Groups Matter Podcast

How do we make disciples in a world competing for everyone’s attention?In this episode, Brian Daniel talks with Scott Sullivan about rebuilding discipleship around relationships rather than programs. They explore how churches can respond to cultural shifts, create environments where trust can grow, and develop discipleship strategies that actually lead to spiritual transformation.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why relationship-driven discipleship mattersHow churches can move beyond program-heavy ministryWays to adapt discipleship to cultural changeHow to measure whether discipleship is actually workingWhy trust is essential to spiritual formationDiscover how churches can build a discipleship culture that is relational, intentional, and rooted in the way Jesus made disciples.SHOW LINKS:Disciples PathDeep DiscipleshipExplore the BibleBible Studies For LifeThe Gospel Project

What does our worship reveal about what we believe?In this episode, Brian Daniel talks with Lifeway's Director of Worship, Kirk Kirkland, about the relationship between worship and culture and how the way we worship can both reflect and influence the world around us.They explore the importance of honesty in worship and look at how church music and theology have shifted over the past three decades. Kirk offers perspective for church leaders seeking to understand these changes while keeping worship centered on God and rooted in truth.Discover how a deeper understanding of worship can shape the way we lead, disciple, and engage our culture.SHOW LINKS:

How does the culture around us shape the way we worship, think, and follow Jesus?In this episode, Brian Daniel sits down with Dr. Joe Crider to explore the powerful influence of art, culture, media, and physical spaces on the church and its approach to discipleship.From changing communication eras to the spaces where we gather, what surrounds us can shape how we engage with God and one another. Dr. Crider helps church leaders think more intentionally about these influences and how they can use them to deepen faith and strengthen discipleship.Discover how understanding culture and communication can help the church make disciples who are more deeply rooted in their faith and better equipped to engage the world around them.SHOW LINKS:

What does it take to plant and grow a healthy church in a rapidly changing culture?Recorded live at the SBC, Brian Daniel sits down with Will Browning to talk about church planting in California, building a strong discipleship culture, and navigating ministry in an increasingly digital world.Will shares practical insights for reaching people in urban contexts, growing small groups, and using technology like AI responsibly without losing the relational heart of ministry.In this episode, you’ll discover:Lessons from church planting in CaliforniaPractical strategies for developing disciplesHow to foster healthy small group growthChallenges and opportunities in urban ministryWays AI can serve the church when used wiselyTune in as Will and Brian explore what it looks like to faithfully make disciples while navigating the realities of ministry today.SHOW LINKS:Deep Discipleship Logos Bible SoftwareMinistry Safe

What does faithful discipleship look like in a rapidly changing culture?In this special episode, Brian Daniel introduces the next chapter of the podcast as Group Answers becomes the Discipleship and Culture Podcast.Culture is shifting, and the questions facing the church are getting deeper. How do we disciple people in a post-Christian world? How do we engage culture without compromising truth? And how do we form resilient followers of Jesus?The Discipleship and Culture Podcast will explore spiritual formation, theology, leadership, church community, generational differences, identity, technology, AI, and the cultural issues shaping everyday life.Brian also introduces some of the incredible voices joining the podcast this season, including Elizabeth Woodson, D.A. Horton, Scott Sullivan, Kirk Kirkland, Jana Magruder, and Scott McConnell.While the podcast is changing, previous Group Answers episodes will remain available in this feed.Our mission is simple: to equip leaders to make disciples who are grounded in

They're the first generation to never know a world without smartphones, streaming, and AI. Is your ministry ready for Generation Alpha?Generation Alpha is growing up in a world unlike any previous generation. Their understanding of relationships, identity, learning, and even truth is being shaped by technology from their earliest years. For parents and ministry leaders, that presents both incredible opportunities and significant challenges.In this episode of Group Answers, we take a closer look at the emerging characteristics of Generation Alpha and what they mean for the future of discipleship. Together, we explore how digital culture is influencing children's worldview, emotional health, and spiritual formation—and how the church can respond with wisdom, intentionality, and hope.As culture continues to change, the mission of making disciples remains the same. This conversation will encourage pastors, small group leaders, parents, and discipleship leaders to think intentionally about how they can h

A discipleship system can look like it’s “working” and still miss the point. Brian Daniel sits down with Robbie Gallaty, pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church, to tell the honest story behind a season where groups multiplied fast, then had to be audited, pruned, and rebuilt because disciple making had quietly drifted into something else.In this conversation we zoom out to what many leaders wonder about but few experience firsthand: spiritual renewal and revival. Robbie shares the waves of baptisms that followed, and why he believes readiness matters. We walk through the Movement Ready Church framework of disciple making conviction, organizational clarity, and spiritual renewal, plus what Replicate is learning from training thousands of churches, including renewed hunger for Scripture and the importance of a realistic Bible reading plan.If you lead discipleship, small groups, or a local church, listen closely, share this with a fellow leader, and then subscribe and leave a review so more pastors and group leade

