Can small groups “mix” churches? Should they? Or does it hurt unity, depth, and discipleship? In this episode of the Crossline Community Podcast, Pastor Jordan Gash tackles a real-world issue every group leader eventually faces: What do I do when someone joins our group… but doesn’t attend our church? Drawing from Scripture, small group leadership experience, and real tensions Jordan has walked through, this episode explores why this issue exists and how the early church faced similar chall...
Something powerful happens when we shift our focus from creating resources to investing in people. After seven years of developing nine comprehensive small group curriculum packages, we're taking a bold new direction at Crossline Community Church for 2025. The revelation came through a simple question: What if we redirected the many hours typically spent on writing books, filming videos, and creating materials toward personally investing in each of our small group leaders instead? What if, r...
Small groups provide a unique space for communal growth, fostering deep relationships among participants. Through questions sourced from Reddit, we explore various experiences within small groups and how to enhance engagement, navigate challenges, and revive group dynamics. • Importance of feeling connected in smaller vs. larger churches • Couples navigating group participation together vs. separately • Value of community and personal growth in small groups • Suggestions fo...
This episode explores strategies for revitalizing small groups experiencing stagnation. We discuss leadership changes, outward focus on community service, and encouraging spiritual stretching as keys to maintaining a vibrant and engaging group experience: • Encouraging leaders and group members • Navigating the stages of small group dynamics • Signs of group staleness and recognizing the need for change • Benefits of changing the facilitator or leader • Implemen...
Can the bonds formed within a church community dramatically enhance your spiritual journey? Join me as we explore the transformative power of community groups at Crossline Community Church. December not only marks my quirky tradition of growing a mustache but also serves as a timely reminder of the profound sense of belonging that small groups offer. I also discuss how active participation in small groups far surpasses traditional Sunday messages in fostering spiritual growth and learning. As...
Unlock the secrets to creating a small group experience that's both spiritually enriching and filled with fun. Join me as we dive into the fascinating dynamics of small groups. Discover what motivates people to join, from seeking deeper church connections to enhancing their biblical understanding, and learn how to cater to these diverse needs. We'll also touch on Barna's research, which offers valuable insights into prioritizing spiritual practices within these communities. Do you know what ...
Step into your calling as a small group leader and uncover the profound role you play within the church community. Join me, Jordan Gash, as I explore the sacred responsibility of shepherding your group members, drawing inspiration from biblical passages such as Jeremiah 3:15 and John 21:15-17. Through personal stories and scriptural reflections, I highlight the transformative power of the spiritual gift of shepherding, emphasizing its importance in guiding, nurturing, and protecting your floc...
Have you ever wondered how to truly connect and engage with your small group members from day one? Join me as I share the essential strategies and heartfelt insights drawn from my experience as the Community Life Pastor at Crossline Community Church. In this episode, I equip you with practical steps to prepare for your first meeting, from attending training sessions to effectively communicating with your group members. We'll also talk about the biblical story of Mary and Martha to highlight t...
Can couples groups achieve the same depth and intimacy as gender-specific groups? Join us as we answer this question with my dear friend Adam Brown, Life Group's pastor at Harbor Point Church. We discuss the natural tendency of mixed groups to lean towards social activities and how, with intentionality, couples groups can also foster profound relationships and spiritual growth. Through our conversation, you'll learn how to navigate the dynamics of these groups to uncover new dimensions in you...
Navigating small group ministry might seem daunting, but pastor Jordan unpacks the art of leading with a magnetic vision, sharing stories from his six-year journey that blends humor with profound insights. He doesn't shy away from the reality of managing the ebb and flow of group dynamics, offering biblical wisdom as both a compass and comfort to those leading small groups. Jordan's approach to problem-solving within a group setting is both relatable and instructive, providing a behind-the-s...
Have you ever felt the weight of guiding a Bible study group and wondered how to ensure each session is as enriching as it is engaging? I've been right where you are, and in our latest podcast, I'm opening up my playbook to share the winning strategies that have turned my sessions from daunting to dynamic. We delve into the overwhelming choices of curriculum and uncover how to pick the perfect fit for your group, as well as the significance of aligning with your church's vision. It's not just...
Picture this: You’ve just been asked to lead a small group ministry, and while growth is booming during the first year, you’re left wondering - what truly determines success in small group ministry? Is it the numbers, the quality of the curriculum, the percentage of congregation involvement, or the diversity of your group? I grappled with this very question for over five years, managing to oversee a whopping 250% growth in my first year. Join me as we unpack this question of "How do we measur...
Have you ever felt like your small group is running in circles or being pulled down by the weight of a poorly picked study? That's where I found myself, grappling with my group's fixation on the Book of Revelation. This episode is my roadmap to navigating such challenges. We will walk through the treacherous path of selecting the right study for small group growth, unity, and wisdom, and we'll touch on why this choice can make or break the group's dynamic. But choosing a study isn't a ...
Imagine you’ve been invited over to your friend’s house for a small gathering. You’re not quite sure what to expect, but you know the hosts, Megan and Matt, are some of the most welcoming people you’ve ever met. What you stumble into is a wonderfully chaotic, heartwarming journey of community building. This group, formed through personal invitations, is a testament to the power of connection and shared faith. Join me as I sit down with Megan and Matt to learn about their inspiring journey, th...
Get ready to discover the power of inclusivity and authenticity with our dynamic guest, John Agnew. Coupling his firsthand experiences with practical advice, John shines a light on how to create warm and welcoming group environments. As we journey through this episode, he shares his wisdom on the importance of being genuine and the impact of small gestures like providing food to make everyone feel at home. You'll get valuable insights into building a thriving group dynamic that radiates posit...
Are you longing for a thriving small group, one that is engaging, fulfilling, and brings about spiritual growth? Then strap in as we take you on a journey to uncover the secret behind successful small groups in today's episode. Using the acronym 'S.C.A.L.E.' as a guide, we delve into the five crucial foundations - Structure, Community, Accountability, Leadership, and Engagement. We draw on my college experiences, illustrating how these principles were instrumental, from setting up meeting tim...
When I was attending a community group, leading a community group was the last thing on my mind. Yet here I am, sharing lessons on the nitty-gritty of leading a vibrant community group, drawn from personal experiences and biblical examples like the apostle Paul. Paul, much like a community group leader, knew the importance of understanding the unique needs and context of the groups he led, and I can't wait to share my insights on this with you. Diving into the dynamics of small groups, I dis...