Shows
Great GroupsBig Beautiful Bible Study (Episode 138)In this episode, Bill Brown joins Jay and Chris to share a unique approach to group meetings—walking through the entire Bible, one book per week. Tune in as they explore how this fast-paced journey can deepen understanding, and how tools like AI and Logos Bible Software can enhance the experience.Send us a textThanks 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. ...2025-07-0924 minGreat GroupsLead with Less Stress (Episode 137)In this episode, Jay and Chris discuss ways to take the stress out of leading. You'll hear some long-term tips as well as some tips to apply when life is coming at you fast. Listen in and learn how you can lead with less stress.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit 2025-06-2029 minGreat GroupsDeep Relationships and Mission Partnerships with Chris Kinsley (Episode 136)In this episode, Jay and Chris sit down with Chris Kinsley to explore how his group is leading the way in two key areas: building deep relationships and embracing a group mission partnership. You'll hear practical insights and fresh inspiration to help you lead your own group more effectively. And if Chris’s voice sounds familiar—it’s because it is! He is our guest and our announcer.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episode...2025-06-0338 minGreat GroupsCelebrating 5 Years by Sharing Our Top 5 Tips (Episode 135)In this special anniversary episode, Jay and Chris reflect on five years of podcasting together. They dive into memorable moments, behind-the-scenes bloopers, and a few laughs along the way. But at the heart of the episode is a meaningful celebration: “5 Years, 5 Tips” — their top five insights for leading small groups, lists which they created independently, but reveal live during the recording — no spoilers, just real-time reactions, and candid conversation. Tune in to hear their biggest takeaways, surprises, and the practical wisdom they’ve gained over the years.Send us a textThanks for...2025-05-2128 minGreat GroupsLeading Intentionally with Chris Robbins (Episode 132)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Chris Robbins about Leading Group Meetings Well: How to Lead Intentionally and Overcome Common Problems. The session is an overview of the breakout Chris led at our Fall 2024 SG Leader Gathering. Listen and hear three strategies Chris embraces with his group. Send us a textThanks 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 G...2025-03-2440 minGreat GroupsThe What and Why of Groups with John Butterfield (Episode 130)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with John Butterfield as we revisit his breakout session from the Fall Small Group Leader Gathering. His session was entitled "The What and Why of Small Groups: Why We Do Small Groups and What We Seek to Accomplish."See our purpose statements as a church.Send us a textThanks 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...2025-03-1235 minGreat GroupsPraying for Your Group's Purposes (Episode 124)In this episode, Jay and Chris discuss things to pray for your Small Group and for the Small Groups Ministry at Brook Hills or your own church, if different. Listen in and learn some things to pray for your group. Please consider adding the items below to your personal prayer list.List of Things to Pray for Your GroupGreat Groups BuzzSprout WebsiteSend us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd...2025-01-2136 minGreat GroupsMeet Luke Long: Generations of Disciple-making (Episode 122)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Luke Long, our new Adults & Small Groups Intern at Brook Hills. Join us to get to know Luke and hear his passion for Small Groups that has been passed down from his father and grandfather.Send us a textThanks 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 T...2024-11-2633 minGreat GroupsPursuing the Spiritual Growth of Group Members (Episode 120)In this episode, Jay and Chris discuss ten thoughts on pursuing the spiritual growth of your group members. Here are the thoughts we'll dive into.1. Pray for the spiritual growth of your group. 2. Expect spiritual growth. Don't be content without it.3. Model spiritual maturity for them. High Potency + Clear Communication + Close Proximity + God's Hand = Maximum Impact (Maximum Spiritual Growth)4. Be transparent about your spiritual highs and lows.5. Help them Build spiritual disciplines. a. Get them in the Word daily. b. Get them praying daily. c. Encourage scripture memory6. Expose them to...2024-10-2229 minGreat GroupsCommunity & Starting New Groups with Nathan & Blair Sherman, Part 2 (Episode 118)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Nathan and Blair Sherman about things that are going well in their group. This is a follow-up to their brief discussion on a panel during Brook Hills' recent Faith Family Gathering. There were so many things to dig into that we made it two podcasts. Here is the first.Send us a textThanks 