GA Baptist Discipleship
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This broadcast will help church leaders see the need to utilize church management software as part of their efforts to make disciples. Boyd Pelley has been the Co-founder/Culture Architect at Churchteams since 2000. From 1990 to 2008 has served as discipleship, administrative and family pastor of churches in New Mexico, Nebraska, and Texas. Churchteams was born out of his passion for discipleship and team-building in the local church. Married for 37 years, he and Pam have two married, adult children who love and serve Jesus with kids of their own! In this broadcast we discuss: __ __
DAN WILLIAMS formed Partnerships with a Purpose during the Olympics in Atlanta and Salt Lake City. He founded Sports Serve, where he devoted his time to leadership development through sports. Since 1993 Dan has been working with churches and organizations to make disciples in and through sport across North America. He is one of the founding members of the North American Sports Movement. CHRIS WELDON has been married for 31 years to Debby. They have 7 children and 3 grandchildren (number 4 is due in November). Chris has been in ministry for 32 years, with 10 of those years in Seattle as a Church Planter with NAMB. The last 5.5 years as a Co-Vocational Pastor at Emerson Church, a replant of a 150-year-old church, that is positioned next to the largest sport complex in Georgia. Chris has a BA in Biblical Studies, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctorate from SEBTS. In this episode we discuss: __ __
Ken Braddy is the Director of Sunday School & Network Partnerships for Lifeway Christian Resources. He’s been the managing director of adult ongoing Bible studies such as , and more. Through his team’s work at Lifeway, they served the Bible study needs of approximately 3 million adults each week. Matthew Gibbs has been the discipleship and evangelism pastor at Second Baptist Church in Warner Robins, Georgia for the past 15 years and has served in ministry over 25 years. He is a core piece of our discipleship team serving as discipleship consultant in our east central region and one of my close trusted friends. In this episode: __ __
We interview Ken Adams, pastor at Crossroads Church Newnan, Georgia and President of IMPACT Ministries. Carl Johnson also joins us. Carl is the pastor of leadership development at Peace Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia and serves as a contract representative for our Georgia Baptist Discipleship Team in the West Central region. In this episode you’ll learn: __ How to FIGHT for a shift in culture.__ Form a framily-friends & family Identify and eliminate infections Give kudos (never miss an opportunity to praise leaders) Hold high your core values Take up for your lay and paid leaders __ __
Dr. Allen Jackson currently serves as both a professor and pastor. For over half of his adult ministry life, he lived on the NOBTS campus and taught, researched, and spoke in the field of youth and collegiate ministry. Over the years, his interests expanded into other fields in Christian Education and Spiritual formation including leadership, administration, developmental psychology, risk management, and a heavy investment in the next generation. He has written extensively in adolescent, collegiate, leader training, and Bible teaching areas. Allen now serves as senior pastor at Dunwoody Baptist Church in Atlanta and has been a constant source of wisdom and friendship in my life for over two decades. Ray Sullivan III serves as the Discipleship Consultant in South Georgia for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. Because conversion is the starting line, not the finish line, Ray is passionate about helping pastors and churches take their next step in developing intentional disciple-making pathways that lead converts to become fully trained disciples of Jesus. Before joining the GBMB, Ray served as lead pastor in churches throughout Kentucky, Florida, and Georgia. In the episode: __ __
Chris Trent is the Next Gen Catalyst on our Church Strengthening team. He served as a student pastor in churches in Texas and Georgia, most recently as student pastor at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church for 14 years. Jenni Carter is a Statewide Next Gen Consultant on our Church Strengthening team focusing on helping churches in Kids Ministry. She has served for over 10 years with the GBMB and is nationally recognized for her efforts in VBS training and for seeing thousands of children come to faith in Christ through VBS. Gen Z (born years 1997-2013) is easy to focus on the negative things society says about this generation. But on this broadcast, the team has a conversation on leveraging relational authority in the lives of this generation to see God using them in the local church. The team discusses: __ __
