Here To There With Carolyn Taketa

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Introducing a new series: Making Time! DIGITAL GROUP GUIDE How are you at making time? Do you feel like you have enough time in the day? Do you know if you have enough time in the day? Is there a difference between how you feel about time and what you think about your time? This is the first of a 6 part series on Making Time. Everyone has the same number of hours in the day so why do some people seem to get so much more done? Why do some other people seem so rushed and others seem so casual? While this series can be listened to on your end, you’ll get more out of it if you listen to it together with someone else, your spouse, family, small group, book/podcast club or whatever. If you want to make it more fun and interactive with your group, download the GROUP Method discussion guide here: https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ And we are giving away 50 free GROUP Method Notebooks. Each notebook has premium BLACK paper and comes with a white pen. To get a free notebook, you can do 1 of the following: 1. Leave a review for Making Time on your podcast app of choice. 2. Share the Making Time podcast on social media. Take a screenshot of either one and email it to makingtime@lumivoz.com This podcast is just launching and still very small so if you enter, you are probably going to win! But here’s the catch, only 1 notebook and pen per email entry. If you want one for each member of your group, they each have to enter. Sorry, we can only afford to ship to the US and Canada at this time but will hopefully have some more international options soon, especially if y’all share this podcast and it gets popular enough ;) Music in this episode comes from Artlist.com and Musicbed.com - Good Time by Ben Fox - The Sin by Francesco D’Andrea - Theater Magnus by Marco Martini - String Arpeggios - The Great Wild by Out of Flux - The Sky Within by Romeo - I Owe It To You - Premiere by Adrian Berenguer - Lily’s Bounce Edited using Descript And for more great podcasts check out https://lumivoz.com

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Do you serve in a local church ministry? Are you a small group point person? Are you doing groups in a multisite context? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then this Small Group Network podcast is for you as it will encourage and equip you regarding general ministry principles, leadership & groups in a multisite context! Jason Williams is a Texan, born and bred. He earned an MBA from University of Texas at Dallas and worked for 10 years in oil & gas and healthcare IT field. Jason joined Chase Oaks Church staff in Plano, TX for 8 years as part of the executive team, teaching team, and was responsible for developing groups ministry across all campuses, including launching a new campus. In fall 2016, Jason joined Saddleback’s staff as the Campus Groups Development Pastor. In 2010, Saddleback started their first multisite campus and currently has 18 campuses with a 19th one in the works for December. Jason develops and oversees the leadership of groups ministry on all campuses. In this Here To There podcast, Host Carolyn Taketa interviews Jason regarding groups in a multisite context as well as general ministry principles that will apply to any ministry leader.

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We would all agree that small group leaders need the support, mentoring, and care that a coaching system can provide, but it continues to be an area of ministry that is challenging, and often a source of confusion and frustration. In this exclusive interview, Host Carolyn Taketa talks with Allen White about issues related to coaching, especially the top 5 common mistakes for small group point people to avoid! Allen White coaches churches in launching exponential groups. In over 25 years of ministry, he has served on staff at two churches: New Life Christian Center in Turlock, CA and Brookwood Church in Simpsonville, SC. He has coached over 1,500 churches across North America. Allen is the author of Exponential Groups: Unleashing Your Church's Potential.

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dr. David Wang is a licensed psychologist and associate professor of psychology and pastoral counseling at the Rosemead School of Psychology, at Biola University. He is the editor of the Journal of Psychology and Theology and serves on the editorial board for Spirituality in Clinical Practice (an APA journal). He also leads research funded by the John Templeton Foundation and the Lilly Foundation investigating the spiritual and character/virtue development of seminary students. Dr. Wang teaches and speaks internationally, maintains a small clinical practice in Fullerton, CA and is the pastor of spiritual formation at One Life City Church

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Since evangelism is critical part of discipleship, it is typically a high value for our churches. However, practically speaking, many of our groups do not engage regularly in intentional outreach to nonbelievers. In this episode with Joel Comiskey, we focus on why evangelism helps small groups thrive and how we can empower groups to engage in relational evangelism. Joel is the founder of Joel Comiskey Group and has written numerous books on cell groups-based churches. Joel consults with churches, coaches pastors in small group ministries around the world, and actively leads a life-giving small group. Joel recently published a book with co-author Jim Egli titled, “Groups that Thrive: 8 Surprising Discoveries About Life Giving Small Groups.”