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...2024-09-1020 minGreat GroupsBible Study and Serving with Nathan & Blair Sherman (Episode 117)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Nathan and Blair Sherman about things that are going well in their group. This is a follow-up to their brief discussion on a panel during Brook Hills' recent Faith Family Gathering. There were so many things to dig into that we made it two podcasts. Here is the first.Send us a textThanks 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...2024-09-0326 minGreat GroupsMissionary in Your Group? Possible. (Episode 116)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Wade and Joan K to learn about their background and call to missions and hear stories about what God is doing in Slovenia, where they serve. We want to help Small Group Leaders see that some future missionaries may very well be in your Small Group now. Let's keep mission work and missionaries in front of our group members and see what God does.After the podcast, the stories kept rolling. We regret that we couldn't keep recording or make two podcasts out of their stories. God is at...2024-08-2756 minGreat GroupsStart the Year Strong with Brennan Strain (Episode 115)In Episode 114, Brennan Strain joins Jay and Chris as they all share ideas for starting the new group year strong following our summer break. We are introducing a new format that we plan to use fairly often - a mix of interview and color commentary. It's just more fun with more people, especially people you haven't heard from yet. Brennan co-leads a young adult group along with his wife, Kasi, and Stephen and Kimberlee Brooks.Suggested document:Brook Hills Small Group Values & Great Conversation - The first group meeting of the y...2024-08-0634 minGreat GroupsIntentional Group Evangelism with Grayson & Lucy Gayle (Episode 114)In this episode, Jay and Chris host Grayson and Lucy Gayle to hear stories about how their group has been on mission for Christ. From the very start, the Gayles have been very intentional about equipping and engaging in evangelism as a group. And the group is all in. Join us to get some tips that you can apply in your groupSend us a textThanks 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...2024-07-1738 minGreat GroupsCommunication, Homework, and Community with Dale & Chris (Episode 113)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Dale Kendrick and Chris Robbins about their Small Group. They use a weekly email to communicate with their group, discussing what they studied last week, looking forward to the coming week, and sometimes giving some homework that links to the upcoming meeting. Listen and hear how they use that and more to build community in their group.Here's the KR (Kendrick-Robbins Small Group) annual survey. Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a l...2024-07-0238 minGreat GroupsRus Goodwin: Partnering for Member Care (Episode 112)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Rus Goodwin, Brook Hills' Pastoral Care Minister and part of our Member Care Team. We take a few minutes to get to know Rus and then discuss the overlap of pastoral care and groups. Listen and hear how Rus can help you and the members of your group. You can also help Rus coordinate the work of meeting needs.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.2024-06-1932 minGreat GroupsSnapshot: Your Strengths & Struggles (Episode 111)In this episode, Jay and Chris react to Small Group Leader responses to our Spring Snapshot. It's an electronic form we use at Brook Hills to check vital signs for our groups and get feedback from our leaders. We specifically discuss the answers to two questions: 1) STRENGTHS: What are some positive things happening in your group? and 2) STRUGGLES: What challenges is your group experiencing? Listen in and hear some feedback and a few tips along the way.Referenced Documents:Spring 2024 Snapshot Online FormSmall Group Values DocumentGreat Conversations Document2024-06-0433 minGreat GroupsAttendance Issues: Tips and Thoughts Part 2 (Episode 109)Our recent snapshots (feedback from leaders) indicate many groups are struggling with attendance issues. In this episode, Jay and Chris continue to discuss having the right perspective on these issues. They also share some tips and thoughts on ways to strengthen consistency.Jay referenced the document Small Group Essentials, which mentions faithfulness to attend. One option is to review this document with your group at the start of every ministry year (August).Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list...2024-05-0115 minGreat GroupsAttendance Issues: Tips & Thoughts (Episode 108)Our recent snapshots (feedback from leaders) indicate many groups are struggling with attendance issues. In this episode, Jay and Chris discuss having the right perspective on these issues, and they also share some tips and thoughts on ways to strengthen consistency.Jay referenced the document Small Group Essentials, which mentions faithfulness to attend. One option is to review this document with your group at the start of every ministry year (August).Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of...2024-04-2521 minGreat GroupsTeaching from a Bible Reading Plan (Episode 107)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Harry Handlin, one of our Small Group Leaders. We discuss his group, which uses a Bible reading plan together, and Harry then draws his teaching time from the plan. God's word changes lives, so we're interested in teaching plans that encourage people to read the Bible regularly. We included some ideas for groups that may not fully engage in this type of plan.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our...2024-04-0426 minGreat GroupsTaking Next Steps in Spiritual Growth (Episode 105)In this episode, Jay and Christ discuss challenging group members to identify and take some next steps toward growth in Christ. Next steps might be defined as small steps that lead to big change when taken consistently. Jay gets Chris' reaction to a list of ten areas where next steps may be needed. Listen in and get some ideas to help your group members grow spiritually.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our...2024-03-1937 minGreat GroupsEquipping Your Group to Go Strong (Episode 104)In this episode, Jay and Chris review Equipping Your Group to Go Strong: Tips for Leaders, a document created with lots of practical ideas for your group. As we are in the final few months of 2Strong, look it over and choose some of the tips to use with your group. You can also reach the document at brookhills.org/leaderresources.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to...2024-03-0423 minGreat GroupsLeader Gathering Recap with Pastor Matt (Episode 103)In this episode, Jay and Chris briefly talk about the Small Group Leader Gathering before listening to the clip of Pastor Matt's talk. Join us for some inspiration if you missed the leader gathering or just want to hear it again.Send us a textThanks 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...2024-02-2621 minGreat GroupsSpiritual Influence with Scott & Alison Elliott, Part 2 (Episode 102)In today's episode, Jay and Chris talk with Scott and Alison Elliott about being a spiritual influence at work, home, neighborhood, or wherever you are. They were on our Leader Gathering Panel Discussion back in September when we focused on Going Strong to Our Community. We are in Year 2 of Going Strong. On the podcast, we take time to get to know them personally and talk more in-depth about their personal experiences in evangelism.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for...2024-02-1932 minGreat GroupsSpiritual Influence with Scott & Alison Elliott (Episode 101)In today's episode, Jay and Chris talk with Scott and Alison Elliott about being a spiritual influence at work, home, neighborhood, or wherever you are. They were on our Leader Gathering Panel Discussion back in September when we focused on Going Strong to Our Community. We are in Year 2 of Going Strong. On the podcast, we take time to get to know them personally and talk more in-depth about their personal experiences. Hear about a very entertaining weekly event called "Taco Night."Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups...2024-02-1428 minGreat GroupsFun Memories and Celebration of 100 PodcastsJay and Chris take this episode to celebrate our 100th podcast. We talk about favorite memories, fun guests, things we've learned, and more. Thanks to Boyd Powell for our intro.Send us a textThanks 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...2024-02-0531 minGreat GroupsWorkplace Influence with James and Stacy Mintz, Part 2 (Episode 99)In this episode, Jay and Chris continue the talk with James and Stacy Mintz. They were on our Leader Gathering Panel Discussion back in September when we focused on Going Strong to Our Community. We are in Year 2 of Going Strong. On the podcast, we take time to get to know them personally and talk more in-depth about their personal experiences as a spiritual influence at work and in other settings.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of...2024-01-2928 minGreat GroupsWorkplace Influence with James & Stacey Mintz, Part 1 (Episode 98)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with James and Stacy Mintz. They were on our Leader Gathering Panel Discussion back in September when we focused on Going Strong to Our Community. We are in Year 2 of Going Strong. On the podcast, we take time to get to know them personally and talk more in-depth about their personal experiences as a spiritual influence at work and in other settings.Be sure to check out a Brook Hills document, Equipping Your Small Group in Evangelism.Send us a textThanks for listening...2024-01-2231 minGreat GroupsTake Your Group Overseas (Episode 97)Jay and Chris talk with Fox from our Global Disciple-making Team. Your Small Group can go on your own mission trip and his team will help facilitate that with our partners overseas. Going global helps make disciples of your group and those you go to serve. Listen to see how it can work for your group.See Short-Term Mission Trip Info.See a List of Short-Term trips.For more info, please email fox@brookhills.org.