Let's face it. We gather people and organize events in our church to connect church families and guests. But when we create events, are we doing them with a next step in mind or how "great" the event can be? We invite JJ Yount on the broadcast alongside Adi Coe, who both serve at First Redeemer Church in Cumming, Georgia. As a seasoned student pastor and associate pastor, JJ shares some of his processes for helping events be next-step generators in our discipleship pipeline throughout his ministry and as the student pastor at First Redeemer. Adi serves on the team with JJ connecting women at First Redeemer and the community in discipleship. In this episode, the team talks about the following: __ __
Dr. Patrick Morley founded Morley Properties in 1973 and was one of Florida’s 100 largest privately held companies. He’s been the president or managing partner of over 59 different companies and has taught a bible study to over 5,000 men for decades on Friday mornings. He has written over 18 books. His book, has sold over 3,000,000 copies worldwide and selected as one of the most influential books of the 20th Century. Dr. Morley has a new book out entitled: . In this episode, Patrick and Scott explore: __ Patrick Morley God tends to communicate in 4 ways.__ __ __
Scott Sullivan and Carl Johnson interview Ken Adams, pastor at Crossroads Church Newnan, Georgia and the President of IMPACT Ministries. IMPACT Ministries has a full line of resources developed to help disciples make fully trained disciples. IN THIS EPISODE: __ __
Where does evangelism end and discipleship begin? That is an initial question in a discipleship resource called . was created to help new believers and undiscipled believers understand their walk with Christ, become grounded as disciples, and gain a basic framework for the Christian life. This resource was developed by Dr. Paul Gotthardt, formerly the founding and lead pastor of Life Baptist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. After 18 years of ministry in Las Vegas, he was called as the sixth senior pastor at Sherwood in June 2021. Paul is a native of Savannah, GA, and he and his wife have been married for 27 years. Father of two college age daughters: Shana and Kaylee. John Lagrange is the Director of at Sherwood Church, and he was previously the missions and groups pastor at Life Baptist Church in Las Vegas. He is originally from New York and married to Virginia. They have three kids and are exploring all South Georgia has to offer! In this episode: __ __
Scott N. Smith is the Communications Director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board (GBMB). He was brought on the GBMB team in 2012 after he had built a digital consultancy for churches while traveling in full-time evangelism for 17 years. Scott's expertise in digital strategy and his broad engagement with hundreds of churches created an understanding of what churches need to use digital effectively. He recently did a series of Facebook live events in which his video on Artificial Intelligence went viral with high engagement. PJ Dunn was between two Scotts (Scott Sullivan and Scott Smith) on this broadcast as the team dived into AI and applied it to discipleship that advances the Gospel: __ __
In this episode you’ll learn: __ Outreach Magazine says that remote learning “ __
Scott Sullivan and Ray Sullivan conduct an incredible interview with Scott & Dawn Smith. Scott is the Discipleship Pastor at Lakewood Baptist in Gainesville, GA. Dawn is the Connection Director at Lakewood. Together, Scott and Dawn lead a podcast called, Forevermarriage.org https://www.forevermarriage.org/. In this episode we learn: __ __
We know we need volunteers, but are we willing to slow down and create opportunities and pipelines that build a volunteer framework to get there? Volunteer expert Mac Lake is a pioneering influence in the church planting movement. Through his partnership with West Ridge Church, they created the LAUNCH Network. The North American Mission Board adopted the LAUNCH Church Planting system in 2015, and Mac served at NAMB through implementation. Mac founded the Multiply Group in 2019, which is committed to helping leaders and churches multiply. He is the author of four books, including The Multiplication Effect. Mac and his wife, Cindy, live in Charleston, SC, and have three grown children and four grandchildren. In this episode, you will learn: __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Dr. Josh Smith is the Pastor of Prince Avenue Baptist in Bogart, GA. He is the author of , co-author of the Psalm 1-50 volume in the , his latest work, Pastor Josh has ministered in more than 30 countries, worked with international students at Duke University, and served as a missionary in central Europe. FUN Facts: Josh has 4 daughters and wrote a book for MEN!! He was raised with a deep love for all things Elvis! https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/the-titus-ten-P005834421 In this episode, Josh and Scott explore: Why men need to be grounded in the Word __ __
