Small Groups in the Wesleyan Way: Recent Episodes
Discipleship Ministries
An agency of The United Methodist Church, Discipleship Ministries helps local church, district, and conference leaders fulfill the shared dream of making world-changing disciples.
The agency connects leaders with needed resourcing, training, consulting, and networking that support spiritual formation, new church development, revitalization of local churches, and materials for use in Central Conferences. Discipleship Ministries has embarked upon an integrated, strategic direction that serves the church with continuity, based upon basic values and mission.
When Trinity United Methodist Church in Kansas City needed to raise $50,000 for much-needed repairs to their historic building, the congregation of 75 found themselves facing a big challenge. The Rev. Tex Sample shares with Ken Sloane the journey of Trinity's capital campaign.
In this session, we hear from Rachel Gilmore, Director of Recruiting, Assessing, and Training for Community Engagement and Church Planting at Discipleship Ministries. Rachel, also a former church planter, will cover a wide range of topics including in-home versus at-church small groups, the connection between worship and small groups, and the various roles within small groups. To participate in the online course for free, visit smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org.
People inside and outside of our churches are hungering for places that feel smaller and offer welcome, connection, and belonging. Small groups offer that and so much more. In this session, we will hear a unique perspective from Rev. Motoe Yamada Foor who serves at the Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church, the Garden Church. Pastor Motoe will help us explore the essential elements of a small groups and casting a vision for small groups among other important ideas. To participate in the online course for free, visit smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org.
People inside and outside of our churches are hungering for places that feel smaller and offer welcome, connection, and belonging. Small groups offer that and so much more. In this session, Mark Youngman and Joy Dodge of Providence United Methodist Church help us explore the big “why” of small group ministry. To participate in the online course for free, visit http://smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org.
In this session, we will hear from Pastor Brad Kalajainen, the author of "How to Start Small Groups" which serves as our main text for this course. Kalajainen highlights the role of small groups in pastoral care and growing disciples and leaders within the church. To participate in the online course for free, visit http://smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org.
See All The People, a 90-second daily radio series, features Rev. Junius Dotson. Each message helps provide Christians with a simple thought of the day as they work with their congregation to see all the people in their community.
Scott interviews Christine Hides who is a deacon in the Northern Illinois Annual Conference, the Director of Christian Education at Kenilworth Union Church, and a blogger at www.christinevhides.com. Scott and Christine explore the positives and challenges of online small groups.
Scott interviews author, psychologist, and third-degree black belt, Angela Schaffner. Scott and Angela explore self-awareness as a means to Christian maturity, the importance of reflection for small group leaders, and the need for vulnerability. Checkout Angela’s book "Revealed: What the Bible Can Teach You About Yourself" (https://bookstore.upperroom.org/Products/1861/revealed.aspx/?path=BookstoreBanner&dept=marketing) and her blog at http://angelaschaffnerphd.com/.
Scott caught up with author and coach Scott Boren. They discuss Scott Boren’s new book "Beyond Small Groups: From Programmatic Meetings to Flourishing Communities". In this episode, they explore the importance of spiritual practices and trust in small groups. Also, checkout Scott Boren’s blog at http://mscottboren.org/
Scott caught up with author and coach Scott Boren. They discuss Scott Boren’s new book "Beyond Small Groups: From Programmatic Meetings to Flourishing Communities". In this episode, Scott explores the importance of spiritual practices and trust in small groups. Also checkout Scott Boren’s blog at http://mscottboren.org/
Scott and David Teel, Director of Laity and Spiritual Leadership, discuss Discipleship Ministries’ See All The People resource for churches and small groups.
Scott interviews Meagan O’Brien from the Gathering United Methodist Church in St. Louis. Meagan is an Associate Site Pastor at the McCausland location of the Gathering. Scott and Meagan discuss CoreGroups and the necessity for leadership development.