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit 2024-01-1537 minGreat GroupsGoing Strong: Evangelism @ Work with Seth Hagan (Episode 96)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Seth Hagan, one of our Leader Gathering panelists who works in the tech industry. We take some time to get to know Seth and talk more in-depth about his personal experiences as a spiritual influence where he works. Be sure to check out a Brook Hills' document, Equipping Your Small Group in Evangelism.Also, you are invited to see Seth's YouTube Channel, Theology with Seth.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit 2024-01-0832 minGreat GroupsWorkplace Influence with Margie Gunter, Part 2 (Episode 93)In this episode, Jay and Chris continue the talk with Margie Gunter, one of our Leader Gathering panelists who works in the television industry. We take some time to get to know Margie and talk more in-depth about her personal experiences as a spiritual influence where she works. Send us a textThanks 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 i...2023-12-1128 minGreat GroupsWorkplace Influence with Margie Gunter, Part 1 (Episode 92)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Margie Gunter, one of our Leader Gathering panelists who works in the television industry. We take some time to get to know Margie and talk more in-depth about her personal experiences as a spiritual influence where she works. Send us a textThanks 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. J...2023-12-0429 minGreat GroupsLeader Gathering: Matt's Books & Going Strong Overview (Episode 89)In this episode Jay and Chris discuss the 2Strong Emphasis before listening to Pastor Matt's segment from Brook Hills' Fall 2023 Small Group Leader Gathering. Matt shares some books he has been reading that fit well with 2Strong, then gives an overview of 2Strong Year Two. Join us and hear the focus for Year 2.Send us a textThanks 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...2023-10-1435 minGreat GroupsLaunch Your Year Well (Episode 86)In this episode, Jay and Chris discuss ten tips for launching your group year well. They also discuss a couple of good documents to use that first week, Small Group Essentials and Great Conversations. Join us and get some help launching your group well.Send us a textThanks 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...2023-08-0435 minGreat GroupsHelp! I'm Exhausted and Burned Out! (Epsiode 84)Jay and Chris discuss what to do when you are exhausted and burned out. We've all been there. Listen up and see if any of these tips help you. Some short and long-term solutions are included, as well as some discussion of balancing all of life.Send us a textThanks 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...2023-07-0531 minGreat GroupsLeading Small Groups 4: Different Group Types (Episode 83)In this session, Jay and Chris discuss the book Leading Small Groups by Chris Surratt. We're on Chapter 4, Group Type Trade-Offs. There is some discussion of closed groups, which is good to know, but Brook Hills opts for an open group model to help people remain outwardly oriented.If you'd like a copy, here's the link from Amazon for the book Leading Small Groups by Chris Surratt.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of...2023-06-1328 minGreat GroupsLeading Small Groups 3: New Group Options & Missions (Episode 82)In this episode, Jay and Chris review highlights from the book Leading Small Groups by Chris Surratt with one of our own leaders, Jeremy Simpson. This week focuses on Chapter 3: Preparing for Your Small Group. The content here is probably what you should have heard before starting a small group, but there are useful tips scattered throughout. If you'd like a copy, here's the link from Amazon for the book Leading Small Groups by Chris Surratt.Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for...2023-05-3126 minGreat GroupsWhat Frustrates Me About Leading My Small Group (Episode 81)In this episode, Jay and Chris discuss what frustrates them about leading their Small Groups. Listen and see if you resonate with any of these thoughts.See resources at brookhills.org/leaderresources.Send us a textThanks 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...2023-04-2522 minGreat GroupsWhat I Love About Leading My Group (Episode 80)In this episode, Jay and Chris discuss what they love about leading their respective Small Groups. Listen and see if you resonate with any of these thoughts.See resources at brookhills.org/leaderresources.Send us a textThanks 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...2023-04-1923 minGreat Groups2Strong Focus Study: Week 4: Saints, Sufferers, & Sinners (#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. This episode covers 1) Encouraging the Saints, 2) Responding to Sufferers, and 3) Fighting Sin.Send us a textThanks 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...2023-03-0341 minGreat Groups2Strong Focus Study: Week 3, Prayer (Episode 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 textThanks 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...2023-02-2431 minGreat Groups2Strong Focus Study: What the Church Does, Week 2 (Episode 75)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 textThanks 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...2023-02-1631 minGreat GroupsCreating Biblical Community - Leading Small Groups Book (Episode 74)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 textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to hear...2023-02-1330 minGreat Groups2Strong Focus Study: What the Church Does, Week 1 (Episode 73)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 textThanks 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...2023-02-1029 minGreat GroupsMeeting Leaders and Their Group: Robbins & Kendrick (72)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 textThanks 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...2023-01-3131 minGreat GroupsDave Halperin on Multi-Gen Groups (Episode 71)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 textThanks 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...2023-01-1730 min
Long Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastPie in the SkyJay and Chris discuss the previous games vs Milwaukee and Indiana and what the hell is going on with all of these large blown leads, plus a very dangerous walk down memory lane.2023-01-1337 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastChicken GateJay and Chris chop it up; a fine episode indeed if you ask us.2023-01-0641 minGreat GroupsTodd Norton and Off-Campus Group Life ( Episode 69)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 textThanks 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...2022-12-2022 minGreat GroupsZac Condie & His Off-Campus Group: Curriculum, Childcare, & Breakouts (Episode 66)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 textThanks 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...2022-11-0824 minGreat GroupsJeff Kunard on Group Transparency, Testimonies, and Community. (Episode 65)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 textThanks 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 Sma...2022-10-1729 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastObi Answers the BellJay and Chris give their takes on a Knicks preasons victory over Indiana, as well as attempting to predict Thibs final rotation as we trickle closer to the start of the regular season as McBride may be stealing Cam's lunch money.2022-10-1035 minGreat GroupsEvangelism: Slovenia. Telling Your Story. Hearing Jay's Story. (Episode 64)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 textThanks 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 C...2022-09-2832 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastCrystal Balls and Room Temp BlessingsWe dont claim to be clairvoyant... but that didn't stop us from trying to ask the basketball gods to pass down their most room tempature blessings on this rager of an episode. Brian, Jay and Chris reach for the stars, make predictions and try to do math. 2022-09-231h 47Great GroupsPrayer, Group Discussion, & Brook Hills' Pursuits (Episode 62)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 textThanks 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 i...2022-08-3025 minGreat GroupsStart Strong: Beginning the Group Year (Episode 61)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 textThanks 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 Sm...2022-08-1137 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastTechnically Born...(a Knicks fan)Brian, Jay and Chris kick the show off with some subway series talk before getting into potential Donovan Mitchell suitors, Spike Lee and the 90s Knicks, and whats this about KD to the Celtics? #knicks https://www.flowcode.com/page/longsufferingnyk2022-07-291h 01Great GroupsListed and Unlisted Groups: Best PracticesIn 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 textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love...2022-07-2734 minGreat GroupsGreat Conversations: Leading Your Group Discussions, Part 2In 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.pdfSend us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a l...2022-07-1127 minGreat GroupsGreat Conversations: Leading Your Group Discussions, Part 1In 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.pdfSend us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a l...2022-06-2823 minGreat GroupsLeader Tips on Evaluating Your Group and Hospitality (Episode 57)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 textThanks 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...2022-06-1329 