In this episode PJ Dunn and Scott Sullivan interview: Dallas White, GBMB Young Leaders Network Director and pastor at The Grove Church in Ackworth GA. Dallas has revitalized The Grove Church in many aspects, including designing and updating intentional spaces on a limited budget. Kyle Clayton is the pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Cartersville, leading their church through revitalization and facility updates. They have intentionally improved areas in their building to help create a disciple-making culture by utilizing volunteers for design and construction. • How do environments, decorations, branding, and renovations communicate? • How to utilize church members to make updates and what parts should we reserve for professionals? • Key budget-saving tips and ideas when renovating? • Main issues why churches do not update spaces and environments and proven solutions & principles to consider? • Winston Churchill, “success is moving from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” • How can intentional environments stir people’s affection for the Lord and help make disciples? • Six concepts to consider as you create intentional spaces: Renovated people to match renovated spaces Assess your current situation Trust is the relational soil in which individual and organizational change happens Start with a Holy Spirit breathed vision Flexibility in implementation Surround yourself with quality leaders Build Momentum through member engagement Make the process a fun and rewarding experience
Dr. Noe Garcia is the lead pastor at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona. He and his wife have four children. Noe holds a Doctorate in Ministry and Executive Leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a passionate disciple-maker. Noe is an adjunct professor at Gateway Seminary and a writer for Lifeway Voices. Have you ever thought your life is beyond repair? Perhaps you asked, "How could God possibly use my brokenness for good?" We all tend to look for purpose in our pain, and we are broken people living in a broken world. Depression, anxiety, hurting relationships, unmet expectations, and discouragement make us question God, wondering if there is even a purpose to be found. In his book, Repurposed, Noe Garcia journeys through Romans 8, which many have called "The Greatest Chapter in the Bible." Noe shares his life story, including abuse, depression, and overwhelming hopelessness. He reveals how God has redeemed him, repaired his brokenness, and restored him to new life. Get the Book -> https://a.co/2a0Qabm Noe, Scott, and PJ talk through how there is purpose in the pain of being broken and dependence on the Lord. From that brokenness, the Lord can work in our life and multiply our disciple-making efforts. Invite a friend and join us live for this authentic chat on making disciples in 2023!
We are excited to have GA Pastor, disciple-maker, and author of Grow Devotional Pathways Dr. Joey Rodgers in this curriculum review. Joey serves as the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Peachtree City, Georgia. He is a native of Atlanta and a graduate of Carson-Newman University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he earned his Master's and Doctorate degrees. Joey is married to Meg, the proud parents of four children. How to "Hit the Mark" in discipleship is something all churches must find to make disciples. Joey's devotional life discipleship guides are founded in Scripture and organized by topics. Learn more on this broadcast and at www.5marks.org
Join Ray & PJ as they co-host a talk on the first steps young adults (ages 15-25) take to own and grow in their disciple-making journey. We will have GA Baptist BCM leaders Beverly Skinner, Baptist Collegiate Ministry Director with the GBMB, David Williams, BCM Campus Minister at Valdosta State and previously FCA area director and pastor. On this broadcast, the team discusses: • The transformation from high school to college age to single adult regarding discipleship • Gen Z communicated in a recent study by Springtide Research that… o 52% have little to no trust in organized religion o 1/3 say a faith community is not important o 1 in 5 say they don't try to live out their beliefs https://www.springtideresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/religion-and-young-people-overview.pdf • How David sees Gen Z interact regarding their faith and discipleship during his time pastoring and leading a successful local FCA • The way students age 15-20 change dramatically in asking questions regarding their faith • The importance of mentors to young adults • Beverly's "next step" that students take while at college • We need to know more about the person's life stage to relate to them first instead of building a program they need to join. • The difference for on-campus students, commuter students, and adults 18-22 not enrolled in college for disciple-making • The need for relationships at the center of any stage for young adults • Ray talks about his sons through this season of their life and the different ways the BCM supports students who don't even attend their events • Beverly breaks down the focus of the BCM and how they empower churches • David demonstrates the way local churches can partner with the BCM and the disciple-making process • PJ talks about when "adulting" happen and when someone identified as single • Adulting is primarily ownership of their life, surrendering their life to Jesus • The age for first-time marriage in America is 31 for men and 29 for women, churches that know their young adults are single will reach them
