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Group Leadership
April 2, 2021

Restarting Groups (and Lawnmowers)

By Ken Braddy

Tools. I love them.

If you want to make me happy, drop me off at a home improvement store for a few hours. I can walk up and down the aisles absolutely mesmerized by the myriad options to get any job done.

I must admit that I am not much of a handyman. That’s not to say that I can’t fix things, but normally it takes me longer because I never seem to have the right tools at hand. If I have the right tools, then inevitably I cannot locate them. Most of the time, though, I find myself making a run to the big box home improvement store to buy one or two specialized tools to complete a repair job at the house. 

During this off season, my lawnmower decided to stop running. It wouldn’t start, no matter what I did. I kicked it. I ordered a tool to help me adjust a setting in the engine (I did it wrong and really messed it up).  Do I throw it away, or do I look for some help? After trying every repair trick I knew to get it to restart, I decided to find some help. I found a repair shop, and the owner tuned my 10-year-old lawnmower. He replaced the oil and the blade, changed out the air filter, and replaced my old spark plug. He reset the engine to factory specs. Now she runs like a new mower! That may be the best $99 I’ve spent in a while.  

Restarting Bible Study Groups

The church has a big job ahead of it this year. It’s time to begin the process of restarting Bible study groups for all ages. Like my old lawnmower, there is no need to toss out Sunday School (insert whatever name your church calls your Bible teaching ministry)—it probably just needs a quick tune-up. We want to be sure that our teaching ministries are running at peak efficiency. I needed some help because I lacked the right tools and know-how. When I found the right person, he solved my dilemma and now my lawnmower can provide service well into the future.

As we look at the needs of churches this year, Lifeway has developed a series of webinars to help churches of all types focus on some foundational principles. Think of this as giving you the right tools and information to help you tune up your church’s most important ministry. With a little effort, you can have it running like a top! Here is a quick look ahead at the upcoming webinars designed to help you restart your church’s teaching ministry this year (for a more complete look at these webinars, and to sign up, go to lifeway.com/restartgroups):

  • Breathing Life into Sunday School – There are 12 essentials that can help any Sunday School become healthier. Get your Sunday School off of life support and put it on the road to recovery.
  • Restarting Sunday School – During the first year of COVID, groups struggled to meet. As groups begin to regather, there are considerations for their successful relaunch.
  • How to Have all the Workers you Need – Never struggle to enlist group leaders after you learn a process for recruiting new leaders.
  • 3 Roles for Guiding Groups – Teacher, Shepherd, and Leader—every group leader must embrace these important roles and balance them to create a healthy environment for the group’s members.
  • Leading Small Groups – Learn how to gather, lead, and multiply your small group.
  • Teaching with Style – Jesus was an expert in communicating His messages. Discover the eight learning approaches and how to use them to teach engaging Bible studies each week.
  • 5 Steps for Building a Disciple–making Ministry – For over 100 years churches have used a simple formula for creating great groups and a strong disciple-making ministry. Do you know the steps to take in order to grow your Bible-teaching ministry?

This series of webinars will be offered on weekends, at night, and during the daytime. We tried our best to give you options because we know you need something flexible. 

Don’t throw out Sunday School! Use these webinars to give you the tools to make it run like a new teaching ministry. COVID has created a hard year for the church. As we restart groups this year, let’s tune up the church’s most important ministry—its Bible study groups!

 

Group Answers Podcast
March 24, 2021

Group Answers Episode 197: Avoiding a Rough Reentry for Your Group

By Chris Surratt
https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/03/GA-197.mp3

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On this episode of Group Answers, Brian, Chris, and Brandon talk about how to successfully restart your small group after COVID.

Resources:

Restarting Groups Webinars

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 Leadership
February 1, 2021

Leading My Group Through Seasons of Fear and Anxiety

By Group Ministry

By Tyler Quillet

2021 hasn’t changed too much from the 2020 that we experienced, has it? We continue to live with so many questions, so much heartache, and much trepidation. Between COVID and a heavily divided country, there’s a lot going on. So how do we respond to this in our group times and throughout the week as we engage with one another?

