small group leaders, we know the importance of investing in others—especially when it comes to raising up new leaders. But how do we ensure we're not just filling spots but truly developing individuals who will carry the mission of the church forward? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community , host Ken Braddy and guest Nathan Miller discuss the critical role of apprenticeship in church leadership. In this conversation, Ken Braddy and Nathan Miller explore the vital role apprenticeship plays in building strong leadership within the church. They discuss the importance of connecting individuals to Bible study groups and the challenges small group leaders face when starting new groups. Nathan highlights the key qualities to look for in potential leaders and underscores the necessity of being intentional in both recruiting and training them. The conversation also delves into available resources to support the development of new leaders, helping group leaders foster an environment where leadership growth and discipleship go hand in hand. The episode concludes with practical encouragement for group leaders to invest in their apprentices and create a culture of mentorship and leadership within their groups. We'd love to hear how you're fostering leadership development! If this episode was encouraging to you, take a moment to rate and review the podcast —your feedback helps us continue to offer valuable insights for leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and let’s continue to make disciples and raise up leaders together! SHOW NOTES: Ministry Grid Breakthrough by Ken Braddy Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

As leaders, we often pour ourselves into the work of others—but who’s taking care of you? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community , host Ken Braddy and guest Dr. Mark Dance discuss the critical importance of self-care for group leaders. They explore the scriptural basis for self-care, how to recognize burnout, and the need for setting boundaries. Ken and Mark discuss the signs of burnout and offer strategies to maintain wellness, including the role of boundaries and the support of pastors. The conversation also highlights the benefits of taking sabbaticals to recharge, reminding leaders that maintaining their own health is essential for effective ministry. If you're feeling stretched thin or need encouragement to prioritize your own health, this episode is for you. If this episode was helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast —your feedback helps us continue providing valuable insights for leaders like you! Thanks for listening! SHOW LINKS: Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

As small group leaders, we know that keeping everyone engaged during Bible study can be a challenge. Is the traditional lecture-style Bible study the most effective way to communicate God's Word, or is there a better way to engage and connect with the diverse learning styles within your group? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community , host Ken Braddy and guest Peter Burmeister discuss the importance of moving beyond the lecture method in Bible study groups. Together, they explore more interactive and engaging approaches to teaching, helping you create a more dynamic and participatory learning environment. The conversation also highlights the challenges Bible study leaders face when implementing new teaching methods and offers practical advice for overcoming those obstacles. Whether you're trying to engage quieter group members or keep discussions from growing stagnant, this episode provides valuable insights to help you enhance both engagement and retention in your Bible studies. What teaching methods have worked best for you in your small group? We’d love to hear about your experiences! If this episode was helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast —your feedback helps us continue to provide useful content for leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and let’s keep exploring new ways to teach and grow together! SHOW LINKS: Tempered Resilience by Tod Bolsinger 7 Kinds of Smart revised Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

Have you ever walked into a small group and immediately felt like an outsider? Maybe you've seen groups within your church that seem more like exclusive circles than welcoming communities. While strong friendships are a great thing, they can unintentionally turn groups into cliques that make newcomers feel unwelcome. So how do we shift our small groups from being inward-focused to truly inclusive communities? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community , host Ken Braddy sits down with Alicia Wong to tackle this challenge head-on. Drawing from her background in women’s ministry, Alicia shares insights on creating welcoming environments, fostering deep relationships, and making sure every group member feels valued. Ken and Alicia identify the signs of cliques forming within church groups and offer strategies to shift the focus toward true community. This conversation highlights practical ways to encourage group ownership among newcomers, build trust through open interactions, and make sure connection, not just content, remains the heart of discipleship. If you’re looking for ways to build authentic community within your group, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you lead well. We’d love to hear your thoughts! If this episode encouraged you, take a moment to rate and review the podcast —your feedback helps us equip more leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and let’s continue creating spaces where discipleship and authentic relationships can flourish! SHOW LINKS: Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