In This Episode: • Georgia Baptist Discipleship averages 16,000+ interactions monthly • Georgia Baptist Discipleship Facebook has grown from 60 to 3400+ members • Two ways to win FREE products and gift cards! • Implementing an intentional culture and an identifiable disciple-making plan are foundational (Broadcast: Brandon Guindon: Disciple-making Culture). • Why is strategic planning necessary for long-term church health (Broadcast: Leo Endel-Small Church Strategic Planning). • Keys to take advantage of significant energy & build attendance bumps (Broadcast: Levi Skipper- Riding the Waves of Attendance) • Challenge to train and empower lay leaders in 2023 (Broadcast: Steve Parr interview) • Ways to create a culture where everyone feels welcome and included (Broadcast: Mark Hearn interview). • Best practices: healthy churches need healthy pastors. Jim Putman shares how his pride almost upended his ministry. Jim also has the BEST quote of the year… the difference between wrestling and wrastling! • What leaders can do to reverse the trend of not being able to replace staff and fill ministry responsibilities. • Barna's study showed that 42% of pastors surveyed considered quitting, NOT just leaving but quitting. • 400-500 churches in GA without a pastor, and this is echoed around the nation • Virtual Reality discipleship. An example of leaders thinking beyond borders to thrive in the future church (Broadcast: Mike Wynn & team, PJ Dunn, Carl Johnson, Virtual Reality Discipleship) Lightning Round: • Best book read in 2022, in addition to the Bible? • Essential leadership qualities needed to win in the future church? • What was the top struggle you noticed in 2022 among pastors/staff? • Least talked about topic in discipleship that should be a headline? • Most creative solution and the problem it solved? *Listing with links to all topics and guests: Emotional Health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdRpsYWku5g Ride the Waves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYksbhH_8oU Health in Disciple-Making: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6mqBQ4NDVA Disciple-Making Culture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGH54bjKFQk Current Church Trends: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYq4_rYJDVI Small Church Strategic Planning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEM4-Z_x5aE Calling Out the Called: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d07y1JF1A8 VR Discipleship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxo4RPWYmyE
Randy Gravitt is an author, speaker, and executive coach who encourages leaders to reach their potential. In 2014 Randy founded INTEGREAT Leadership where he currently serves as the CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer), leading a team of coaches and consultants who work with high-performance leaders and organizations all over the world. Randy works with companies like Chick-fil-A, Grand Hyatt, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kroger, and the Winshape Foundation. He has also served as one of the leadership coaches for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Buffalo Bills. Randy’s books include Finding Your Way and Unstuck. Both titles are aimed at helping leaders discover their passion and live fully engaged lives. Randy also has a daily podcast, Chasing Greatness, aimed at helping leaders win at work, win at home, and win at life. In this episode Randy and Scott discuss: • FUN FACT: a girl dad with a wife and four daughters; he cries the most at movies!! • “Silence does not make it on your calendar by accident” • How one’s commitment to be quiet is connected to their ability to think deeply • That having a “failing forward” mindset can help a leader turn a failure into a launchpad instead of a landing pad • Leaders need courage to thrive and should acknowledge their fear, embrace the risk, and initiate action. • Reasons why many leaders stall out in the initiate phase of leading • Why accepting responsibility is a key leadership trait • Where curiosity fits in to the “leading self” discussion and how can we fan that flame in leaders around us • That one’s willingness to learn is attached to their ability to grow • Scott shares the hardest “leading self” question that the Lord has posed to him since moving to Georgia three years ago