If your discipleship plan depends on Sunday morning, you may be asking preaching to carry weight it was never meant to carry. Brian Daniel sits down with Mark Croston to define discipleship in plain terms: learning to follow Jesus as a follower and a learner. From there, we get honest about where churches drift, especially when we assume sermons alone will produce mature believers.Mark points to a sobering benchmark from Lifeway Research: the current state of discipleship earns a D grade. We talk about why that score does not mean leaders do not care, but it may mean our patterns are stuck in an older world where the church had more time, less competition, and more predictable rhythms. Today, people give fewer hours, attend less often, and carry full calendars, which makes small group ministry and relational disciple making more essential than ever.We close with practical pathways, including training intensives, bringing strategy back to the church field, and leadership cohorts built on honest conversation. T

Why do so many churches want to make disciples—but struggle to create a true disciple-making culture?In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with Vick Green to discuss what it takes to move beyond programs and cultivate a genuine disciple-making movement within the local church. Drawing from years of ministry experience, Vick shares insights on the barriers that often prevent churches from multiplying disciples and the foundational elements required for lasting renewal.Together, they explore how churches can align their mission, culture, and leadership around the call to make disciples. Vick explains why spiritual renewal must precede organizational change and how leaders can create environments where discipleship becomes a natural part of church life rather than just another ministry initiative.Whether you're leading a small group, overseeing discipleship ministries, or helping shape the direction of your church, this conversation provides valuable encouragement and actionable next step

What makes a small group truly effective?After more than three decades of leading groups and investing in discipleship, Joe Walker, Interim President of LifeWay Christian Resources, joins Brian Daniel on Group Answers to share the principles that have shaped his approach to group leadership and disciple-making.Drawing from years of ministry experience, Joe reflects on how group discipleship has evolved and why the core mission remains the same: helping people grow in their relationship with Christ through biblical community and life transformation. He offers practical wisdom for leaders who want to move beyond simply gathering people and create environments where meaningful discipleship can thrive.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why relationships are the foundation of effective group ministry  How to move from information to life application in Bible study  Practical ways to build community and connection within your group  The value of using a structured curriculum to facilitate discipleship  Joe’s approach t

What does effective discipleship look like in today’s rapidly changing church culture?In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with John Paul Basham to explore the evolving landscape of discipleship and disciple-making in the local church. Together, they unpack the challenges leaders are facing today, the role of small groups in spiritual formation, and how churches can create intentional pathways for lasting discipleship.From practical strategies to emerging technology, this conversation looks at both the timeless foundations of disciple-making and the new opportunities shaping ministry in the future. John Paul offers insight into how churches can better support leaders, measure engagement, and foster meaningful spiritual growth in their communities.In this episode, you’ll learn: What true discipleship really means in the life of the church  The current state of disciple-making and where churches are struggling  Why small groups remain essential for spiritual formation and community  Practica

What if the key to stronger leadership starts with discipline, accountability, and faith?In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with David Pollack to talk about leadership, personal growth, and what it means to live out your faith with conviction in every area of life. Drawing from his experience in sports, family, and faith, David shares practical wisdom on building discipline, embracing accountability, and leading with purpose.This conversation is both challenging and encouraging—especially for leaders seeking to grow spiritually while influencing others well. David highlights how adversity, vulnerability, and intentional living shape not only great leaders, but faithful disciples.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why discipline and accountability are essential for growth  How faith intersects with sports, leadership, and everyday life The importance of vulnerability in building strong relationships Insights on parenting, leadership, and responsibility How adversity shapes character and stren

What does discipleship look like in a culture that no longer shares your assumptions about faith?In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with Jen Oshman to explore the realities of discipleship in the American West and what it means to faithfully follow Jesus in an increasingly post-Christian context. Drawing from her experience as a missionary and her current ministry at Redemption Parker, Jen brings a unique perspective on the intersection of theology, culture, and everyday discipleship.Jen shares how understanding both theology and anthropology—what we believe about God and what we believe about people—is essential for effective ministry today. She also highlights the importance of long-term, relational investment in communities where trust must be built over time.In this episode, you’ll learn: The unique challenges of discipleship in a post-Christian culture Why understanding theology and anthropology together matters for ministry  The power of long-term relationships in building trust an

What if holiness wasn’t an afterthought, but the goal of discipleship?In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with Tasha Calvert to explore why holiness should be at the center of every believer’s life. In a culture that often minimizes or misunderstands it, Tasha brings clarity and conviction to what it means to pursue a life set apart for Christ, and how leaders can help others do the same.This conversation is both deeply theological and highly practical, offering small group leaders and ministry leaders a roadmap for guiding others toward genuine spiritual growth. Tasha emphasizes that holiness isn’t about perfection, but about intentional formation shaped by Scripture, community, and daily obedience.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why holiness is essential to Christian discipleship—not optional  The importance of personal engagement with Scripture How community plays a vital role in spiritual growth  What true boldness in sharing your faith really looks like  Practical steps for helping ot