First, let’s address some of the fears that so many are facing:

  • Will I still have a job in six months?
  • Will I get COVID, and if so, what will happen to me?
  • What if one of my loved ones gets COVID?
  • What if the economy tanks?
  • I’m scared to go to _______ because I might get COVID.
  • How do I protect my family during this time?
  • What if the unrest in our nation gets worse?

This list could go on all day, but these are just a number of the questions that bring much fear and anxiety. Without a doubt, these are fears and anxieties that have set up shop in the minds of your group members. As leaders, friends, and those desiring to point people to Jesus, how do we help combat these thoughts alongside others?

Jesus spoke to this. He gives us HIS peace. While the world gives us fear, anxiety and trepidation, Jesus gives real peace. That doesn’t mean the circumstances change or there aren’t things that could go wrong, but it means that when we place our full trust in Him, His Spirit will overwhelm our hearts with HIS peace.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” 

-John 14:27

Not only does Jesus give us His peace, but He asks us to lay before Him all that burdens our hearts. And, as we do this, His peace will guard our hearts and minds.

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

-Philippians 4:6-7

So how do we lead our groups with this in mind?

If you are an open and transparent group, sharing your deepest fears and anxieties won’t be difficult. If transparency is a difficult thing for your group members, this is a good starting point. Ask each person to share their real fears or anxieties when it comes to all that we are dealing with in the world today. Allow tears, allow hard questions, and also allow silence or even a desire not to share. That’s ok. As group members share, stop, and “through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Spend time going to Jesus on behalf of your group members. Don’t take their fears lightly. While some of these concerns may not seem like something that’s worth being fearful about to you, it may be a deep anxiety that someone else is battling. Run to Jesus on their behalf and pray for them often.

Several years ago, my wife and I were about to embark on an incredibly scary journey. It was a life transition that we were unsure of and it brought us much fear of the unknown. As we shared our deepest fears with our small group, one of our other leaders asked if they could all stand around us and pray. They took our requests to God and we were SO overwhelmed by God’s peace. I’ll never forget that moment when my “people” took so seriously the fears we had that they immediately ran to Jesus with them on our behalf. And God was faithful to grant us His peace.

As you move forward in life while also feeling “stuck” in difficult times, give your group members opportunities to pour out their fears. As they do so, go to the throne on their behalf. Purpose to continue to check in on their hearts after your formal group time has ended. Be sure to also allow time in your group for praise in how God has overwhelmed your hearts with His peace. 

These are difficult days. Watch your group grow together as you share your fears, run to Jesus in trust, and praise Him for the peace of heart He gives. 

Tyler Quillet is the discipleship strategist for the Custom Church Resources team at Lifeway Christian Resources. He lives in the Nashville, Tenn. area with his incredible wife, Cathie, and two boys, Cylas and Bowen. Tyler also speaks, writes, and coaches alongside Cathie as they pour into and care for those battling infertility through Cathie’s, The Quillet Institute. Tyler previously spent 15 years as a pastor and is passionate about serving churches and pouring into church leaders in a variety of ways. 

Group Answers Podcast
January 20, 2021

Group Answers Episode 188: Evan Owens on Mental Health

By Group Ministry
https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/01/GA-188.mp3

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On this episode of Group Answers, Brian and Chris check in again with Evan Owens about caring for people with mental health issues in our churches and groups. Evan currently serves as the Executive Director of REBOOT Recovery. He is certified in military ministry and has personally facilitated trauma recovery groups for over 350 combat veterans and military spouses. REBOOT is a non-profit that helps veterans, first responders and their loved ones to heal from the moral and spiritual wounds associated with service-related trauma.