Join our panel discussion on ways Virtual Reality (VR) can drive discipleship. Our team will introduce churches to meaningful applications of VR in the local church and online. Joining us on this broadcast are: • Dr. PJ Dunn: Not so closet nerd and NW and NE GA Baptist Discipleship Consultant • Carl Johnson: WC Discipleship consultant and discipleship pastor at Peace Baptist Church • Mike Wynn: Adults pastor at North Star Church in Kennesaw and started VR outreach over 2 years ago • Cole Ragsdale: Reach pastor at North Star Church in Kennesaw and lead on VR outreach and discipleship • Tim Steele: Cross Waves Church founding pastor a home church model church, and VR explorer • Justin Nava: Cross Waves Church communications director and navigating VR relationships In this conversation, we will address: • Justin talks about how the Metaverse is the new Corinth • In disciple-making, relationships always matter, and VR is no different • PJ highlights some common pushbacks regarding VR/Online engagement • Culture has to drive acceptance of a VR strategy, not the strategy • Mike & Cole share that North Star's interest in VR in evangelism • Cole breaks down how gatherings in VR can be worship, discipleship, and prayer • Using VR as a training tool to share the Gospel! • Tim & Justin share a one-to-one conversation approach to Cross Wave's focus on VR • The conversation first focuses on meeting people and connecting (walking the streets) • Justin discusses moving conversations on the "street" into spiritual life change • Tim demonstrates how Avatars create space for people to open up and be themselves and that there is no difference between the VR realm or our in-person relationships • Carl breaks down the theological challenges VR presents to the church • All guest share one way to have relational engagement online to focus on discipleship • PJ's reminder that relationships always matter regardless of what realm or reality you are in • We all have different cultures and know your people well enough to understand how to apply this type of technology to advance the Gospel
Shane Pruitt serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). He has been in ministry for over 20 years as a denominational leader, church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies, and a Master’s Degree in History. Shane is also a traveling communicator speaking to over a hundred thousand people about the good news of Jesus Christ. Shane is also the author of a popular blog, which has over 3 million views. His articles have been picked up by RELEVANT, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, The Gospel Coalition, CrossWalk, Church Leaders, The Baptist Press, FaithIt, HelloChristian, and many others. Shane and his wife, Kasi, were featured as ABC’s Nightly News “Persons of the Week” in August 2017. Shane has written two books 9 Common Lies Christians Believe: And Why God’s Truth Is Infinitely Better, and Calling Out the Called: Discipling those Called to Ministry Leadership (Release date – November, 2022). Both are available everywhere books are sold. He is also the host of the podcast, Next Gen on Mission (available on podcast platforms), and the YouTube Channel – GenSend. In this episode we discuss: • The “Paralyzed Church” • Scott declares that UGA will beat BAMA in national title game • “We’re shuffling shepherds around, but not raising any up” • The nation-wide struggle of mass ministry openings and the “pool is dry” • The 3 distinct “callings” in scripture • What’s the difference between everyone’s call and a specific call to vocational ministry? • Reasons we are seeing a decline and obstacles for leaders to call out the called • The beautiful tension of the pastor transferring his heart for calling out the called and Holy Spirit driven call to ministry • 5 things leaders can do to make calling out the called a priority
Dr. Kevin Williams has been the pastor of First Baptist Church Villa Rica, Georgia for the past nine years. He is finishing his second term as President of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. Dr. Williams was one of the few individuals to receive the ARCOM badge which for the ARMY is the peacetime version of the Bronze Star Medal to recognize outstanding performance. Kevin has a passion for world-wide missions and evangelism. Fun Fact: Kevin hung upside down from a helicopter in Tokyo, Japan. He was married in the US Embassy in Japan, but he and his wife are actually from my same hometown! In today’s episode: • Kevin shares that the greatest form of discipleship is grabbing someone by the hand and showing them how to do it. • Kevin shares how to connect a local church’s mission efforts to the command to make disciples not just make converts. • The benefits for members going on mission out of state as well as in the ministry area where you serve. • “One’s capacity to lead publicly is based on their commitment to grow personally.” • Kevin shares lessons learned to lead an historic existing church to make shifts that increase gospel impact, build momentum, and won’t get you fired. • Senior Adults can be the “canary in the coal mine” giving indication of whether the atmosphere in the church is toxic or life giving. • Scott shares that “healthy leaders look more like an iceberg than an icicle”. • Kevin talks about navigating the rough days when people push back on your attempts to move forward. • How to create an atmosphere where everyone feels an open door with you to share their heart but still respects your authority. • The value of leading your church to give to the Cooperative Program even when you do not agree with everyone. • If Satan is not bothering you, then you’re probably not bothering him. • Two practices of effective leaders that create and sustain momentum: focus on solutions and learn to CEO your situation!