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pioneer of small groups ministry in the United States, Carl George has been an influential voice in churches for decades. Here, Carl shares his thoughts on the small groups movement over the years including trends, concerns, and the future of small groups ministry in the current cultural context. Carl George, an internationally recognized church consultant, has helped congregations and leaders in over 100 denominations to increase their effectiveness. An experienced Pastor, Church Growth Institute director, and author, Carl has guided small group ministry design in many influential churches. Just click the play button at the top of this post to enjoy this insightful discussion!

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic: A question we frequently field from our small group leaders is, "What should we study?" There is an overwhelming range of materials and topics to choose from and it is critical to choose curriculum wisely. What a group chooses to study has a significant impact on group dynamics and spiritual growth. On this podcast, we discuss some issues to consider when choosing small group curriculum. Guest: Chris Surratt Chris Surratt is a ministry consultant and coach with more than 24 years of experience serving the local church. Chris served on the Executive Team at Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina, prior to becoming the Discipleship and Small Group Specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources. chrissurratt.com.

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Since 2017, Bart has been serving at Traders Point Christian Church, a multi-site congregation in Indianapolis, IN with 5 campuses, as their Lead Groups Minister, Campus Pastor for their 2000+ site, and on their Leadership Team. Prior to that, he ministered for 12 years as a Discipleship and Teaching pastor in Northern Indiana. Bart has served in smaller, midsize churches with Sunday school models as well as small groups and is now at a church of 10K+ with 450 small groups. He’s also a certified life coach and trained in 3DM discipleship ministry. Show Notes: Traders Point Christian Church Resources https://tpcc.org/ https://tpcc.org/group-leaders

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We're going back to 2019 for this episode! Join Carolyn as she talks with Derek Olson on the challenges of childcare in small group ministries.

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Since 2014, Peter Clow has served as a bi-vocational Discipleship Pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church in New Hampshire. He oversees the small groups ministry and also serves on the Senior Leadership Pastoral team, assisting in the teaching and preaching, and in the growth and vision of the church. Peter is an Air Force veteran who works full-time for BAE Systems, a leading defense and aerospace company as a manufacturing supervisor. Since 2018, Peter has been involved with the Small Group Network as a blogger and is currently the SGN NH State Leader.

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Guest: Greg Anderson Greg is originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and has been in full-time church-based ministry since 1996 as a small group pastor, most recently at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. He has been involved with SGN from the early days of its launch, and currently serves as the Southeast Regional Representative for the Small Group Network. Greg is currently on staff with The Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Palm Beach County Florida. Along with beginning a recovery ministry at his church in South Carolina, He also has served as the National Training Coach for Celebrate Recovery in 2002, southeast regional director in 2003, and eventually became the first National Director for Celebrate Recovery in 2004. SHOW NOTES Reach Greg via email: ganderson@fca.org Greg's website for Men's recovery group: mysafegroup.org

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A panel discussion on how to overcome the typical barriers of getting new leaders, and how to identify, invite, and recruit new people to lead groups. Group Talk Podcast Panelists: Bill Search - Author of "Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders" and "Simple Small Groups" and serves as Executive Pastor of Ministries at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City, OK Mark Kendall - Small Groups Pastor at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, MN and also serves as the North Central Regional Leader for the Small Group Network. Tommy Carreras - Tommy oversees care and community at Mission Church in Ventura, CA and helps to lead the Ventura County Small Group Network "Huddle."

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A lot has changed since Creating Community, by Andy Stanley and Bill Willits was published 16 years ago describing the North Point Church's vision and strategies for group life. New realities, cultural shifts, technological changes, sociological dynamics, and organizational challenges have caused us to reevaluate our assumptions and strategies about small groups ministries. Listen to Bill share North Point's learnings and how we can adapt strategically and creatively for a thriving small groups ministry today. Guest: Bill Willits is the Executive Director of Adult Ministry Environments for North Point Ministries (NPM). One of the founding staff members of North Point, Bill is a graduate of Florida State University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He is also the co-author of the book, Creating Community with Andy Stanley, which was re-released in an updated and expanded edition in July, 2021. He and his team have helped connect thousands of adults into the benefits of group life.

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Guests: From Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, CA Britt Vargas, High School Ministry Director - brittany.vargas@calvarywestlake.org Connor Johnson, Middle School Pastor - connor.johnson@calvarywestlake.org https://calvarywestlake.org/middle-school/ https://calvarywestlake.org/high-school/ How do we disciple the next generation through small groups?

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Since evangelism is critical part of discipleship, it is typically a high value for our churches. However, practically speaking, many of our groups do not engage regularly in intentional outreach to nonbelievers. In this episode with Joel Comiskey, we focus on why evangelism helps small groups thrive and how we can empower groups to engage in relational evangelism. Joel is the founder of Joel Comiskey Group and has written numerous books on cell groups-based churches. Joel consults with churches, coaches pastors in small group ministries around the world, and actively leads a life-giving small group. Joel recently published a book with co-author Jim Egli titled, “Groups that Thrive: 8 Surprising Discoveries About Life Giving Small Groups.”

