Best Small Group Leader Training Podcasts (2025)

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Making the Gospel Tangible, Turning Moments into Eternal Impact, & Inspiring Everyday Faith 40:31

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44m ago40:31

40:31

We sit down with Reggie Dabbs to explore how presence, scripture, and bold invitations move students from passive listeners to active disciples. From back-row handshakes to altar calls, we unpack a simple, focused path to help students live on mission every day. • Making mission normal in daily life • Earning trust with presence and integrity • Usi…

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325. Leading with Awareness: Nicole Zasowski on Emotional Health, Trauma, and Joy in Leadership 35:58

23h ago35:58

35:58

How does your own emotional health shape the way you lead? In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with Nicole Zasowski, LifeWay author and practicing counselor, to explore the vital connection between self-awareness, trauma, and leadership. Nicole shares insights on how leaders’ personal pain, emotional responses, and healing jour…

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36: From GROWTH to DEPTH | Lessons from the eurythmics | Mindmapping Job Descriptions | A Team Development Tool. 1:02:06

6d ago1:02:06

1:02:06

In this episode, Derek and Danielle, along with Pastor Sarah Burtt and the Clarity House team, tackle the shift from growth to depth. They unpack how to design discipleship environments that form people, not just fill rooms, share a behind-the-scenes look at mind-mapping job descriptions, and introduce four simple practices any leader can use to de…

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Russ Ewell on Leading the Next Generation for Christ 40:41

2d ago40:41

40:41

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Nate Gruber is joined by Russ Ewell, pastor and leader in the Bay Area, who is doing incredible work engaging and empowering Gen Z and millennials. Russ shares his story of growing up in a church-filled community but never feeling connected—until a friend invited him to a Young Life event that changed everything. It…

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324. Why Church Membership Matters: Matt Capps & Josh Wredberg on Discipleship, Community, and Engagement 33:38

6d ago33:38

33:38

Is church membership still relevant in today’s individualistic culture? In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with Matt Capps and Josh Wredberg to explore the critical role of church membership in fostering authentic community, discipleship, and engagement within the local church. As churches navigate a culture marked by consumer…

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35: From CUSTOMER SERVICE to COACHING | Two truths and a truth | Brainstorm Buddies | Tool: Turning Complaints into Clarity 1:06:58

13d ago1:06:58

1:06:58

In this episode of Reinventing Church, Derek Sanford talks with Stephen Hay about how churches can shift from customer service to coaching, from keeping people happy to helping them grow. Learn how to spot consumer Christianity, create feedback-rich coaching cultures, and lead with courage instead of comfort. Plus, behind-the-scenes updates on Grac…

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Leading with Intentionality: Lessons from Dr. Chap Clark 42:19

2d ago42:19

42:19

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined by Dr. Chap Clark to talk about the power of intentionality in leadership. Chap shares how his life was shaped through Young Life, when someone remembered his name and invited him into authentic community. That early encounter taught him the lasting impact of seeing others with intentionality—…

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A Blueprint for Small Groups, Practical Leader Habits, & Creating a Culture of Belonging 45:53

15d ago45:53

45:53

We talk with Carrie Brooks about building a safe, Jesus-centered community where students can belong while they figure out what they believe. From a hilarious living-room play to a practical playbook for small groups, this is a master class in culture, habits, and care. • Why belonging is the on-ramp to belief • Five measurable habits for small-gro…

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323. The Man You’re Meant to Be: Masculinity, Discipleship, and Men’s Ministry with John Simons 36:42

14d ago36:42

36:42

What does it really mean to be a man in today’s culture? In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with John Simons, author of The Man You’re Meant to Be, to explore masculinity, discipleship, and practical strategies for men’s ministry. Drawing from his book and years of ministry experience, John shares insights on the challenges me…

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Ep 34: From ASSIMILATION to ACTIVATION with Scott Michel 1:02:21

9d ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Instead of plugging people into roles, call them into purpose.By Derek Stanford

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322. More Than Enough: Vulnerability, Faith, and Leading Groups with Christine Hoover 36:32

21d ago36:32

36:32

How do we lead small groups that embrace real life—the joys, the struggles, and everything in between? In this episode of The Group Answers Show, Brian Daniel sits down with Christine Hoover, author of the new Bible study More Than Enough, centered on 2 Corinthians. Christine opens up about her journey writing this study while navigating personal t…

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33: From ATTENDANCE to APPRENTICESHIP | This vs That | On-Staff Mentorship | And Taking on the Keyboard Warriors 57:50