Questions

  • This year has obviously been a difficult time for mental health. What are you seeing in your practice at Reboot?
  • First responders and frontline health workers have been especially hit hard this year. How are you helping them, and what can we do?
  • What are steps we should take to make sure we are staying healthy through all of this?
  • How can group leaders best take care of hurting group members as they start to regather in 2021?
  • What should a leader do if someone in their care is in crisis?

Resources

REBOOT Recovery

[If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text a crisis counselor by messaging 741741.]

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
January 6, 2021

Group Answers Episode 186: What We Learned About Groups and Community During This Pandemic

By Group Ministry
https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/01/GA-186.mp3

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On this episode of Group Answers, Chris and Brian catch up with three previous guests about the lessons they learned from doing groups in 2020, and how they are going to apply them in 2021.

 

Ashley Anderson Ashley Anderson is community groups leader at Church of the City in New York, New York.
Dave Enns Dave Enns is the pastor of life group ministries at North Coast Church in San Diego, California.
Jon Hughes Jon Hughes is adult ministries director at Community Christian Church in Chicago, Illinois.

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, Uncategorized
November 25, 2020

Group Answers Episode 180: Monthly Check-In with Jared Musgrove

By Group Ministry
https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/11/GA-180.mp3

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On this episode of Group Answers, Chris and Brian check in with Jared Musgrove. Dr. Jared Steven Musgrove is Groups Pastor at The Village Church in Flower Mound, TX and co-founder and Executive Director of communityleadership.org. He is married to Jenny and father to Jordan and Joshua.

Questions:

  • We have been talking a lot on this podcast about potential drift in discipleship and spiritual disciplines. What are some things you do personally to keep fit spiritually?
  • How are you helping your groups and group leaders be healthy during this season?
  • Do you give your leaders specific training or encouragement for caring for their group members?
  • How are your online groups going? Will that be an ongoing strategy?
  • What are your priorities as you plan for groups in 2021?

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
October 14, 2020

Group Answers Episode 174: A Check-in With a Groups Pastor

By Group Ministry
https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/10/GA-174.mp3

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On this episode of Group Answers, Brian and Chris start a new series of monthly episodes where they will check in with Jared Musgrove, the Groups Pastor at Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas.

Dr. Jared Steven Musgrove is Groups Pastor at The Village Church in Flower Mound, TX and co-founder and Executive Director of communityleadership.org. He is married to Jenny and father to Jordan and Joshua.

Questions

  • Tell us about the current season of prayer and fasting that Village is walking through.
  • How are you preparing leaders for this season of divide as the election gets closer?
  • What is working for groups that have started regathering in-person?
  • What is not working?
  • How do your groups navigate the holiday season?

Episode Sponsor

Ministry Grid wants to help your church stay on the same page and maintain discipleship in the midst of this unique season. They are offering a special offer specifically for our podcast listeners to get unlimited access for $399/year. Just go to ministrygrid.com/podcasts to learn more.

This offer is only valid through October 31 at midnight. So make sure you sign up before the end of the month.

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
September 23, 2020

Group Answers Episode 171: Keep or Leave Behind

By Group Ministry
https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/groupministry.lifeway.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/09/GA171.mp3

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On this episode of Group Answers, Chris, Brian, and Brandon discuss the top things they would keep and leave behind from this season of isolation.

Keep:

  • Freedom to Zoom or drive
  • Online and in-person groups
  • High relational touch throughout the week
  • The group urgency
  • Challenge to the status quo

Leave Behind:

  • Zoom fatigue
  • Lack of human contact
  • Politically charged environments
  • Online led singing
  • Group meetings without a Bible study

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
September 18, 2020

Three Creative Ways to Encourage Distanced Group Members

By Deborah Spooner

Small groups are meeting in many forms right now.

Some have resumed meeting in person but maybe not in the typical locations or as frequently. Others are meeting only online and meeting more frequently than before. And still others meet partially in person and partially online.