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Guests on the Panel: Bill Search is the author of Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders and Simple Small Groups. Currently serving as Executive Pastor of Ministries at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City. Heather Lee has served on staff at Crossroads Church in Manteca, California for 12 years and as the Groups Director for the last 4 years. She also serves on the SGN team as the Northern California Regional Leader. Danny Bias is the Life Groups Champion at Newbreak Church in San Diego since 2014. Currently an blogger/author for the Small Group Network.

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Most small group ministry leaders would agree that Bible study is a significant part of a small group. Yet, do our groups engage meaningfully with Scripture or are they just bouncing off verses during meetings? Rev. Dr. Roberta Hestenes: As a pastor, Fuller seminary professor, Christian college president, international speaker, senior pastor and author, Rev. Dr. Roberta Hestenes has been a pioneering leader in Christian ministry 50+ years. She is the author of numerous books and publications including “Using the Bible in Groups” and a Bible commentary on 2 Corinthians and Galatians. She has lectured at more than 60 universities and seminaries and has received 8 honorary doctoral degrees. During her 15+ years on the theology faculty at Fuller Seminary, she initiated courses on small groups, women in ministry, and how to teach the Bible. She is an an ordained Presbyterian minister who currently serves as a teaching pastor at Bayside Granite Bay Church, near Sacramento.

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Do you "want to want to read the Bible?" Do you or your groups struggle to incorporate Bible reading as a regular habit? We talk with Tara-Leigh Cobble, host of the Bible Recap, a short digest of a daily bible reading. With millions of downloads, Tara Leigh has been enormously influential in helping people love to read and understand the Bible. She also believes that the Bible is best understood in the context of community, alongside one another in groups. So Tara-Leigh founded and leads D-Groups to deepen Biblical understanding, community, and accountability, and she shares how these discipleship groups can work in any church or community environment. Links: https://www.taraleighcobble.com/ https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ https://www.taraleighcobble.com/d-group https://www.mydgroup.org/church And of course, don't forget to check out the Small Group Network at https://smallgroupnetwork.com or join our Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/SGNContact

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "What unites us is much greater than what divides us." This quote by Pope John XXIII is so applicable to this conversation with Kelly Lippenholz from Church of the Nativity - a dynamic Catholic congregation deeply committed to discipleship and community through small groups. Kelly shares about the power of a personal invitation from her own story, how Church of the Nativity developed a new culture of community in a Catholic church context, how they executed very successful group launches, and how they integrated groups as the primary pathway for discipleship. Kelly and her small groups team are valuable members of the Small Group Network and you can interact with them on our Facebook page. Bio: Kelly Lippenholz began her career in ministry at Church of the Nativity, a parish in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Maryland when she began volunteering with the Youth Ministry program and leading a small group of 6th grade girls. Those girls are now in college and Kelly is in her 10th year of vocational ministry. She spent six years withYouth Ministry - writing curriculum, delivering messages, planning retreats, and training for 200 Next Gen ministers. A few years ago, she transitioned into her current role at Nativity as Director of Adult Discipleship where she oversees several ministries including small groups, member care, missions, and adult ministry.

Promo: Making Time You have the same 24 hours in your day as the most accomplished people in the world. So why doesn't it feel that way? Follow along on this special 6 episode series as we take a look at how to make more time. By following biblical principles and taking a look at what you really want, Making Time shares the secret to having all the time you need... with a little help from some friends. Learn more and download group guides at https://lumivoz.com/making-time/ For questions, comments, or sharing your tips on how to make more time, reach out to makingtime@lumivoz.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Guest: Dr. Bill Donahue Dr. Bill Donahue, Ph.D., focuses his work on building transformational leaders, groups and teams. He is a conference speaker, author and strategic voice in areas of leadership development, community-building, and strategic vision. Bill’s work blends his corporate and church experience as he serves clients in both arenas. After 18 years at Willow Creek – at the church and the Association – Bill joined the faculty of Trinity International University and leads the Doctor of Ministry Program there, training over 100 church leaders and pastors. Bill has published or co-authored over a dozen books and training resources for all levels of leadership, including the best-selling Leading Life-changing Small Groups, Coaching Life-Changing Leaders, Building a Life-Changing Small Group Ministry, the DVD training series Making Small Groups Work, and most recently The Irresistible Community. https://drbilldonahue.com/