Scott offers encouragement to churches and small groups willing to engage in Courageous Conversations following the special called General Conference. There is a resource for local churches and small groups to use called Courageous Conversations following General Conference.
Scott interviews Lauren Miller, Minister of Discipleship at Gay Street UMC in Mount Vernon, Ohio. They discuss discipleship and small groups at Gay Street UMC as well as the role of the church in giving guidance for discipleship formation.
Scott interviews Flo Sapp Martin, part-time Director of Education at Centenary United Methodist Church in the South Georgia Conference. They discuss Flo’s involvement in an Interfaith small group and how such a group might help us to grow in our faith.
Scott interviews Rev. Thomas Cross, Pastor of Discipleship at Broomfield United Methodist Church in Broomfield, Colorado. They explore the importance of having a clear entry into groups, identifying leaders, training teachers, and being a church of small groups, not just a church with small groups.
Scott interviews Robert Martin, professor of Christian Education and Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary and elder in the Missouri Conference, to discuss what it means to grow spiritually. They also discuss the role of habits and small groups as a catalyst in spiritual growth throughout a congregation.
Scott interviews Robert Martin, professor of Christian Education and Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary and elder in the Missouri Conference. They discuss what it means to grow spiritually, and the role of habits and small groups in spiritual growth.
Scott interviews Jack Seymour, author and professor emeritus from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Jack is a guru of religious education. He has authored several books including: "Teaching the Way of Jesus", "Teaching Biblical Faith: Leading Small Group Bible Studies", and "Yearning for God: Reflections of Faithful Lives".
Scott interviews Rev. Dale McConkey. Dale is a professor of sociology at Berry College and a part-time local pastor at Mount Tabor United Methodist Church in Armuchee, Georgia. Dale is also the author of "United Methodists Divided: Understanding Our Differences over Homosexuality".
Scott interviews Barbara Bruce, author and teacher. Barbara has a contagious passion for teaching and learning. She has authored several books including "Start Here: Teaching and Learning with Adults" and "Our Spiritual Brain: Integrating Brain Research and Faith Development".
From the national CEF(Christians Engaged in Faith Formation) Conference, Scott had the opportunity to interview Lynne Smith, Director of Education at North Georgia Family Counseling Centers and Associate Pastor at Mount Carmel UMC in Norcross, and Kim Reindl, Director of Intergenerational, Youth, and Children Discipleship at Cokes Chapel UMC. Lynne and Kim discuss what they’ve learned at the conference about small groups and offer a number of tips for small group success.
Scott interviews the Rev. Allison Fasig, pastor of discipleship at The Village United Methodist Church. Scott and Allison discuss Village Groups, mission based small groups, sermon based groups, giving group's homework, and other small group dynamics.
Scott interviews Rev. Lenny Luchetti, Professor of Proclamation and Christian Ministries at Wesley Seminary of Indiana Wesleyan University. Scott and Lenny explore the deeper discipleship that transcends American virtues and how small groups can be mirrors to foster discipleship growth.
Scott interviews the Rev. Mark Youngman, one of the pastors at Providence United Methodist Church. Scott and Mark discuss some of the common challenges churches face with regard to small group ministry.
Scott interviews Rev. Dave Barnhart pastor at Saint Junia United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Saint Junia is a network of house churches that is intentional about participation, justice ministries, and discipleship formation.
Learn more about Rev. Barnhart at https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/author/david_barnhart
Scott joins Rev. Cynthia Wilson, Associate General Secretary for Leadership Ministries at Discipleship Ministries, and Rev. Jackson Henry, Director of Music Ministries, for a conversation about the vital link between worship and small groups. They also highlight Discipleship Ministries’ worship resources that now include small group resources.
Scott interviews Rev. Chris Barbieri, author and deacon in North Georgia. They discuss dynamics to consider when having a difficult conversation in a small group or Sunday school class.