minGreat GroupsAsking Questions, Staff Visits & Tiny Groups with Elisabeth Chramer 20s/30s Group (Episode 56)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 textThanks 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...2022-05-3129 minGreat GroupsWelcoming Guests Well, Part 2 (Episode 55)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 textThanks 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 M...2022-05-1626 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastThe Knicks Rumor MillWe're backkkkkkkkkkk. Troy, Jay and Chris dispell the swirling NYK rumors surrounding Jalen Brunson, Ty Jones, Spida and more plus a look aheas to the NBA Draft Lottery next week. Keep suffering.2022-05-1340 minGreat GroupsWelcoming Guests Well, Part 1 (Episode 54)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 textThanks 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...2022-05-0329 minGreat GroupsGroup Multiplication: The How (Episode 52)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 textThanks 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 Hi...2022-04-0636 minGreat GroupsGroup Multiplication: The Why (Episode 51)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 textThanks 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 H...2022-03-3021 minGreat GroupsBible Study Basics with John Butterfield, Part 2In 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 textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to...2022-02-2826 minGreat GroupsBible Study Basics with John Butterfield, Part 1In 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 textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to...2022-02-2129 minGreat GroupsElders & Small Group LeadersIn 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, Episode 48)Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Gr...2022-02-0652 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastJust Play the Kids!Jay and Chris discuss the rumors and buzz surrounding the Knicks on Twitter, as well as give their takes on the state of the Knicks. Where did it go wrong, where the blame lies, and what to do going forward. Keep Suffering! https://www.flowcode.com/page/longsufferingnyk 2022-01-2842 minGreat GroupsWelcome, 2022! Annual Small Group Goals (#47)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk about new year's resolutions and annual goals for Small Groups. They dive into a number of categories, encouraging you as Small Group leaders to consider goals in each category for leading your group this year.Send us a textThanks 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 H...2022-01-1031 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastSkeleton CrewJay and Chris back after a tough loss to the C's 114-107 on Saturday night. Decimated by Covid, Knicks turn to Kemba for one night only. Randle continues to have no handle and who should start at PG? We take a stab at predicting the Knicks next personnel moves. https://www.flowcode.com/page/longsufferingnyk2021-12-2040 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastPardon Our FrenchBrian, Jay and Chris fed up with what they've seen from the Knicks this year discuss who stays and who goes, possible trade targets. What's the deal with Fournier and RJ? Plenty of blame to go around. One of our best episodes yet. https://flow.page/longsufferingnyk 2021-12-1046 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastCryptic MessagesJay and Chris analyze Thibbs postgame comments about what he feels needs to change to improve the Knicks and takes a shot at RJ. Are the Knicks primed to make some moves this season to improve the team? Chris preaches patience while Jay thinks Leon is going to shake things up. https://flow.page/longsufferingnyk 2021-12-0637 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastIt was NOT the Best of Times or the Worst of TimesJay and Chris are back for postgame reactions/analysis of the Knicks loss to the Bulls, and break down the Ian Begley reports of locker room dissatisfaction with the offense. Happy Thanksgiving to all! https://flow.page/longsufferingnyk2021-11-2231 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastThe Worst Starting 5 in the History of the NBABrian, Jay and Chris are back to discuss the Knicks loss to the Charlotte Hornets and look to the future with an upcoming slate of four games this week: How much more Kemba can we handle in the starting lineup? The bright spots: Burks, Obi and IQ Should Thibbs get a pass? The 3rd quarter of doom Keys to victory against Indy and Orlando https://flow.page/longsufferingnyk2021-11-1543 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks PodcastWhat Are We Watching?Brian, Jay and Chris are back for another episode breaking down a tough loss to Milwaukee: Why do we suck at home? Why do we get so far down that we expend all of our energy to catch-up.... to fall short. Why is no lead safe? Did Thibs make the right call leaving the resurgent second