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.

Interview with the Rev. Tex Sample

Rachel Gilmore

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.

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 <a href="http://smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org</a>.

How to Start Small Groups: Interview with Rachel Gilmore

Motoe Yamada Foor

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, 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 <a href="http://smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org</a>.

How to Start Small Groups: Interview with Motoe Yamada Foor

Mark Youngman

Joy Dodge

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.

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 <a href="http://smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org</a>.

How to Start Small Groups: Interview with Mark Youngman and Joy Dodge

Brad Kalajainen

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.

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 <a href="http://smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org</a>.

How to Start Small Groups: Interview with Brad Kalajainen

Christine Hides

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 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 <a href="http://www.christinevhides.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.christinevhides.com</a>. Scott and Christine explore the positives and challenges of online small groups.

Episode 64: Interview with Christine Hides

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&amp;dept=marketing) and her blog at http://angelaschaffnerphd.com/.

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" (<a href="https://bookstore.upperroom.org/Products/1861/revealed.aspx/?path=BookstoreBanner&amp;dept=marketing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bookstore.upperroom.org/Products/1861/revealed.aspx/?path=BookstoreBanner&amp;dept=marketing</a>) and her blog at <a href="http://angelaschaffnerphd.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://angelaschaffnerphd.com/</a>.

Episode 63: Self-Awareness, Leaders, and Black Belts

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, they explore the importance of spiritual practices and trust in small groups. Also, checkout Scott Boren’s blog at <a href="http://mscottboren.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://mscottboren.org/</a>

Episode 62: Beyond Small Groups (Part 2)

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 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 <a href="http://mscottboren.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://mscottboren.org/</a>

Episode 61: Beyond Small Groups (Part 1)

David Teel

Scott and David Teel, Director of Laity and Spiritual Leadership, discuss Discipleship Ministries’ See All The People resource for churches and small groups.

Episode 60: See All The People with David Teel

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.

This podcast provides a solid balance of theory and praxis. It discusses historic Methodism and the rich heritage we have in growing disciples through small groups, how that ties into our baptismal vows and the theology of the church, and how we can implement Wesley’s teachings today. It also features helpful interviews with congregational and denominational leaders in the UMC on how they have implemented small groups, lessons learned, and best practices.

Great Small Groups Podcast

Excellent podcasts on small groups from a Wesleyan perspective. Thanks so much for this effort!

Small groups Wesleyan way

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.

Small Groups in the Wesleyan Way

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.

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.

Episode 3: What is a Small Group?

Scott and Steve explore the essential elements of most small groups. Find out the seven components necessary to make your small groups thrive.

Episode 25 - Small Group Essentials

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".

Episode 16: Starting Small Groups

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.

Episode 41: Small Groups with Older Adults

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.

Episode 58: Courageous Conversations following General Conference

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.

Episode 17: Missional Small Groups (Part 1)

Scott Kisker

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.

Episode 34: Band Meetings with Scott Kisker (Part I)

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.

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.

Episode 5: The Trouble with Small Groups (Part I)

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.

Episode 28:  Small Groups – 'Stop fixing churches; Make Disciples!'

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.

Episode 7: Small Groups with a Wesleyan DNA

Talbot Davis

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.

Episode 42 - Interview with Rev. Talbot Davis

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.

Episode 6: Small Groups and Curriculum

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?

Episode 38: Small Groups – Baptism’s Connection to Discipleship (Part 1)

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.

Episode 56: Interfaith Small Groups With Flo Sapp Martin

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.

Episode 44: Small Groups and Worship

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.

Episode 10: Small Groups and The Band Meeting

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.

Episode 12: Small Groups – Covenant Discipleship Groups (Part 1 of 3)

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