27d ago57:50

57:50

From Northern Lights and “read-minds-vs-fly” debates to deep reflections on what truly counts in ministry, Derek and Danielle explore how churches can move from attendance to apprenticeship. Dave Rhodes redefines success, and guest Jeremy Adelman shows how an old Minneapolis church found new life by focusing on training disciples who multiply. Perf…

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Living Out Biblical Manhood: Practical Steps with Joby Martin (Part 2) 32:59

22d ago32:59

32:59

This is the second episode in our two-part series on biblical manhood. In this conversation, Albo Esilaba is joined again by Joby Martin, pastor of The Church of Eleven22 and author of Stand Firm and Act Like a Man. Together, they go deeper into practical ways of living out godly manhood in everyday life—whether you're a dad, a leader, or a man of …

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Why the Church's Future Isn't Innovation & How to Reclaim Biblical Depth 49:28

29d ago49:28

49:28

We explore how authority from God creates confidence without ego and why rebuilding Bible literacy is the safest path back to health in youth ministry. John Rush shares stories, practical tools, and a call to play the long game: disciple deeply and watch evangelism grow. • Authority that produces humility and courage • Candid youth ministry stories…

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321. Discipleship in a Changing Culture: How Church Leaders Can Reach Cultural Christians with Pastor Dean Inserra 39:36

22d ago39:36

39:36

What does it take to make disciples in a world shaped by therapy culture, shifting values, and cultural Christianity? In this episode of Group Answers Show, host Brian Daniel welcomes back Pastor Dean Inserra from City Church in Tallahassee, Florida, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on the evolving landscape of discipleship and evang…

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32: From TEACHING to TRAINING | Falling into Autumn | This week at Grace | And how to have difficult conversations - yay! 58:28

1M ago58:28

58:28

Most churches are great at teaching but weak at training. In Episode 32 of Reinventing Church, Derek and Danielle kick off with fall vibes in Erie, then dive into Dave Rhodes on building training centers. Derek sits down with Pastor Mark Canada of Parkway Bible to talk about shifting from passive content delivery to active, experiential discipleshi…

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Stand Firm: Joby Martin on Biblical Manhood (Part 1) 27:48

23d ago27:48

27:48

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined by pastor and author Joby Martin from The Church of Eleven22 for the first episode in a special two-part series. Joby shares from his new book, Stand Firm and Act Like a Man, a biblical guide to what Scripture says about who men are and how they are called to live. Instrumental in discipling m…

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320. Scott McConnell on Trends in Adult Discipleship and Group Ministry 37:05

1M ago37:05

37:05

In a rapidly changing world, discipleship cannot remain static. The ways people gather, connect, and grow in faith have shifted dramatically, especially in the wake of the pandemic. For church leaders and group facilitators, this season has brought both new challenges and fresh opportunities to shepherd believers more intentionally. In this episode…

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31: From STAFF DRIVEN to LEADER MULTIPLYING | Have we gone too far? | Tapping the Untapped | 10 Recruitment Barriers 56:01

30d ago56:01

56:01

By Derek Standford

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Trying vs. Training: John Ortberg on True Transformation 41:05

1M ago41:05

41:05

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Steve is joined by author and pastor John Ortberg for a powerful conversation about transformation—what it means to move beyond trying harder toward training our lives around the practices that truly change us into a more godly person. John unpacks the difference between behavior modification and genuine spiritual t…

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Igniting Evangelism, Modeling the Call, and Cultivating a Missional Culture 48:57

1M ago48:57

48:57

Phil Johnson shares how to create a youth ministry culture centered on missional living by modeling authentic evangelism and celebrating students who live out the Great Commission in their daily lives. • Discipleship and evangelism should be integrated, not treated as separate ministry focuses • Creating a missional culture starts with what we cele…

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319. Discipleship and Deconstruction: How Leaders Can Respond with Grace and Truth with Courtney Reissig 36:17

1M ago36:17

36:17

Discipleship often requires walking with people through both clarity and confusion, moments of deep faith and seasons of doubt. Brian Daniel and Haley Malone sit down with author Courtney Reissig to explore the essential role of discipleship in the local church. Together, they discuss the growing need for biblical literacy, the tension between theo…

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30: From COMPLEXITY to CLARITY | Must see TV| It’s Christmas time in the city | Livin on a prayer 1:00:15

1M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

By Derek Standford

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29:From SUNDAY to EVERYDAY | the most accurate personality test of all, becoming Influencers, and empowering team members with a 1:3:1 Tool 1:04:27

1M ago1:04:27

1:04:27

By Derek Stanford

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Mobilizing Missional Leaders, Volunteer Recruitment Strategies, and Building Pipelines That Multiply 51:15