Scott interviews Rev. Talbot Davis, pastor at Good Shepherd UMC in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Abingdon author. We explore the small group ministry model at Good Shepherd, multi-ethnic small groups, and the use of Davis’ books as small group resources.
Scott welcomes Rev. Doc Hall, Director of Older Adult Spiritual Formation Programs for the Upper Room, to discuss unique dynamics of small groups with and for older adults.
See All The People, a 90 second daily radio series, features Rev. Junius Dotson. Each message helps provide Christians with a simple thought of the day as they work with their congregation to see all the people in their community.
For Steve’s last episode, we explore what a General Rule of Discipleship is and how it can cultivate a culture of disciple-making across the church and for small groups.
This the second part of Steve’s interview with Phil Meadows who is a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary. Phil’s latest book "Remembering Our Baptism: Discipleship and Mission in the Wesleyan Spirit" is the focus on the conversation. In this episode, they explore a shocking metaphor of baptism and how classes and band meetings helped the early Methodist live out their baptism.
Steve interviews Phil Meadows who is a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary. Phil’s latest book Remembering Our Baptism: Discipleship and Mission in the Wesleyan Spirit is the focus of the conversation. In particular, we explore the question, What is the life in which we are baptized?
Scott and Steve debrief about their interview with James K. A. Smith. We explore cultural liturgies that shape us and the importance of the connection between worship and small group ministry.
Scott and Steve had the opportunity to interview James K. A. Smith who is a professor of philosophy at Calvin College. Professor Smith has written numerous books including "You Are What You Love" which is the focus on our conversation on how culture disciples us and how small groups can be a means of grace that disciples us in the image of Christ.
In the second part of Steve’s interview with Scott Kisker, they focus on the risk of intimacy that occur in band meetings. They also explore how real freedom to love God and neighbor results from the dynamics of being in a band meeting.
Steve interviews Scott Kisker, professor of the History of Christianity at United Theological Seminary, and co-author of "The Band Meeting". In Part 1, the discussion centers on the history and practical use of band meetings.
Scott and Steve interview Cindy Yanchury, Minister of Faith Formation at Advent United Methodist Church in Eagan, Minnesota. Cindy discusses the growth of Connect groups while Scott and Steve explore the concept of Grace Groups. Also, some breaking news for the podcast.
In this podcast Rudy Rasmus from St. John's Downtown Houston and author of "Love.Period", and Jackson Henry, Director of Music Ministries at Discipleship Ministries, takes us deeper into our Lenten series as they share on the theme of Recovery.
Instead of running away from failure shouldn’t we be running towards success? Not success as we usually define it, the obtaining of materials goods, having a good reputation, and so on. True success is found when we love in the way of Jesus, giving ourselves to others and grabbing hold of hope for the future.
Rehab: A Podcast for Lent invites you to enter into series of conversations about living into a time of transformation. This podcast is based on the worship series Rehab and Rehab: A Group Study, created by staff at Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. During each podcast you will encounter a leading edge pastor and a Discipleship Ministries staff person as they wrestle with what it means to enter into a time of spiritual, emotional, and physical change.
Scott interviews Nancy Going (Executive Director at Vibrant Faith) to discuss the use of the Visual Faith Project’s image cards and other visuals for faith formation. Scott and Steve also explore the use of icons and imagination in discipleship.
Rehab: A Podcast for Lent invites you to enter into series of conversations about living into a time of transformation. This podcast is based on the worship series Rehab and Rehab: A Group Study, created by staff at Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. During each podcast you will encounter a leading edge pastor and a Discipleship Ministries staff person as they wrestle with what it means to enter into a time of spiritual, emotional, and physical change.
Rehab: A Podcast for Lent invites you to enter into series of conversations about living into a time of transformation. This podcast is based on the worship series Rehab and Rehab: A Group Study, created by staff at Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. During each podcast you will encounter a leading edge pastor and a Discipleship Ministries staff person as they wrestle with what it means to enter into a time of spiritual, emotional, and physical change.