unit in the game? What changes need to be made? Upcoming Charlotte vs Knicks predictions 2021-11-121h 00Great GroupsSmall Group Multiplication: Josh Lewis & Nathan Jackson (#45)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Josh Lewis & Nathan Jackson who are both Small Group Leaders at Brook Hills. Josh, Chris & Nathan all represent parts of a "Small Group Family Tree" where multiplication has flourished not just because of effective leadership, but through a magnitude of God's grace & mercy. (#45)Send us a textThanks 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...2021-11-0236 minGreat GroupsBrook Hills Desert City Initiative (#44)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Chip Bugnar, the Global Pastor here at Brook Hills ,about the Desert City Initiative, a multi-year strategy to impact this unnamed hub city. If you're a Brook Hills person, consider how you can be involved. If not, as you listen, consider getting your group involved locally or globally. Short-term trips are one of the top disciple-making catalysts. (#44)Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd love to...2021-10-1835 minGreat GroupsDon't Lead Alone: Enlist Help From Within Your Group (#43)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk about the importance of sharing some of the work of your Small Group. Doing so helps others grow, gives them ownership in the group, and allows you to give more attention to your leadership role. (#43)Send us a textThanks 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...2021-10-0529 minGreat GroupsEvangelism BasicsIn this episode, Jay and Chris have a discussion with Jeremy Simpson about evangelism, a topic that Jeremy is very passionate about. Jay had engaged with Jeremy in a random discussion and decided to bring Jeremy in to record it for your benefit as well. Our hope is that God will use this to give you some ideas about reaching your neighbor, co-worker, or friend. (#43, Season 2, Episode 18)Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes.We'd...2021-09-0832 minGreat GroupsSmall Group EssentialsThis week, Jay and Chris walk through Small Group Essentials, a document designed to help create a healthy group environment through which people grow in their relationships with one another and with Christ. Because these are things for everyone in the group, the start of the year is a great time to review Small Group Essentials with your group. They include items like a commitment to love, attendance, spiritual health, prayer, ministry, confidentiality, authenticity, multiplication, and unity.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org...2021-08-1833 minLong Suffering: A New York Knicks Podcast#054 8/1/2021Troy, Jay and Chris give draft grades for Leon and Co. We break down the drafting of Grimes, McBride, the European stash and Sims. With the beginning of free agency less than 48 hours away and Lonzo to the Bulls rumors heating up, what are the secondary Knicks potential targets? Is Frank finally done as a Knick? Would you take DeRozan to get to Lowry? We discuss it all, right here. Keep Suffering!2021-08-0157 minGreat GroupsGetting Ready for a Great YearIn this episode, Jay and Chris discuss eight things to consider as you prepare for leading your group to have a great year. Examples from the list are 1) having a plan for welcoming new people into the group and 2) making contacts with all your members prior to your first meeting of the year. (#41: Season 2, Episode 16)Send us a textThanks 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. 2021-07-3029 minGreat GroupsMust-Have Apps: Using Technology to Strengthen Spiritual DisciplinesIn this episode, Jay and Chris discuss apps that they have used to strengthen their spiritual disciplines and multiply their time. As a leader, being a mature and maturing disciple is so important in disciple-making. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ." Why not learn and use technology to help! (Episode 40, Season 2, Episode 15)Send us a textThanks 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...2021-07-0236 minGreat GroupsCaring Well: Responding to AbuseIn this episode, Jay and Chris welcome Brian Munnings and Holly Deemer to discuss Brook Hills' Caring Well Emphasis. Pastor Matt Mason focused on this in the June 6 Worship Gatherings. Caring Well is an emphasis to help our church become informed about abuse in order to prevent abuse, respond appropriately to abuse, and to build healthy environments and families. Brian serves as the Biblical Counselor at Brook Hills and Holly is a Clinical Psychologist at Grayson and Associates. (#39 - Season 2, Episode 14).Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit 2021-06-0731 minGreat GroupsCaring Well IntroductionIn this episode, Jay and Chris welcome Brian Munnings and Holly Deemer to discuss Brook Hills' Caring Well Emphasis. Pastor Matt Mason will focus on this in the June 6 Worship Gatherings. Caring Well is an emphasis to help our church become informed about abuse in order to prevent abuse, respond appropriately to abuse, and to build healthy environments and families. Brian serves as the Biblical Counselor at Brook Hills and Holly is a Clinical Psychologist at Grayson and Associates. (#38 - Season 2, Episode 13).Send us a textThanks for listening to...2021-06-0233 minGreat Groups"Seeing People" Encourages Them (Season 2 Episode 6)In this episode, Jay and Chris discuss ways we can "see" people, letting them know that they matter to us and they matter to God. Covid has been rough on us individually and on our Small Groups. Let's make sure we do things to let people know we see them.Send us a textThanks 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...2021-04-0723 min
