When Trinity United Methodist Church in Kansas City needed to raise $50,000 for much-needed repairs to their historic building, the congregation of 75 found themselves facing a big challenge. The Rev. Tex Sample shares with Ken Sloane the journey of Trinity's capital campaign.

In this session, we hear from Rachel Gilmore, Director of Recruiting, Assessing, and Training for Community Engagement and Church Planting at Discipleship Ministries. Rachel, also a former church planter, will cover a wide range of topics including in-home versus at-church small groups, the connection between worship and small groups, and the various roles within small groups. To participate in the online course for free, visit smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org.

People inside and outside of our churches are hungering for places that feel smaller and offer welcome, connection, and belonging. Small groups offer that and so much more. In this session, we will hear a unique perspective from Rev. Motoe Yamada Foor who serves at the Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church, the Garden Church. Pastor Motoe will help us explore the essential elements of a small groups and casting a vision for small groups among other important ideas. To participate in the online course for free, visit smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org.

People inside and outside of our churches are hungering for places that feel smaller and offer welcome, connection, and belonging. Small groups offer that and so much more. In this session, Mark Youngman and Joy Dodge of Providence United Methodist Church help us explore the big “why” of small group ministry. To participate in the online course for free, visit http://smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org.

In this session, we will hear from Pastor Brad Kalajainen, the author of "How to Start Small Groups" which serves as our main text for this course. Kalajainen highlights the role of small groups in pastoral care and growing disciples and leaders within the church. To participate in the online course for free, visit http://smallgroups.umcdiscipleship.org.

Scott interviews Christine Hides who is a deacon in the Northern Illinois Annual Conference, the Director of Christian Education at Kenilworth Union Church, and a blogger at www.christinevhides.com. Scott and Christine explore the positives and challenges of online small groups.

Scott interviews author, psychologist, and third-degree black belt, Angela Schaffner. Scott and Angela explore self-awareness as a means to Christian maturity, the importance of reflection for small group leaders, and the need for vulnerability. Checkout Angela’s book "Revealed: What the Bible Can Teach You About Yourself" (https://bookstore.upperroom.org/Products/1861/revealed.aspx/?path=BookstoreBanner&dept=marketing) and her blog at http://angelaschaffnerphd.com/.

Scott caught up with author and coach Scott Boren. They discuss Scott Boren’s new book "Beyond Small Groups: From Programmatic Meetings to Flourishing Communities". In this episode, they explore the importance of spiritual practices and trust in small groups. Also, checkout Scott Boren’s blog at http://mscottboren.org/

Scott caught up with author and coach Scott Boren. They discuss Scott Boren’s new book "Beyond Small Groups: From Programmatic Meetings to Flourishing Communities". In this episode, Scott explores the importance of spiritual practices and trust in small groups. Also checkout Scott Boren’s blog at http://mscottboren.org/

Scott and David Teel, Director of Laity and Spiritual Leadership, discuss Discipleship Ministries’ See All The People resource for churches and small groups.

Scott interviews Meagan O’Brien from the Gathering United Methodist Church in St. Louis. Meagan is an Associate Site Pastor at the McCausland location of the Gathering. Scott and Meagan discuss CoreGroups and the necessity for leadership development.

Scott offers encouragement to churches and small groups willing to engage in Courageous Conversations following the special called General Conference. There is a resource for local churches and small groups to use called Courageous Conversations following General Conference.

Scott interviews Lauren Miller, Minister of Discipleship at Gay Street UMC in Mount Vernon, Ohio. They discuss discipleship and small groups at Gay Street UMC as well as the role of the church in giving guidance for discipleship formation.

Scott interviews Flo Sapp Martin, part-time Director of Education at Centenary United Methodist Church in the South Georgia Conference. They discuss Flo’s involvement in an Interfaith small group and how such a group might help us to grow in our faith.

Scott interviews Rev. Thomas Cross, Pastor of Discipleship at Broomfield United Methodist Church in Broomfield, Colorado. They explore the importance of having a clear entry into groups, identifying leaders, training teachers, and being a church of small groups, not just a church with small groups.

Scott interviews Robert Martin, professor of Christian Education and Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary and elder in the Missouri Conference, to discuss what it means to grow spiritually. They also discuss the role of habits and small groups as a catalyst in spiritual growth throughout a congregation.

Scott interviews Robert Martin, professor of Christian Education and Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary and elder in the Missouri Conference. They discuss what it means to grow spiritually, and the role of habits and small groups in spiritual growth.

Scott interviews Jack Seymour, author and professor emeritus from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Jack is a guru of religious education. He has authored several books including: "Teaching the Way of Jesus", "Teaching Biblical Faith: Leading Small Group Bible Studies", and "Yearning for God: Reflections of Faithful Lives".

Scott interviews Rev. Dale McConkey. Dale is a professor of sociology at Berry College and a part-time local pastor at Mount Tabor United Methodist Church in Armuchee, Georgia. Dale is also the author of "United Methodists Divided: Understanding Our Differences over Homosexuality".

Scott interviews Barbara Bruce, author and teacher. Barbara has a contagious passion for teaching and learning. She has authored several books including "Start Here: Teaching and Learning with Adults" and "Our Spiritual Brain: Integrating Brain Research and Faith Development".