Disciple-making in Community with Ken Braddy

Free Group Essentials Conference Episode Summary In this episode of the Disciple Making in Community podcast, host Ken Braddy chats with Dr. Scott McConnell to explore the unique dynamics of the normative church—those with 50 to 150 in attendance. Drawing on recent Lifeway Research, they share valuable pastor insights on how church size influences discipleship, church leadership, and overall churc...

Every thriving Bible study group begins with one essential ingredient—trust. Without it, vulnerability is rare, growth is limited, and connection remains shallow. In this episode of Disciple-making in Community , host Ken Braddy welcomes Steve Layton, Discipleship Pastor at Double Oak Community Church, for a powerful conversation about the role of trust in building biblical community. Whether you’...

Building a thriving small group ministry isn't just about curriculum—it's about connection. In a world that’s increasingly digital and fast-paced, intentional community can be hard to cultivate, yet it's exactly what people are craving. In this episode, host Ken Braddy sits down with Jay Gordon to talk about what it takes to truly build and strengthen relationships within your churc...

Think back to the first time you visited a small group. Were you greeted by name? Did someone show you where to sit or introduce you to others? Those small moments of hospitality can shape someone’s entire church experience. In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community , host Ken Braddy is joined by Delanee Williams and Zac Workun for a rich conversation on the biblical importance of hospitalit...

Every church leader knows the tension - your worship service is full, but your Bible study groups are not. So how do we bridge the gap between Sunday morning attendance and deeper community engagement? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community , host Ken Braddy is joined by Jared Barham from Northside Baptist Church to unpack practical strategies for moving people from Sunday worship service...

In an age when connection is just a click away, many small group leaders are asking: How can we use technology to bring people closer together without replacing real, meaningful relationships? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community , host Ken Braddy is joined by Crystal Mazzuca to explore how Bible study groups can build stronger community both in person and between meetings. With insight...

In a world full of noise and distraction, prayer has the power to anchor us - and our groups - in what truly matters. But for many small group leaders, prayer can feel routine or even rushed. So how do we move from surface-level prayers to meaningful conversations with God that deepen community and stir hearts for the lost? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community , host Ken Braddy sits dow...

In a culture that often values convenience over connection, small group leaders carry the vital responsibility of cultivating spaces where people feel known, welcomed, and spiritually encouraged. But how do we move beyond just meeting for Bible study and into meaningful community? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community , host Ken Braddy sits down with Andrea Lennon to explore the powerful...

When was the last time your leadership team truly felt like a community, not just a collection of volunteers? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with David Loyed, adult discipleship pastor at Whitesburg Baptist Church, to explore what it takes to build genuine community within church groups—starting with leadership. If you're a small group leader who wa...

What if one of the most powerful ways to grow your small group isn’t found in your meeting room, but out in your community? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community , host Ken Braddy sits down with Kim Harris from the Noonday Association to talk about how service can be a catalyst for deeper relationships and stronger discipleship. If you’ve been looking for ways to bring your group closer...

In the wake of isolation brought on by the pandemic, many small group leaders have wrestled with a pressing question: How do we rebuild the kind of authentic community that leads to real spiritual transformation? In this episode of the podcast, host Ken Braddy is joined by Ben Mandrell —church planter, former pastor, and president and CEO of Lifeway — for a powerful conversation about the vital ro...

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 importanc...

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 chu...

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...

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...

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 inclu...

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 talk...

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...

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 in...

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-...

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, offerin...

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...

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...

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 w...

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 structu...