Every small group leader has faced this challenge—a well-meaning but overly talkative group member who dominates the discussion. How do you keep the conversation balanced without discouraging participation? How do you ensure that quieter members feel heard? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community , host Ken Braddy sits down with Alan Raughton to discuss the challenges of managing over talkers in small group settings. Drawing from his extensive experience in group ministry, Alan shares insights on navigating these dynamics, especially in the unique setting of a downtown church. Whether you’re dealing with a passionate speaker who tends to dominate or quieter members who need encouragement to speak up, this episode provides valuable advice for keeping group discussions healthy and engaging. We’d love to hear how you’ve handled it! If this episode was helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast —your feedback helps us equip more leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and keep leading your groups with wisdom and grace! SHOW LINKS: Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, learn, and even engage with Scripture—but what does that mean for small group leaders? Can AI actually help with Bible study preparation, or does it pose more risks than rewards? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community , host Ken Braddy sits down with Dr. Dwayne McCrary to discuss the role of AI in group ministry. Together, they explore the potential benefits of AI, the ethical concerns surrounding its use, and how leaders can leverage technology without sacrificing personal study and spiritual discernment. The discussion covers best practices for utilizing AI effectively, practical applications for small group leaders, and the risks of over-reliance on technology. Dwayne shares insights on how to navigate AI ethically, ensuring that it remains a tool to support rather than replace genuine disciple-making efforts. As churches continue to adapt to an evolving digital landscape, this episode offers valuable guidance for leaders looking to integrate AI thoughtfully and responsibly. If you’ve ever wondered how AI fits into the world of disciple-making, this conversation will challenge and equip you with a balanced perspective. We’d love to hear your thoughts! If this episode gave you something to think about, take a moment to rate and review the podcast —your feedback helps us reach more leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and keep leading with wisdom and discernment! SHOW LINKS: Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

As small group leaders, we all want to create meaningful, Spirit-led discussions that help people grow in their faith. But how do we balance prayer and teaching time in a way that feels natural and impactful? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community , host Ken Braddy sits down with Sean Beach from First Baptist Dallas to explore these challenges. Together, they discuss how to seamlessly integrate prayer into teaching sessions, create a culture of prayer in small groups, and adjust plans based on the needs of the group. Sean shares lessons from his experience at First Baptist Dallas, highlighting how his team has learned to adjust their approach to prayer and teaching based on the needs of the group. Whether you’re leading a group that loves deep discussion or one that thrives on extended prayer time, this conversation will equip you with practical insights to lead well. We’d love to hear your thoughts! If this episode encouraged you or gave you new insights, take a moment to rate and review the podcast —it helps us equip more leaders like you. Thanks for listening, and keep leading your group with wisdom and prayer! SHOW LINKS: Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

Every small group leader has faced it—that one personality in the group who seems to dominate discussions, challenge every point, or drain the energy of the room. While small groups are meant to foster discipleship and community, navigating difficult personalities can feel overwhelming. How do you lead well without alienating members or losing the purpose of the group? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community , host Ken Braddy sits down with Ashton Wright to tackle this very issue. Together, they unpack practical strategies for handling challenging group dynamics while maintaining a Christ-centered, welcoming environment. Ken Braddy and Ashton Wright explore specific personality traits—such as assertive, vocal, persistent, and inquisitive individuals—that can sometimes create tension in a group setting. Through real-life case studies, they highlight the impact of dominating or draining behaviors and share strategies for addressing these issues with grace and wisdom. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of supportive leadership, the power of open communication, and the courage required to have difficult but necessary conversations. Whether you're facing a particularly challenging group dynamic or simply want to be better equipped as a leader, this episode offers biblical and practical guidance to help you navigate group challenges effectively. We’d love to hear how this conversation has encouraged or equipped you! If this episode was helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast —your feedback helps us reach more leaders who are striving to make disciples in their communities. Thanks for listening, and keep leading well! SHOW LINKS: Leading Small Groups by Chris Surratt Breakthrough by Ken Braddy Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

Have you ever felt the tension between wanting to start a new small group at your church but not knowing where to begin? Maybe you’ve wrestled with how to find the right leaders, create a welcoming environment, or ensure your group is more than just another meeting on the calendar. In this episode of Disciple-making in Community , Ken Braddy and Keith Lowry dive into these very challenges, offering practical wisdom and biblical insight to help small group leaders foster true discipleship within their communities. In today's conversation, we'll discuss the importance of prayer in identifying both leaders and potential members, emphasizing that spiritual preparation is key to fostering a thriving group. Ken and Keith also highlight effective Bible reading and journaling strategies that can deepen personal discipleship and encourage meaningful discussions within groups. Keith Lowry also unpacks the essential elements for measuring success in small groups, from developing leaders within the group to creating an environment that genuinely welcomes newcomers. Through it all, this episode underscores the necessity of prayer, preparation, and engagement in building strong, disciple-making communities. Are you ready to take the next step in launching or strengthening your small group? We’d love to hear how today’s conversation encouraged or challenged you! If this episode was helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast —it helps more leaders like you discover these insights and grow in their disciple-making journey. Thanks for listening, and let’s continue building strong, gospel-centered communities together! SHOW LINKS: It Starts with prayer by Dwayne McCrary Welcome Aboard Ken Braddy Park Cities Baptist Church 4o Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

