If your discipleship plan depends on Sunday morning, you may be asking preaching to carry weight it was never meant to carry. Brian Daniel sits down with Mark Croston to define discipleship in plain terms: learning to follow Jesus as a follower and a learner. From there, we get honest about where churches drift, especially when we assume sermons alone will produce mature believers.

Mark points to a sobering benchmark from Lifeway Research: the current state of discipleship earns a D grade. We talk about why that score does not mean leaders do not care, but it may mean our patterns are stuck in an older world where the church had more time, less competition, and more predictable rhythms. Today, people give fewer hours, attend less often, and carry full calendars, which makes small group ministry and relational disciple making more essential than ever.

We close with practical pathways, including training intensives, bringing strategy back to the church field, and leadership cohorts built on honest conversation. The methods may change, but the gospel seed is still good.

Subscribe for more practical help for pastors, disciple makers, and small group leaders, then share this with a leader who needs encouragement and leave a review so more churches can find it. What part of your discipleship strategy needs the biggest reset right now?

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.

Why do so many churches want to make disciples—but struggle to create a true disciple-making culture?

In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with Vick Green to discuss what it takes to move beyond programs and cultivate a genuine disciple-making movement within the local church. Drawing from years of ministry experience, Vick shares insights on the barriers that often prevent churches from multiplying disciples and the foundational elements required for lasting renewal.

Together, they explore how churches can align their mission, culture, and leadership around the call to make disciples. Vick explains why spiritual renewal must precede organizational change and how leaders can create environments where discipleship becomes a natural part of church life rather than just another ministry initiative.

Whether you're leading a small group, overseeing discipleship ministries, or helping shape the direction of your church, this conversation provides valuable encouragement and actionable next steps for building a disciple-making movement.

And if you're enjoying Group Answers, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your review helps more leaders discover practical, gospel-centered conversations that equip them to make disciples and strengthen the local church.

SHOW LINKS:

Movement Ready Church

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.

What makes a small group truly effective?

After more than three decades of leading groups and investing in discipleship, Joe Walker, Interim President of LifeWay Christian Resources, joins Brian Daniel on Group Answers to share the principles that have shaped his approach to group leadership and disciple-making.

Drawing from years of ministry experience, Joe reflects on how group discipleship has evolved and why the core mission remains the same: helping people grow in their relationship with Christ through biblical community and life transformation. He offers practical wisdom for leaders who want to move beyond simply gathering people and create environments where meaningful discipleship can thrive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why relationships are the foundation of effective group ministry
• How to move from information to life application in Bible study
• Practical ways to build community and connection within your group
• The value of using a structured curriculum to facilitate discipleship
• Joe’s approach to preparing lessons and leading discussions
• How to measure success through engagement and spiritual growth, not just attendance
• Leadership lessons learned from more than 30 years of ministry experience

Joe also shares how group leaders can create a culture where people feel known, valued, and challenged to grow in their faith. Whether you're leading your first small group or have years of experience, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you disciple others more effectively.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a fellow small group leader, pastor, or ministry volunteer!

And if you're enjoying Group Answers, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your review helps more church leaders discover practical, gospel-centered conversations that equip them to make disciples and build healthy communities.

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.