What would it look like for your group to be truly marked by prayer?In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with Dwayne McCrary to explore the essential role of prayer in discipleship and group life. Drawing from his work on Marked by Prayer, Dwayne shares how leaders can move beyond surface-level prayer habits and cultivate a culture where prayer becomes central—not secondary—to spiritual growth.Together, they discuss the real challenges leaders face when trying to engage people in meaningful prayer, and why many groups struggle to move past routine or shallow practices. Dwayne offers both encouragement and practical tools to help leaders foster authentic, Spirit-dependent communities.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why prayer is foundational to discipleship and spiritual formation  How to integrate prayer naturally into small group life Common barriers to meaningful prayer—and how to overcome them  Practical ways to strengthen your personal prayer life Why groups must remain open and outward

Men’s ministry isn’t what it used to be—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with Josh Smith to unpack the evolving landscape of men’s ministry and what it takes to disciple men effectively in today’s culture. From shifting definitions of manhood to the growing challenges men face, Josh offers a grounded, biblical perspective on how churches can respond with clarity, conviction, and compassion.This conversation goes beyond surface-level solutions and calls leaders to invest deeply in the long-term spiritual formation of men—recognizing that true growth happens through relationships, consistency, and intentional discipleship. Josh encourages leaders to move beyond quick fixes and instead cultivate environments where men are known, challenged, and encouraged to grow into who God has called them to be.If this episode encouraged you, share it with a men’s leader or pastor! And if you’re enjoying Group Answers, take a moment to rate and review the podcast—

What if understanding the Old Testament could transform the way you read the entire Bible?In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel welcomes Jen Wilkin, Bible teacher and author, to discuss her latest study on the book of Joshua. Together, they dive into why the Old Testament is essential for every believer and how understanding context unlocks a richer, more faithful reading of Scripture.Jen brings clarity to some of the most challenging aspects of biblical interpretation, helping leaders and learners alike approach the Bible with both confidence and humility. From the story of Israel to the bigger narrative of redemption, this conversation highlights how the Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the gospel.Jen reminds us that deep, faithful Bible study isn’t just for scholars—it’s for every believer willing to slow down, ask questions, and engage God’s Word in community.If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or fellow leader! And if you’re enjoying Group Answers, take a mo

What if Bible study felt less intimidating—and more like an invitation to joy?In this episode of the Group Answers podcast, Brian Daniel is joined by Jimmy and Kelly Needham to talk about their upcoming Bible study, See for Yourself: How to Study Your Bible with Confidence and Joy. Together, they explore what it truly means for believers to engage Scripture firsthand, push past common barriers, and cultivate a discipleship rhythm rooted in joy rather than pressure.The Needhams share why personal engagement with God’s Word is essential for spiritual resilience—especially in a culture where secondhand Christianity often replaces genuine relationship with Jesus. Their conversation is filled with warmth, honesty, and practical insight for small group leaders, pastors, and anyone hoping to help others fall in love with Scripture again.Whether you're discipling a small group, teaching in your church, or looking to reignite your own love for Scripture, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped.If t

How do we model a faith that feels like delight, not duty?In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with Jani Ortlund to explore the heart of discipleship in both the family and the local church. With decades of wisdom as an author, mentor, and leader with Renewal Ministries, Jani shares what it truly looks like to put the beauty of Jesus on display, especially for the next generation.Jani unpacks the power of discipleship that happens organically in homes, small groups, and everyday life, reminding leaders that our posture often speaks louder than our words. From parenting to mentoring young women, she emphasizes cultivating environments where joy, hope, and patience shape spiritual growth.This rich, hope-filled conversation encourages leaders to slow down, embody the character of Christ, and invest intentionally in those God has entrusted to them. Whether you're discipling kids, leading a small group, or mentoring new believers, Jani’s insights will both ground and inspire you.If this ep

How can churches create a discipleship strategy that balances worship, study, and service?In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with Austin Gentry, Discipleship Pastor at Second Baptist Houston, to explore the church’s innovative approach to discipleship called the “one plus one plus one” strategy: one hour of worship, one hour of Bible study, and one hour of service. Austin shares how this intentional structure fosters relationships, spiritual growth, and engagement in both programmatic and personal discipleship.Listeners will gain insight into:The “one plus one plus one” strategy for holistic discipleshipThe role of relationships and mentorship in spiritual growthHow curriculum supports ministry and facilitates learningStrategies for leadership multiplication and community engagementUsing analytics to track participation and measure impactAustin emphasizes the importance of integrating structured programming with relational ministry to help church members grow in faith, serve others, and