Scott and Steve consider the vital role trust has in making groups thrive. We also note how baptism provides a foundation for identity and the place of vulnerability.
Scott and Steve discuss group dynamics including the cycle of Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Reforming. They also discuss how to push groups through the “doldrums.”
Scott and Steve explore the downsides of printed and video based curricula. They discuss other resources small groups can use for intentional disciple making, such as "A Disciple’s Journal".
Scott and Steve build on General Secretary Junius Dotson’s mantra “stop fixing churches” by discussing how to build a culture of growing Wesleyan leaders through small groups.
Scott and Steve continue their interview with Kevin Watson about his book "The Class Meeting". Scott and Steve also interview Amy Sigmon from Belle Meade United Methodist Church about her experience with The Class Meeting.
Scott and Steve interview Kevin Watson about his book "The Class Meeting". This is part one of a two-part series.
Scott and Steve explore the essential elements of most small groups. Find out the seven components necessary to make your small groups thrive.
Scott and Steve interview Lead Pastor Donna Banks, and Associate Pastor Cameron Merrill from St. Francis United Methodist Church in Cary, North Carolina about their small group ministry called Table Groups.
Steve and Scott continue their interview Dr David Lowes Watson about the history of the class leader.
Scott and Steve interview Rev. Jean Tippit, Discipleship Pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Mobile, AL. Rev. Tippit gives her expertise regarding small group dynamics, such as the role of food, recruiting leaders, and conflict. Additionally, we learn the difference between setting up for a party and a small group.
Scott and Steve give their answers to questions they’ve been frequently asked about small groups: How to start small groups in a church without them; how to get participation; how to identify new leaders; how to accommodate busy schedules.
Scott and Steve explore the Wesleyan distinctive of small groups – accountability. We also discuss the Book of Discipline’s mandate to accountable discipleship through small groups.
In part two of this two part episode, Scott and Steve have the opportunity to interview missional small group guru M. Scott Boren. We discuss further insights into missional communities versus small groups.
In part one of this two part episode, Scott and Steve have the opportunity to interview missional small group guru M. Scott Boren. We discuss what it means to be missional and what that means for small group ministry.
What are some of the best practices for starting small groups? In this episode, Scott interviews Brad Kalajainen, Senior Pastor of Cornerstone United Methodist Church near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Brad also has written a booklet for Discipleship Ministries titled "How To Start Small Groups".
In this episode, Scott interviews Rev. Dr. Melanie Dobson, Minister of Faith Formation at Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC. We explore faith formation in a high steeple church with lots of Sunday school classes as well as various small group opportunities.
The third in a series of three episodes covering Covenant Discipleship Groups. Scott and Steve interview Melanie Gordon, of Discipleship Ministries, about the book "Growing Everyday Disciples". Melanie walks us through how this resource is helpful in teaching all ages about justice.
The second in a series of three episodes on Covenant Discipleship Groups. Scott and Steve interview Chris Wilterdink of Youth People Ministries about his book "Everyday Disciples, Covenant Discipleship for Youth". “The first rule of Covenant Discipleship groups is…”
The first in a series of three episodes on covenant discipleship groups. Scott interviews Steve Manskar about his book "Disciples Making Disciples", exploring a Wesleyan understanding of discipleship and growing missional leaders within a local congregation.
Scott and Steve interview the General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries, the Rev. Junius Dotson. Rev. Dotson speaks to small groups as an organizing principle for local congregations, pastors about the importance of small groups, and the importance of pastor’s participation within small groups.
Steve interviews Dr. Phil Meadows about the role of band meetings in early Methodism and its role in today’s church. Scott and Steve give some quick updates about their work and have a giveaway winner.
Scott and Steve discuss Safe Sanctuaries policies with regard to small groups. We call in the help of our Safe Sanctuaries guru Melanie Gordon for advice both with regard to handling policies and for tips getting kids involved.
