In this episode, Jay and Chris cover some highlights of the 2Strong Focus Study, "What the Church Does." We'll do this each week of this four-week series at Brook Hills. This episode covers 1) Encouraging the Saints, 2) Responding to Sufferers, and 3) Fighting Sin. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The...
Mar 02, 2023•41 min•Season 3Ep. 77
In this episode, Jay and Chris cover some highlights of the 2Strong Focus Study, "What the Church Does." We'll do this each week of this four-week series at Brook Hills. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves...
Feb 23, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 76
In this episode, Jay and Chris cover some highlights of the 2Strong Focus Study, "What the Church Does." We'll do this each week of this four-week series at Brook Hills. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves...
Feb 16, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 75
In this episode, we continue discussing content from the book "Leading Small Groups" by Chris Surratt. We're scheduling various small group leaders to read a chapter and discuss it with us. This week Dale and Chris continue to talk with Jay and Chris about Chapter 2, Creating Biblical Community. If you'd like a copy, here's the link from Amazon for Leading Small Groups . Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. ...
Feb 13, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 74
In this episode, Jay and Chris cover some highlights of the 2Strong Focus Study, "What the Church Does." We'll do this each week of this four-week series at Brook Hills. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves...
Feb 10, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 73
In this episode, Jay and Chris chat with Chris Robbins and Dale Kendrick. We'll get to know them a little better and find out what makes their group tick. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Gro...
Jan 31, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 73
On this episode, Jay and Chris enjoy a conversation with Dave Halperin, leader of a multi-gen, off-campus Small Group. We get to know Dave and then ask the typical questions about what's going well and what's not. Our conversation led Navy pilot talk, and also group multiplication, breakout groups, and handling prayer in groups. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for ...
Jan 17, 2023•30 min•Season 3Ep. 71
In this episode, we start something brand new--reviewing the book "Leading Small Groups" by Chris Surratt. We're scheduling various small group leaders to read a chapter and discuss it with us. This week includes the book introduction and Chapter 1: "What is a Small Group Leader." It's a very encouraging start with good news for every leader. We meet with Todd Norton today. If you'd like a copy, here's the link from Amazon for Leading Small Groups . Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Gre...
Jan 03, 2023•33 min•Season 3Ep. 70
On this episode, Jay and Chris enjoy a conversation with Todd Norton, leader of an off-campus Small Group. We get to know Todd and then ask the typical questions about what's going well and what's not. Our conversation led to various facets of group life and how Todd accomplishes those. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small ...
Dec 20, 2022•22 min•Season 3Ep. 69
Tonight, Jay & Chris talk to Bill & Carol Brown about ministry to group members facing illness themselves or death in their family. We cover meals, visits, travel expectations for funerals, and do's and don'ts. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, ...
Dec 06, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 68
In this episode, Zac Condie is back to discuss Elder shepherding with Jay & Chris. They review the Shepherding Best Practices found at brookhills.org/elderwork and share some practical tips and stories. Zac is now Jay's Elder after Jay rotated off the Elder Council at Brook Hills. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Gr...
Nov 21, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 67
On this episode, Jay and Chris enjoy a conversation with Zac Condie, leader of an off-campus BH Small Group and also one of our Elders. We ask the typical questions about what's going well and what's not. Our conversation led to curriculum, childcare, men's and women's breakout groups, and more. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is t...
Nov 08, 2022•24 min•Season 3Ep. 66
On this episode, Jay and Chris enjoy a conversation with our good friend, Jeff Kunard, one of our Elders at Brook Hills. Jeff is an experienced Small Group leader and has recently started a new group. Hear his spiritual story and a conversation about transparency, testimonies, and community. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the S...
Oct 17, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 65
Today, Jay and Chris talk about Slovenia and also discuss how to share differing length versions of your faith story. For much of the podcast, Jay shares his story and his "active testimony". Listen to learn what that's all about. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingha...
Sep 28, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 64
Today, we’re talking about how to keep your group healthy enough to survive. You’ll hear some about the importance of critical mass and changes that inevitably come to your group. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional ...
Sep 13, 2022•29 min•Season 3Ep. 63
In this episode, Jay and Chris talk about a few random items from the previous day's Small Group Leader Gathering at Brook Hills. The discussion leads to how we can accomplish those things in groups. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is...
Aug 30, 2022•25 min•Season 3Ep. 62
Today, Jay and Chris talk about launching the new year strong. You’ll hear tips and reminders about important things to do as your group starts the year. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Chris Amaro is an IT professional and serves as a Small Grou...
