As leaders one of the greatest challenges we face can be well-meaning people that can accidentally (or purposefully) hijack the group experience at the detriment of the rest of the members. In this episode we'll be talking about 4 different types of group hijackers and how to navigate them for the best results.

1. The Talking Hijacker
2. The Emotional Hijacker
3. The Leader Hijacker
4. The Doctrine Hijacker

In this episode: Ryan Smith (Olathe), Blake Finuf (South OP), and Samantha Dorsey (North OP)

Guiding Scripture: Ephesians 4:2-4

We know, we know, such a negative title right? But do we have your attention? : ) In this episode we'll be diving into 5 ways that we have seen even good groups get ruined if the leader is not careful. Those are...

1. Allowing an unsafe environment
2. Moving at the Wrong Speed
3. Only getting together for meetings
4. Being a discussion killer
5. Staying together for too long

Additionally, Len Svensson mentions a book that is a great help for coming up with great questions as you study the Bible with your group. HERE is a link for that.

In this episode: Len Svensson, Keeley Blackstock, Andrew Schumann, and Blake Finuf.

So you've got deep community in your group...good for you! So many groups don't experience that so it should be celebrated. As part of that community, sometimes tension comes when we try to engage our group in spiritual growth and even raise the bar for our group spiritually. When that happens, what should we do? Our hope is that this episode brings some practical steps to determine what questions to ask and how to decide what to do next.

In this episode: Ryan Smith, Keeley Blackstock, Andrew Schumann, and Blake Finuf

2 Timothy 2:2 says: "You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others."

What Paul is referencing here is a concept that Jesus modeled to perfection: Apprenticeship. If you're wondering what that is, it's probably because we don't practice this as much as the rest of the world. But we believe within each Grace Group there is the potential to see people raised up to live out what God has created them to do. But it starts with us!

In this episode: Kent Liles, Len Svensson, Blake Finuf

We're back! We're kicking off our 2024 season with a conversation about achieving deeper and better community. As a church in 2024 we are going through the OneChurch initiative where we are striving to be healthier and more connected as a church. But what about Grace Groups? What role can they play? Is just getting together over a long period of time enough to experience community on the level that Jesus modeled for us? And if the path goes deeper and farther, how do we get there?

In this episode: Blake Finuf, Len Svensson, Keeley Blackstock, & Jordan Bertholf

Weeeeeeee're back! We're kicking off the Fall with a special episode featuring our Senior Pastor Tim Howey. Tim is himself a long time Grace Group leader and member, as well as the author of a brand new book called Follow Jesus, which is the sequel to his first book, Love Jesus. In this episode we get to hear about group life for the Howey family, lessons he's learned over the years, and also how we can use this new book for transformational growth in our groups.

In this episode: Kent Liles, Tim Howey, Len Svensson, and Blake Finuf

Check out the Follow Jesus page HERE.

Ever had a hard time choosing studies for your group? So have we! Choosing studies for your group doesn't have to be a part time job. In this episode we walk through: Assessing your group for choosing a study, deciding which kind of study works best for you as the leader, and how to leverage a study for impact. You'll also hear some of our favorites over the years.

In this episode: Blake Finuf and Len Svensson (South OP), Ryan Smith (Olathe), and Andrew Schumann (North OP).

Resources we reference:

Right Now Media
The Bible Project
Grace Group Leader Curriculum Development Guide
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Parenting
You and Me Forever
Experiencing God
Celebration of Discipline
Choosing Marriage
The Master Plan of Evangelism
Women of the Word

"Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test..." Pop quiz: Name that movie reference! In this episode we'll be talking about the age old but often overlooked quality of being a good host, and looking to host others. Stats show that a person who doesn't know Jesus is more likely to hang out in a believer's home than to pop into a church service. That means we have an AMAZING opportunity to host people, have a great time, and wait on God's timing.

In this episode: Andrew Schumann (North OP), Ryan Smith (Olathe), Len Svensson and Blake Finuf (South OP).