Join us this Thursday 3PM: Buck Burch, pastored in middle Georgia for several years, then Buck served as IMB missionary in Russia for 13 years. He is now in his 12th year with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board serving as Missions Catalyst where he leads his team to connect Georgia Baptist churches with missions efforts locally and globally. He is currently completing his doctorate at Liberty University. Jimmy Baughcum, is the Executive Director for the Atlanta Metro Baptist Association and before taking the position with Metro Atlanta, he was a Church Planting Consultant for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board for 5.5 years. He worked with international students and evangelism at First Baptist Church New Orleans. Jimmy pastored and planted churches in Georgia, served with Injoy Stewardship Services (a John Maxwell company). Dr. Baughcum is pursuing a 2nd doctorate (Ph.D.) in North American Missiology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. In this episode hear: -How Jimmy broke his ELBOW pulling off his socks off. -That Buck is an expert making pecan log rolls and can curse you in Russian. -Get entered to win $75 by commenting and sharing broadcast. -How Jimmy is leading his churches to reach every neighborhood (246) in Atlanta. -Sully shares two things we all need a greater measure of. -Jimmy talks about what to do with people who do not look, act, believe, or smell like us. -How to strategically map out your ministry area. -How to calendar what you’ll do, with whom, and how. -Where to start if you want to reach your neighborhood. -That “action without a tract will lack traction!” -How even a busy pastor can lead and launch his people to live missionally. -Tools to consider if you want to maximize your efforts. -The Acts 1:8 strategy for sustained missional living efforts. -That “we’ve tried that before and it’ll never work” is the song of the defeated and may speak to a leader’s lack of faith in God. -Hear three things great leaders do.
In this episode with Dr. Gevan Spinney: • Gevan has pastored at FBC Haughton, Louisiana since 2002. Dr. Spinney was saved, called to preach, ordained, and married Andrea at FBCH. Gevan has served as LBC President, is on the board of trustees at NAMB, has an earned doctorate, and an honorary doctorate for his work guiding LA Baptists to respond and rebuild during hurricane Katrina. • Fun Fact: Gevan is a co-host of “The Way It Was” hunting show on the Pursuit channel with legends like Hank Parker. • Crazy story of FBC Haughton where Sully and Dr. Spinney served. • Strangest thing Dr. Spinney ever attempted. • Lessons learned while implementing a NEW disciple-making strategy in a 130-year-old church. • Scott and Gevan share leadership lessons that help them survive a sexual predator experience in their church. • A new member class and strategy that set the culture for God-sized growth and are now averaging more people and budget coming out the pandemic! • Keys to leading as a disciple-maker when trouble arises. o Ex: Don’t write checks with your mouth that your feet cannot back up. • Wisdom for leaders wanting to expand their platform and increase disciple-making impact. • 2 crazy cool ministry ideas First Haughton is doing to make disciples.
Smaller church pastors, this broadcast is to help you be a strategic planning hero! For decades Dr. Leo Endel has been helping churches to plan well. He is the Executive Director at Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention based in Rochester, Minnesota and Pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Madison, WI. He has a heart for helping small churches be strategic planners for missional impact. His book Where Do We Go from Here? is a strategic planning guide for smaller churches. In the three-hour meeting that Dr. Endel teaches in his book, every pastor can be a strategic planner in their church. In this broadcast, Scott, PJ, and Dr. Endel discuss: • Leo's fishing trip of a lifetime is a fishy story • PJ's 101 ways to cook mac n cheese • Understanding obstacles that keep your church from planning o "We are doing fine." o "We do not have the time." o "We've been there, done that, and it didn't work." o "Fear of conflict." o "Not operating in a way that recognizes barriers to growth based on church attendance." • Addressing each obstacle and why pastors don't plan • The difference between 75, 125, and 200 in attendance and planning • Getting to the point of change for planning • Drag a highlighter over some ideas to lead a planning meeting • Who to have on a planning team • How lay leaders, deacons, and key volunteers help a pastor be strategic in planning • Celebrating history while looking forward in planning