2M ago51:15

51:15

Joseph Kellogg shares his strategic approach to leadership development in youth ministry, focusing on how to mobilize leaders for a missional youth movement. His four-year strategy prioritizes multiplication at every level, creating systems that transform followers into commissioned leaders who can effectively reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha. • Joseph ha…

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28: Season 3 Launch! | Cruel Summer | Shifting 11 Gears | Behind the curtain at Grace | Tips and Tools and we tango with The Terminator…but WE’LL be back. 52:01

2M ago52:01

52:01

By Derek Stanford

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Starting Movements for Christ: A Conversation with Josh Howard 40:37

2M ago40:37

40:37

This week on the No Regrets Podcast, we're joined by Josh Howard, a missionary who spent 16 years in India catalyzing disciple-making and church-planting movements in some of the most unreached regions of the world. Josh shares how God gave him a passion to see disciples multiply, leaders raise up leaders, and churches start new churches. In 2015, …

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318. How Podcasting Can Transform Discipleship and Church Ministry with Angie Elkins and Haley Malone 35:26

2M ago35:26

35:26

In today’s digital age, the ways we disciple and equip others are constantly evolving. While Sunday gatherings and small groups remain central, new tools are opening doors for deeper connection and ongoing conversations. One of those tools—podcasting—has become a powerful medium for ministry, offering leaders fresh opportunities to disciple, teach,…

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How to be a SALT Leader 10:26

2M ago10:26

10:26

Hey leaders, welcome to the PursueGOD Training Podcast. Today we’re going to give you a complete roadmap for leading the SALT program—from the big picture 9-month journey to the nightly flow that makes every meeting meaningful, fun, and spiritually powerful. -- The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christia…

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We're back! What was ABOB up to all summer? 45:51

3M ago45:51

45:51

Hey bike friends! Marley & Ellen are back from our summer breaks. Listen up to hear what's new from All Bodies on Bikes. You can become an All Bodies On Bikes member anytime! Check our website for details. Free & paid levels have benefits for everyone. Join our Discord! Request topics, participate in AMAs with Marley, and even chime in on episodes …

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From Nairobi to No Regrets: Albo Esilaba's Story 36:20

2M ago36:20

36:20

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Steve is joined by Albo Esilaba, who will step into the role of Executive Director of No Regrets this September. Albo shares his powerful journey of faith—from growing up in a Christian home in Nairobi, Kenya, where his parents served in the church, to following God's call into ministry. As a child, he witnessed the…

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Creating a Culture of Care in Your Small Group 12:13

3M ago12:13

12:13

In today’s leadership episode, we talk about how small group leaders can create a culture of care where everyone participates. We’ll explore why care starts with the leader, how to move your group from consumers to contributors, and practical ways to equip others to carry both spiritual and practical burdens—so your group becomes a true family that…

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The Gospel Beyond the Altar Call, Turning Messages into Mission, and Igniting Root-Level Transformation 52:16

3M ago52:16

52:16

We explore how gospel fluency should be at the center of youth ministry, extending beyond just the moment of salvation to transform every aspect of students' lives and propel them into mission. • Gospel fluency is often overlooked because we assume students already understand the basics • Students live in a works-based world where they're constantl…

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317. Mastering Small Group Leadership: Strategies for Building Community, Guiding Discussion, and Multiplying Disciples with Mary Wiley and Joel Polk 39:23

3M ago39:23

39:23

Every small group leader knows the tension between leading with confidence and leading with humility. Great leadership isn’t just about guiding discussions or sharing biblical truths, it’s about creating a space where people feel known, valued, and challenged to grow. In this episode, we explore the heart of group leadership, from the natural tende…

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Practical Tips for Men's Small Group Leaders with Vince Miller 27:22

3M ago27:22

27:22

This week on the No Regrets Podcast, Vince Miller joins us to share practical guidance for men's small group leaders. As an author, speaker, and daily devotional writer, Vince brings decades of experience and insight on how to lead groups that are meaningful, relational, and spiritually effective. Vince dives into four of the most common challenges…

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316. Deep Discipleship: How to Build a Bible-Centered Strategy for Small Groups and Church Leaders with JT English 34:38

3M ago34:38

34:38

What does it really take to grow people into mature disciples of Jesus? Too often, churches unintentionally settle for surface-level engagement, leaving believers under-equipped for the mission God has called them to. In this episode, Pastor JT English challenges that norm by unpacking the principles of deep discipleship—a vision for shaping believ…

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The Necessary Shift in Youth Ministry, Attractional vs. Missional Models, and Making Disciples That Last 46:47