What does staying connected look like in this environment? Whether you are beginning to see your group members in person again or not, we all need unique encouragement as we journey through this unusual time. Here are three creative ways to make steps in this direction.

Use Reminders
Much occupies our time and mental space, but we can schedule interruptions. Choose a different group member for each day of the week, and then set an encouragement reminder for a specific time on your phone. Each day when you receive your reminder, text one of your group members with three things that you specifically appreciate about them and that you are praying for them that day. Using something simple like the reminder app on your phone can be a means of regular encouragement to your group members.

Challenge Up
Sometimes the best way to receive encouragement is in the form of a challenge. In this strange season, challenge your group members to step up. Ask them to share a verse that they read that day or week with another person in the group via text or phone call. This will not only challenge group members to continue digging into the Word but will also help them focus on the truth of those verses that they might share with someone else.

Memorize More
Group members might be dealing with various levels of doubt, insecurity, instability, exhaustion, and more. It can become easy to give an undue amount of attention to these thoughts and feelings. But, we can fight discouragement through the truth of Scripture. To give your group encouragement, pick a passage to commit to memorizing as a group during the next month. As your group members work on remembering the verses throughout the day, this can replace the fears, doubts, and other discouraging feelings they face with the deep encouragement of the Bible.

We must commit to encouraging each other throughout this time. As you step up as the group leader and challenge others to do the same, we will all learn to love Christ more deeply and experience the encouragement found in Him.

If you need additional resources to aid your group in encouragement, check out Derwin Gray’s Bible study “The Good Life” about finding true happiness through the Beatitudes.

Group Leadership
September 17, 2020

Who is Your All?

By Dwayne McCrary

In the front entrance of Lifeway sits a display case that includes some notes written by Arthur Flake. He had been hired as the first Director of Sunday School and was preparing to write his first book in that role. The page on display includes this statement: All need to study the Bible. Most of us would agree with this statement and move on. A few might change the word need to should or ought, but would still affirm the spirit of the statement. 

The statement “all need to study the Bible” seems simple until we start to look at the history behind this statement. 

  1. It was 1920. The world had endured the Spanish Flu and World War 1 in 1918, followed by social unrest in America in 1919. High unemployment, stiff competition for jobs (soldiers returned from Europe without any re-entry plan), and an economy ramping down after a war contributed to a season of riots. Every region was impacted and stained in some way. We still don’t know how many people actually died in this season. To call for ALL to be in Bible study in 1920 went in the face of what had been going on in society. Flake was calling for a radical change with Bible study groups leading the way.    
  2. ALL came from experience. Flake had built a Bible study ministry that embraced the belief that all people need to study the Bible. He was responsible for the Bible study groups at First Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, TX prior to returning to what is now Lifeway as director of Sunday School. At that time in their history, FBCFW met in three different locations as they awaited the rebuilding of their facilities (fire gutted the facilities in 1912). Groups met in whatever space they could find and at times other than Sunday. In January of 1920, FBCFW became the largest attended Sunday School in the US at the time. 
  3. ALL is not so easy to define. We might be tempted to think of prejudice only in terms of race but it goes beyond that. In FBCFW at that time, one could find union leaders and union busters, police officers and convicted criminals, white collar workers and blue collar workers. Each of these designations created some type of division with a prejudice held somewhere in the other group. That is how labels and distinctions play out.  

That brings us to the question of our all. Who is missing from our Bible study groups and why? Do we have a place for “them” or have we made it clear that those outside of our group are not welcome? Have we already answered “no” for them before inviting them to join us for Bible study? Who might attend if we really did have the mentality that “ALL people need to study the Bible”? 

Do our actions match our words that everyone needs to study the Bible? Who is your all and what are you doing to involve them in Bible study? 

Dwayne McCrary is a team leader at Lifeway, adjunct professor at Midwestern BTS, and Bible study leader in the church he attends.

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