Dr. Wunch is the Mallory Baptist Associational Missionary and host of Wunchtime (wunchtime.com), a podcast specifically for the bi-vocational pastor to thrive in ministry. Dr. Wunch has recently released a book “Proclaiming the Kingdom of God, " which focuses on helping church members overcome barriers to understanding the Kingdom of God. Discipleship consultants Dr. PJ Dunn and Ray Sullivan also join in on this discussion and dive into why this issue matters for disciple-making. In this broadcast, the team discusses: • Jesus talked about the Kingdom more than any other topic in the NT • Hans talks about why he chooses to focus on this topic • Ray spells out the difference between kingdom rain and Kingdom Reign • Look at how the Kingdom issue has been misunderstood for years • Practical ways to incorporate Kingdom theology all year in your sermon prep • A Kingdom mindset impacts the ways disciple-making • How the heart of the Kingdom connects to a disciple-making process
Dr. Steve Parr is the Executive Director of the Gwinnett Metro Baptist Network and former Vice President of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. Dr. Parr is a nationally known author: The Coffee Shop that Changed a Church, Why They Stay: Helping Parents and Church Leaders Make Investments That Keep Children and Teens Connected to the Church for a Lifetime, and more. Steve is a leading voice in leadership development, Sunday School, and Groups Ministry. Fun Fact: Steve has been in a Fantasy Football league for 32 years which is older than 99% of the 100 million people who will play Fantasy Football this Fall! Matthew Gibbs is the Adult Discipleship and Evangelism Pastor at Second Baptist Church in Warner Robins and one of our Georgia Baptist Discipleship Consultants. He is one of the most high-capacity leaders in Georgia. Matthew has implemented and maintained a highly effective discipleship strategy at Second Baptist Church. Fun Fact: Matthew is a professional level model airplane builder. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why it is important to surround yourself with people who “know” Learning Communities • Recruiting volunteers is getting more difficult and learn keys to recruit effective volunteers that stay • Giving lay leaders a vision worth giving their life to is critical • Unmet expectations are one of the great barriers to retaining volunteers • Sully shares a key leadership principle: it’s ok to fail but it is NOT ok to be mediocre • Dr. Parr shares why church hopping is at an all-time high • Matthew talks about keys to understanding a consumer mentality in church members and how to shift that mindset • Consider an “exit interview” for church members who leave the church if you genuinely want to know why people leave • Sully shares a Jesus style model that moves people away from consumerism and toward Christ-likeness from a book he recently read • The SPARK Conference is HERE—August! 5 in person locations in Georgia and a nation-wide digital premiere on August 25. www.thesparkconference.com, register today for an in-person event and/or the digital premiere!! • Training is biblical and necessary for growing churches: train in drips, schedule gatherings of leaders 3-4 times a year, train the trainable, and more • We must move people from being recipients of the church’s mission to being responsible for the church’s mission • Current trends or future trends that will greatly impact our Sunday School and Small Group ministries
A disciple-making culture has to have a Biblical understanding of Love at its foundation. This broadcast features two of the best speakers on this issue in the nation, Brandon Guindon and our own PJ Dunn. Brandon has led churches worldwide to become healthy and effective in making disciples of Jesus Christ. He was ordained at Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, ID and planted Real Life Ministries Texas in 2016. He has authored and co-authored several publications on biblical discipleship, including Disciple-Making Culture, Stay the Course, and the Real Life Discipleship Training Manual. In this broadcast, the team talks about: • Scott shares at the end the most significant lesson he has ever learned as a disciple and dad • We find out Brandon is an avid bowhunter and PJ played the sousaphone in High School! • PJ starts the discussion by recapping Brandon's book, Disciple Making Culture • Brandon shares why love is the core of all disciple-making efforts • Look at why it is so hard to love God and love others • How the GA Baptist Disciple team used Brandon's book as an equipping tool • Scott's new Parti Yorkie shows him a core discipleship principle • Unpack "A loving culture does not require us to solve everyone's problems." • We listen to people with the intent to respond but we need to listen to understand them. • 3 thoughts on "Strategy won't make a lasting impact if disciple-making is not who we are" • Ask yourself the tricky question, "Am I living out the Great Commission?". • "Creating a disciple-making culture requires careful pruning" How do pastors and disciple-makers do that? • How can disciple-makers stay the course in disciple-making? • Understand, "what is the win?" that helps you understand what you are pruning. • PJ pointed out that we have to measure to scripture and not programs. • Brandon and PJ advise leaders on where to start to make this shift to Great Commission disciples