3M ago46:47

46:47

Terry Parkman shares how youth ministry is fundamentally shifting from attractional to missional models, requiring leaders to focus on transforming students rather than merely entertaining them. • Youth ministry is at a tipping point where effective ministries will focus on outcomes (life transformation) rather than outputs (attendance numbers) • T…

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315. Rethinking Discipleship with Andrea Lennon 31:19

3M ago31:19

31:19

Welcome back to another great episode of Group Answers Podcast with Brian Daniel. In this episode, Brian sits down with Andrea Lennon, director of Lifeway Women, to unpack what nearly a year of leading a national discipleship movement has taught her - about people, purpose, and leadership. Reflecting on the challenges of leading remotely, Andrea sh…

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How to Build an Intentional Small Group with Bill Search 28:03

3M ago28:03

28:03

This week on the No Regrets Podcast, Bill Search, pastor at Crossings Community Church and author of several books on small group ministry, shares practical, hands-on ideas to help take your small group to the next level. Whether you've been in a group for decades or are just getting started, this episode offers valuable tools and fresh insights. B…

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Leaning Into the Mess, Releasing Your Grip, and How to Coach Young Leaders 39:26

4M ago39:26

39:26

Reggie Hill, Young Adults Pastor at Journey Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, shares his expertise on leadership development in youth ministry and how to avoid becoming "the lid" to your own ministry. • Shifting from being the superhero who does everything to a coach who develops leaders • Creating ministry tracks that help students find their leadersh…

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314. From Conversion to Commission with Dr. Scott Hildreth 32:15

4M ago32:15

32:15

What does it take to live a life fully surrendered to the mission of God? In a culture that often prioritizes comfort, control, and convenience, many believers wrestle with the tension between knowing the gospel and sharing it boldly. In this compelling episode, host Brian Daniel sits down with Dr. Scott Hildreth to explore that very tension—inviti…

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313. Discipleship, Culture, and the Church in the Digital Age with Collin Hansen 39:14

4M ago39:14

39:14

In an age of constant digital noise and fleeting attention spans, what role does deep thinking and cultural engagement play in discipleship? In this episode of Group Answers, host Brian Daniel and guest Colin Hansen invite listeners into a rich conversation exploring the intersection of literature, culture, and faith. Colin draws from his extensive…

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The Discipline That No One Sees, Seasons of Stretching, & the Platform You Didn't Pray For 48:16

4M ago48:16

48:16

Ever notice how you can tell when someone has been with Jesus? There's something different about them—a presence, a peace, a perspective that stands out in our chaotic world. In this transformative episode of Vitals for Youth Ministry, National Youth Director for the Assemblies of God Austin Westlake reveals how consistent spiritual disciplines cre…

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312. Emotionally Healthy Discipleship in a Hurried World with Drew Hyun 38:41

4M ago38:41

38:41

In the fast-paced world of ministry - especially in places like New York City - it can be easy to drift into doing rather than being, managing rather than ministering. As small group leaders and disciple-makers, we’re reminded that deep, lasting transformation often begins not with strategy, but with slowing down, embracing vulnerability, and learn…

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How to Build a Disciple-Making Church with Bobby Harrington 24:13

4M ago24:13

24:13

This week on the No Regrets Podcast, Steve Sonderman is joined by pastor, author, and speaker Bobby Harrington for a practical and insightful conversation all about discipleship. Together, they unpack what true discipleship looks like, explore current trends shaping disciple-making today, and discuss the biggest challenges churches face in building…

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Growing Together: Friendship, Faith, and Discipleship: John Groth's Story (Part 2) 24:54

4M ago24:54

24:54

In Part Two of this encouraging conversation, Steve Sonderman continues his talk with John Groth from Priority One Ministry—diving deeper into the heart of men's discipleship and authentic relationships. John shares more of his story, including a season of deep loneliness that led him to discover the power of friendship and community with other men…

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Leadership Pain, Personal Growth Plans, and a Lifestyle of Development 52:19

5M ago52:19

52:19

Micah Mac joins us to vulnerably share how a painful season of ministry—feeling inadequate, discouraged, and even depressed—became the catalyst for his most significant leadership growth. With remarkable transparency, Micah reveals the exact moment he discovered a framework for personal development that not only changed his ministry trajectory but …

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311. Empowering Discipleship for a Broken World with Josh Spink 33:57

4M ago33:57

33:57

Discipleship is at the heart of the Christian mission, yet the brokenness of our world - and often our own hearts - can make the call feel daunting. We need practical tools and a clear vision to help others grow and multiply in their faith. In this episode, host Brian Daniel sits down with Josh Spinks, a seasoned ministry leader with deep experienc…