What does true community look like in the church today? Are we prioritizing deep, meaningful relationships, or are we settling for surface-level connections? In this episode, Ben Mandrell and Tyler Litton invite the church to reflect on their own experiences with biblical community and consider how the church can better foster belonging in a culture that often leans toward isolation. Drawing from Ben’s Together Bible Study, they explore the challenges pastors face in getting congregants plugged into groups, the growing trend of isolation, and the impact of avoiding true community. Looking at the early church, they highlight how believers spent time together both formally and informally and why genuine connection takes time and intentionality. Ben challenges listeners to lean into the natural ebbs and flows of group life, the struggles and rewards of building relationships, and examine the balance between individual responsibility and collective engagement. As you reflect on your role in building and nurturing biblical community, we encourage you to take the next step with Ben Mandrell’s Together Bible Study. This resource dives deeper into the biblical foundation of authentic relationships and provides practical steps for fostering meaningful connection in your church. Whether you’re a pastor, small group leader, or simply someone longing for deeper community, Together will equip and inspire you to take intentional steps toward living in biblical fellowship. Grab your copy today and start building the kind of community God designed us for—one that thrives on breaking bread, learning together, fellowshipping, and prayer. SHOW LINKS: Together Bible Study Bowling Alone Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

What if your curriculum could help kids and students not only learn about faith but truly feel like they belong? How can you create a discipleship experience that’s both flexible and aligns with the unique mission of your church? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community , Ken Braddy interviews Jeremy Carroll about Hyfi, Lifeway’s innovative new curriculum line for kids and students. Hyfi is designed with belonging and identity at its core, offering an engaging and customizable approach that adapts to various ministry styles. Jeremy dives into how Hyfi supports leaders with everything from fun, interactive activities, to a robust focus on identity in Christ. They discuss why choosing curriculum that reflects your church’s mission matters and how Hyfi empowers you to do just that. Curious about what Hyfi could bring to your ministry? Tune in and explore, then try it for yourself with a free 14-day trial at myhyfi.com . Get ready to transform the way young people experience discipleship! SHOW LINKS: Check out Hyfi Here Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

On today's show, host Ken Braddy welcomes Y Bonesteele, content editor for Lifeway’s Adult Gospel Project, for a deep dive into one of Lifeway’s standout curriculums. If you’re a small group leader looking for a powerful tool to disciple your group with purpose and structure, this episode is for you! Ken and Bone explore what sets Gospel Project apart from other Lifeway curriculum lines and why its intentional scope and sequence are so effective in maturing believers and developing disciples. Discover the full range of The Gospel Project resources, including the study guide, leader guide, and commentary, each designed to provide leaders with a comprehensive approach to teaching and application. We know you'll be inspired, equipped, and ready to lead with confidence as you walk alongside your group members in their faith journey. Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend! SHOW LINKS: Connect with Y Boonesteele The Gospel Project Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

In this insightful episode of Disciple-Making in Community , host Ken Braddy sits down with Dr. Len Pryor, team lead at Lifeway Christian Resources for Bible Studies for Life, to uncover the philosophy and unique aspects of the curriculum. Designed around eight essential markers of a growing disciple, Bible Studies for Life offers small group leaders and church communities a thoughtful and structured path to spiritual growth. Tune in to this episode to explore how Bible Studies for Life can be a powerful asset in your discipleship journey and to gather fresh insights and tools that will inspire and equip you to make a lasting impact in your small group community! SHOW LINKS: Bible Studies for Life Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…

Curriculum plays a pivotal role in guiding meaningful Bible study and fostering spiritual growth within small groups. It’s not just about following a plan—it’s about creating a foundation for spiritual transformation. In this episode, Ken Braddy sits down with Amber Vaden, team leader for Explore the Bible at Lifeway Christian Resources , to delve into the critical role that curriculum plays in Bible study groups. They explore the leader’s responsibility in guiding the group effectively, while highlighting key resources like the Personal Study Guide and the Daily Discipleship Guide. Amber also explains the scope and sequence of Explore the Bible, which provides a focused study of one book of the Bible each quarter. Together, they discuss the benefits of the Leader Guide, Adult Commentary, and additional resources available on the Explore the Bible blog. This episode is packed with practical insights and tools to help small group leaders enrich their Bible study experience and foster deeper discipleship. It’s not just about following a plan—it’s about creating a foundation for spiritual transformation. Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend! SHOW LINKS: Explore the Bible at Lifeway Christian Resources Please click HERE for more information about Deep Discipleship, mentioned in the show.…