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PODCAST

Great Groups

Jay Gordon & Chris Amaro

A Podcast Designed for Small Group Leaders. Great Groups are small groups that focus on making disciples, building community, serving, and living on mission. You may call your groups Sunday School Life Groups, Community Groups, or a host of other names, but whatever you call it, we want to help your group be a great group. We built the podcast to encourage and equip adult small group leaders at Brook Hills and beyond.

religion & spirituality christianity

All Episodes

44:20

Group Life with John Mark & Keilah Carter (Episode 144)

Great Groups ·

2025/10/07

In Today’s Episode: Jay and Chris sit down with guests John Mark and Keilah Carter to chat about life, leadership, and what’s happening in their Small Group. It’s always fun to hear from fellow leaders—and maybe even steal a few good ideas! We start by learning about John Mark and Keilah’s backgrounds, work, and hobbies before diving into a rich conversation about their group . Topics include: Their current Bible study and favorite resourcesThe different roles people play in their groupHow t...

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33:34

Creating a Great Group Culture, Part 2 (Episode 143)

Great Groups ·

2025/09/18

Culture shapes everything we do in Small Groups. It can be defined as the shared beliefs, values, behaviors, and practices of a particular group of people. Each group, to some degree, has it's own individual culture. We want our groups to reflect Biblical values through their culture. Join us and give some thought to the culture of your small group as we investigate what it is, why it matters, and how leaders can influence it intentionally. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the G...

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35:20

Creating A Great Group Culture, Part 1 (Episode 142)

Great Groups ·

2025/09/04

Culture shapes everything we do in Small Groups. It can be defined as the shared beliefs, values, behaviors, and practices of a particular group of people. Each group, to some degree, has it's own individual culture. In this episode, Jay and Chris are joined by Elisabeth Chramer as a guest co-host to discuss group culture - what we'd like to see in our groups and how to lead toward that. Join us and give some thought to the culture of your small group as we investigate what it is, why it matt...

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46:23

Making Disciples & Random Conversations with Rick...

Great Groups ·

2025/08/19

In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Rick Howerton, a nationally-known and respected leader in Small Group Ministry and Jay's favorite in that category. Rick is a consultant, author, and former groups pastor. His writings include A Different Kind of Tribe, and The Perpetually Growing Church. Tune in and hear discussions on disciple-making, on and off-campus group distinctions, and much more. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for ...

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27:35

Getting a Strong Start to a New Group Year (Episode 140)

Great Groups ·

2025/08/05

In this episode, Jay and Chris share practical ways to kick off your small group with momentum as a new year begins. They cover essential tips on effective communication, prayer, creating a welcoming atmosphere for new members, casting vision, and encouraging faithful attendance. Plus, they highlight the importance of thoughtful planning—and yes, the power of offering food at that first meeting! Tune in to make sure you’ve checked all the boxes for a strong and meaningful start. Send us a tex...

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25:03

Take Your Group on Mission (Episode 139)

Great Groups ·

2025/07/22

In this episode, Jay and Chris talk with Chris and Emily Self about their Small Group's recent trip to Memphis to serve with Refugee Memphis & Send Relief. Listen and get some ideas about how your group can go on missionl Send us a text Thanks 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 Birming...

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24:17

Big Beautiful Bible Study (Episode 138)

Great Groups ·

2025/07/09

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 text Thanks 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 G...

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29:21

Lead with Less Stress (Episode 137)

Great Groups ·

2025/06/20

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 text Thanks 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 Chur...

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38:52

Deep Relationships and Mission Partnerships with...

Great Groups ·

2025/06/03

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 text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a li...

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28:02

Celebrating 5 Years by Sharing Our Top 5 Tips...

Great Groups ·

2025/05/21

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 ta...

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37:13

Developing Leaders with Dawn Stephens (Episode 134)

Great Groups ·

2025/05/05

In this episode, Jay talks with Dawn Stephens, Brook Hills' Women's Minister, about developing leaders. The session is an overview of her breakout session at the Fall 2024 SG Leader Gathering. The complete title was Building a Leadership Team in Your Group: Developing Leaders is a Win-Win. It's a win for you as a leader, and it's a win because the process prepares others to lead. Listen and hear some ways you can develop leaders. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups P...

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21:28

Taking Steps in Our Three Priorities (Episode 133)

Great Groups ·

2025/04/15

In this episode, we’re revisiting the keynote message from our February Small Group Leader Gathering, featuring John Butterfield. John unpacks how people grow—one small, consistent step at a time—and why helping others take those steps is key to leading well. Tune in to hear practical insights on how we can guide growth in the three core priorities of our church. Small Groups Staff Book Reccomendations: Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expec...

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40:56

Leading Intentionally with Chris Robbins (Episode 132)

Great Groups ·

2025/03/24

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 text Thanks 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. ...

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37:43

Ramadan: An Opportunity to Pray for Muslims

Great Groups ·

2025/03/14

In this episode, Chip and Brooks join Jay and Christ to discuss Ramadan-what it is and why Christ-followers should take note and pray for Muslims across the world during this holiday. Join in and hear some stories from the field and be inspired to pray during Ramadan. Email for Ramadan Info from Chip (chip@brookhills.org). IMB Prayer Page (The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention) Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit Gre...

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35:49

The What and Why of Groups with John Butterfield...

Great Groups ·

2025/03/12

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 text Thanks 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...

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25:49

Missionary Connections and Support with Dave Halperin...

Great Groups ·

2025/02/28

Brook Hills' missionaries serve in tough places and they deeply need our support. Groups can have a global impact by building a strong, supportive relationships with them. Join Chris and Jay as we talk to a group leader who has led his group well in that area. Suggested Missionary Support Ideas for Groups Send us a text Thanks 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. ...

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17:14

Leading Group Meetings 101, Part 2 (Episode 128)

Great Groups ·

2025/02/25

In this episode, we review a recent live class at Brookhills entitled Leading Group Meetings 101: The First Things You Need to Know. In this episode, Chris joins us to discuss preparation, study and organization of content, asking good questions, staying on track, and much more. Join us to see if reviewing the basics is helpful to you. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from y...

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25:58

Leading Group Meetings 101, Part 1 (Episode 127)

Great Groups ·

2025/02/18

In this episode, we review a recent live class at Brookhills entitled Leading Group Meetings 101: The First Things You Need to Know. In this episode, Chris joins us to discuss preparation, study and organization of content, asking good questions, staying on track, and much more. Join us to see if reviewing the basics is helpful to you. Send us a text Thanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please visit GreatGroups.org for a list of all our episodes. We'd love to hear from y...

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31:01

Building Community & Hospitality with Parker Snider...

Great Groups ·

2025/02/04

In this episode, Luke Long fills in for Chris Amaro as we host Parker Snider, Brook Hills' Young Adult Minister in a conversation about hospitality. We're recapping the breakout sessions from our Fall 2024 Leader Gatherng. The official breakout title was "Building Biblical Community & Hospitality: How to Help People Connect with One Another and With Guests." Listen in and gain some tips for connecting members to one another and connecting guests to the group. Send us a text Thanks f...

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31:23

Leading Your Group Outside the Walls (Episode 125)

Great Groups ·

2025/01/28

David McKnight and Mike Joiner are our guest for the topic "Leading Your Group Outside the Walls: Serving Together and Individually". This was one of our breakouts at the Fall 2024 Small Group Leader Gathering and we went to bring everyone the content from that session. Visit GreatGroups.org to listen, or better yet, subscribe to The Great Groups Podcast on your favorite podcast app. That way you'll never miss an episode.Send us a textThanks for listening to the Great Groups Podcast. Please v...

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145 results

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