Aug 11, 2022•38 min•Season 3Ep. 61
In this episode, Jay and Chris explore the terms open and closed groups and why our church has chosen a different vernacular, listed and unlisted groups. There are more factors than meet the eye, and we talk about how important it is to keep your group open at all times, even when it may be unlisted "for a good reason and for only a season." (Episode: 60) Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hea...
Jul 27, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 60
In this episode, Jay and Chris review a document Jay created to guide groups in having great conversations. It is a document for group members that you may want to review with them once a year. There are tips that encourage some members to speak less and some to speak more, and other tips on listening and avoiding rabbit trails. (Episode 59) Copy: http://www.brookhills.org/files/uploads/SmallGroups_GreatDiscussions2019.pdf Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please v...
Jul 11, 2022•27 min•Season 3Ep. 59
In this episode, Jay and Chris review a document Jay created to guide groups in having great conversations. It is a document for group members that you may want to review with them once a year. There are tips that encourage some members to speak less and some to speak more, and other tips on listening and avoiding rabbit trails. (Episode 58) See the document: http://www.brookhills.org/files/uploads/SmallGroups_GreatDiscussions2019.pdf Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podca...
Jun 28, 2022•23 min•Season 3Ep. 58
In this episode, Jay reviews some recent Leader Tips--a paragraph-length tip that is included in the Small Group News each week. After covering an unrecorded gem from Elisabeth Chramer and celebrating 5,000 downloads, Jay and Chris discuss evaluating overall progress in disciple-making and involving your group in hospitality. (Episode 57) Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click...
Jun 13, 2022•29 min•Season 3Ep. 57
In this episode, Jay and Chris chat with Elisabeth Chramer who leads a Small Group for Young Women. She shares how they recently asked what questions group member wanted to ask, talked about having a staff member visit the group, and discusses "tiny groups", their term for break-out groups. (Episode 56) Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gor...
May 31, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 56
In this episode, Jay and Chris continue the conversation about welcoming people into your group with Andy Noel. Andy has lots of ministry experience but is currently in Jay's group. You'll hear some "fails" they've experienced as well as some ways to have an action plan for guests. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Group...
May 16, 2022•26 min•Season 3Ep. 55
In this episode, Jay and Chris talk about welcoming people into your group with Andy Noel. Andy has lots of ministry experience but is currently in Jay's group. You'll hear some "fails" they've experienced as well as some ways to have an action plan for guests. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Chu...
May 03, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 54
We cover 8 different curriculum options for Small Groups, but also point out that disciple-making is much more than just teaching and learning. Jay shares the DREAM of discipleship: five key components necessary for disciple-making. We also review the pros and cons of each curriculum type and discuss ways to make it better should you choose that option. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear ...
Apr 18, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 53
In this episode, Jay and Chris talk about multiplying your Small Group. You'll hear some important discussion points regarding HOW to multiply your group. Episode 51 ended up covering the WHY. They also included some thoughts and cautions for ministry leaders. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Chur...
Apr 06, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 52
In this episode, Jay and Chris talk about multiplying your Small Group. You'll hear some important discussion points about the WHY. The following episode will cover HOW to multiply your group. Don't miss the book recommendation for church ministry leaders. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from you! Click here for our contact form . Jay Gordon is the Small Groups Minister at The Church a...
Mar 30, 2022•22 min•Season 3Ep. 51
In this episode, Jay and Chris interview John Butterfield, Brook Hills' Pastor of Local Disciple-making. John recently taught a class by this name at Brook Hills, and we thought it would be great to get a quick overview of this content out to all of you. Some highlights include a look at bad Bible study habits, six steps to Bible study, and more. Join us! Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hea...
Feb 28, 2022•27 min•Season 3Ep. 50
In this episode, Jay and Chris interview John Butterfield, Brook Hills' Pastor of Local Disciple-making. John recently taught a class by this name at Brook Hills, and we thought it would be great to get a quick overview of this content out to all of you. Some highlights include a look at bad Bible study habits, six steps to Bible study, and more. Join us! Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hea...
Feb 21, 2022•29 min•Season 3Ep. 49
In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Dennis Blythe, Brook Hills’ Executive Pastor, about Elders and Small Group Leaders. Elders often come from the ranks of our Small Group Leaders, so we thought it would be helpful to dig into the role, biblical qualifications, and process of becoming an Elder at Brook Hills. We'll also spend a little time talking about how our Elders support Small Groups. We hope this podcast will help our faith family better understand the role of Elder. (Season 2, Episod...
Feb 06, 2022•52 min•Season 2Ep. 48