Spring Training Edition. Just as baseball players work on the fundamentals in Spring Training, Scott and Steve explore the essential practice of engaging with Scripture as a small group. Steve highlights the importance John Wesley gave to Scripture. Scott surveys right and left brained ways of engaging in Scripture for small groups.
Super Bowl edition! Scott and Steve explore the genius of the early Methodist movement as a lay lead movement. Steve discusses the disciple forming system of the early Methodists with the Dean of the Upper Room Chapel, Tom Albin.
Are we too dependent on curriculum? What exactly is a curriculum anyway? Scott and Steve explore these and other issues related to disciple making and curriculum. Scott interviews Warren Pattison, Director of Adult Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Florida.
Small group ministry is messy! Dealing with the administration and logistics gets tricky. Scott and Steve interview Mark Youngman, one of the pastors at Providence United Methodist Church. Scott and Steve also share their worst small group experiences as well, offering a few words of practical advice.
The Small Groups in the Wesleyan Way podcast is where we are all about going beyond curriculum, beyond programs, beyond best practices to recover and learn from our Wesleyan roots and to explore the foundations for small groups that produce disciples of Jesus Christ who in turn disciple others.
Scott Hughes is the Director of Adult Discipleship for Discipleship Ministries. Steve Manskar is Director of Wesleyan Leadership and Covenant Discipleship for Discipleship Ministries.
How does our theology provide support and structure for small group ministry? Building on episode 1 (Biblical basis for small groups), Scott and Steve take a deep dive into how Wesleyan theology can give guidance to small group ministries. Steve also surveys the early Wesleyan methodology for disciple making.
The Small Groups in the Wesleyan Way podcast is where we are all about going beyond curriculum, beyond programs, beyond best practices to recover and learn from our Wesleyan roots and to explore the foundations for small groups that produce disciples of Jesus Christ who in turn disciple others.
Scott Hughes is the Director of Adult Discipleship for Discipleship Ministries. Steve Manskar is Director of Wesleyan Leadership and Covenant Discipleship for Discipleship Ministries.
Called by a variety of names: discipleship groups, cell groups, life groups, etc. what exactly constitutes a small group? Scott and Steve explore this question with the help of Jacqui King (Director of Congregational Vitality) from Discipleship Ministries.
The Small Groups in the Wesleyan Way podcast is where we are all about going beyond curriculum, beyond programs, beyond best practices to recover and learn from our Wesleyan roots and to explore the foundations for small groups that produce disciples of Jesus Christ who in turn disciple others.
Scott Hughes is the Director of Adult Discipleship for Discipleship Ministries. Steve Manskar is Director of Wesleyan Leadership and Covenant Discipleship for Discipleship Ministries.
What does baptism have to do with discipleship and small group ministries? Taylor Burton-Edwards (aka ‘Liturgy Man’) adds his insights as Scott and Steve discuss creating a culture for discipleship and small groups.
The Small Groups in the Wesleyan Way podcast is where we are all about going beyond curriculum, beyond programs, beyond best practices to recover and learn from our Wesleyan roots and to explore the foundations for small groups that produce disciples of Jesus Christ who in turn disciple others.
Scott Hughes is the Director of Adult Discipleship for Discipleship Ministries. Steve Manskar is Director of Wesleyan Leadership and Covenant Discipleship for Discipleship Ministries.
What does Scripture affirm about small groups? Scott and Steve explore four passages that help ground small group ministry. Steve also discusses the Methodist movement’s use of the trial bands.
The Small Groups in the Wesleyan Way podcast is where we are all about going beyond curriculum, beyond programs, beyond best practices to recover and learn from our Wesleyan roots and to explore the foundations for small groups that produce disciples of Jesus Christ who in turn disciple others.
Scott Hughes is the Director of Adult Discipleship for Discipleship Ministries. Steve Manskar is Director of Wesleyan Leadership and Covenant Discipleship for Discipleship Ministries.