Shit People PostJay and Chris Save the World Part 2SPP is thrilled to have Chris Singh back in the studio for part 2 of Jay and Chris Save the World! They debate whether IA is going to kill us all, if politicians should be allowed to golf, and if society has gone too soft. They answer these dilemmas and more on this week's episode! Want more SPP? Head to: https://www.projectsbyjay.com/shit-people-post-podcast Full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpDJWv3B5umNC-ihrkkNLh6RC5gXgL-Nq Afterparties: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpDJWv3B5umOD_Rgu69IBN8hwJGdjly1x2021-03-202h 46Great GroupsHandling Rapid Growth (Season 2, Episode 3)What do you do when your group faces rapid growth? In this episode, Jay helps Chris think through some questions he has about his group growing rapidly. Don't we all wish we had that problem? We'll discuss listed and unlisted groups, raising up leaders, preparing a group for multiplication, and ways to make the group feel small.Send us a textThanks 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...2021-02-1028 minGreat GroupsLeading During YOUR Personal Crisis (Season 2, Episode 2)In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Dawn Wingard, who leads a Small Group with her husband, Jared. Dawn discusses one of her own times of crisis and how she dealt with being in need while also leading. Jay and Chris add some tips as well. Visit us online at GreatGroups.org.Send us a textThanks 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...2021-01-1525 minGreat GroupsEncouraging Bible Engagement (Season 2, Episode 1)In this episode, Jay and Chris discuss the importance of Bible engagement in the spiritual growth of every believer. You'll also hear some tips and learn what we are doing individually. The bottom line is this--to make disciples, we need to encourage and equip our small group members to develop consistent time in the Word!Send us a textThanks 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. 2021-01-0432 minGreat GroupsPreparing to Lead a Bible Study with Ashley Chesnut, Part 2 (Season 1, Episode 23)In this episode, Jay and Chris continue a dialogue with Ashley Chesnut, Associate Singles 20s/30s Minister at Brook Hills. Part 2 digs deeper into context and knowing your audience. Go back and catch Part 1 to learn more about choosing a study, beginning with the end in mind, your personal study, commentaries and resources, context, and using good questions.Send us a textThanks 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...2020-12-1730 minGreat GroupsPreparing to Lead a Bible Study with Ashley Chesnut, Part 1 (Season 1, Episode 22)In this episode, Jay and Chris dialogue with Ashley Chesnut, Associate Singles 20s/30s Minister at Brook Hills. Topics include choosing a study, beginning with the end in mind, your personal study, commentaries and resources, context, and using good questions.Send us a textThanks 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...2020-12-1027 minGreat GroupsA Passion for Disciple-Making - Nathan and Wendi, Part 2This week, Jay and Chris resume and conclude a conversation with Nathan and Wendi* who are Small Group Leaders at Brook Hills. Jay shares a passion for discipleship with them, partly because overseas discipleship strategies and experiences strongly influenced all three. On the podcast, we want to look at Biblical principles used overseas and ask, "Why not here?"Our goal is to equip Small Group Leaders at Brook Hills and beyond to make disciples effectively. The podcast is hosted by Jay Gordon, with co-host Chris Amaro. Jay leads the Small Groups Ministry at The Church at Brook...2020-05-1830 minGreat Groups10 Ways Group Members Can Kill an Online Meeting!In this episode, Jay and Chris share some wacky things that have happened in their online group experiences. But we don't just laugh at what happened, we give you solutions. Of course, a lot of the solutions have to do with the mute button.The funny video we reference is on the front page of our site, greatgroups.org. And you can also grad a pdf version with all these tips under the resource link at the website.The goal of Great Groups is to equip Small Group Leaders at Brook Hills and beyond to...2020-04-3022 min