Troy Palermo on Lessons Learned from a Church with 85% Small Group Participation

as an operations Pastor I know how hard as an operations Pastor I know how hard it is to hire the right people I also it is to hire the right people I also it is to hire the right people I also know how hard it is to hire the right know how hard it is to hire the right know how hard it is to hire the right people in ministry that's why I'm people in ministry that's why I'm people in ministry that's why I'm thankful for my friends at the Vander thankful for my friends at the Vander thankful for my friends at the Vander blumen Search Group they are the leading blumen Search Group they are the leading blumen Search Group they are the leading search firm for churches and faith-based search firm for churches and faith-based search firm for churches and faith-based organizations Vander blumen prayerfully organizations Vander blumen prayerfully organizations Vander blumen prayerfully comes alongside your team to guide you comes alongside your team to guide you comes alongside your team to guide you through the search process and bring you through the search process and bring you through the search process and bring you great candidates that fit your Church's great candidates that fit your Church's great candidates that fit your Church's unique needs visit Vander blum.com for unique needs visit Vander blum.com for unique needs visit Vander blum.com for more information that's Vander b o more information that's Vander b o more information that's Vander b o m.com m.com m.com ladies and welcome to the unseminary ladies and welcome to the unseminary ladies and welcome to the unseminary podcast are you looking for practical podcast are you looking for practical podcast are you looking for practical Ministry help to drive your ministry Ministry help to drive your ministry Ministry help to drive your ministry further faster have a sinking feeling further faster have a sinking feeling further faster have a sinking feeling that your ministry training didn't that your ministry training didn't that your ministry training didn't prepare you for the real world hey prepare you for the real world hey prepare you for the real world hey you're not alone join thousands of you're not alone join thousands of you're not alone join thousands of others in pursuit of stuff that we wish others in pursuit of stuff that we wish others in pursuit of stuff that we wish they had taught in seminary buckle up they had taught in seminary buckle up they had taught in seminary buckle up and let's get started with this week's and let's get started with this week's and let's get started with this week's unseminary unseminary unseminary podcast well hey everybody Welcome to podcast well hey everybody Welcome to podcast well hey everybody Welcome to the unseminary podcast thank you so much the unseminary podcast thank you so much the unseminary podcast thank you so much for listening in today happy Thursday we for listening in today happy Thursday we for listening in today happy Thursday we know that you've got a lot going on on know that you've got a lot going on on know that you've got a lot going on on your in your church uh you're probably your in your church uh you're probably your in your church uh you're probably busy as we get ready for this weekend busy as we get ready for this weekend busy as we get ready for this weekend and we're honored uh that you would take and we're honored uh that you would take and we're honored uh that you would take some time out pop us in your earbuds as some time out pop us in your earbuds as some time out pop us in your earbuds as we say here uh and just you know we say here uh and just you know we say here uh and just you know listening to today's conversation today listening to today's conversation today listening to today's conversation today I'm excited to have Troy poo from lifeo I'm excited to have Troy poo from lifeo I'm excited to have Troy poo from lifeo church in Ohio if you don't know this church in Ohio if you don't know this church in Ohio if you don't know this church you really should uh and I'm church you really should uh and I'm church you really should uh and I'm hoping you'll lean in and listen today hoping you'll lean in and listen today hoping you'll lean in and listen today because we've got some great content uh because we've got some great content uh because we've got some great content uh some really helpful content for churches some really helpful content for churches some really helpful content for churches uh Troy welcome to the show thanks glad uh Troy welcome to the show thanks glad uh Troy welcome to the show thanks glad to be here with you guys today you guys to be here with you guys today you guys to be here with you guys today you guys started just over 10 years ago uh Church started just over 10 years ago uh Church started just over 10 years ago uh Church of about 20 th000 people today a great

of about 20 th000 people today a great of about 20 th000 people today a great church uh why don't you give us a sense church uh why don't you give us a sense church uh why don't you give us a sense of kind of what would people experience of kind of what would people experience of kind of what would people experience if they were to come uh on a weekend if they were to come uh on a weekend if they were to come uh on a weekend yeah so um we have a couple of services yeah so um we have a couple of services yeah so um we have a couple of services here at uh at the campus that I'm that I here at uh at the campus that I'm that I here at uh at the campus that I'm that I work primarily out of we have a second work primarily out of we have a second work primarily out of we have a second campus and are planning to launch a campus and are planning to launch a campus and are planning to launch a third here at Easter nice and you know third here at Easter nice and you know third here at Easter nice and you know pretty pretty typical um probably what a pretty pretty typical um probably what a pretty pretty typical um probably what a lot of you guys are doing out there you lot of you guys are doing out there you lot of you guys are doing out there you know it's it's um more contemporary know it's it's um more contemporary know it's it's um more contemporary worship music worship through music and worship music worship through music and worship music worship through music and then uh our pastor or one of our then uh our pastor or one of our then uh our pastor or one of our teachers will give a message and um lots teachers will give a message and um lots teachers will give a message and um lots of young families so that's been pretty of young families so that's been pretty of young families so that's been pretty cool to connect with younger families cool to connect with younger families cool to connect with younger families here in the community now one of the here in the community now one of the here in the community now one of the things that makes you not typical is things that makes you not typical is things that makes you not typical is what's happening on the small group side what's happening on the small group side what's happening on the small group side so if I understand right you have your so if I understand right you have your so if I understand right you have your weekend attendance is about 2,000 but weekend attendance is about 2,000 but weekend attendance is about 2,000 but then you have about 1,500 people in then you have about 1,500 people in then you have about 1,500 people in small groups is that is that true yeah small groups is that is that true yeah small groups is that is that true yeah um this past this past uh term in the um this past this past uh term in the um this past this past uh term in the fall we had our attendance was about fall we had our attendance was about fall we had our attendance was about 1,850 or so at that time and we had 1,850 or so at that time and we had 1,850 or so at that time and we had right around 1650 in groups so that's right around 1650 in groups so that's right around 1650 in groups so that's incredible yeah we tried to keep uh at a incredible yeah we tried to keep uh at a incredible yeah we tried to keep uh at a 85% our higher weekend to group ratio 85% our higher weekend to group ratio 85% our higher weekend to group ratio and so that's kind of been our goal and so that's kind of been our goal and so that's kind of been our goal since the beginning well I'd love to since the beginning well I'd love to since the beginning well I'd love to lean in on that and learn a bit more lean in on that and learn a bit more lean in on that and learn a bit more about what you're learning on that front about what you're learning on that front about what you're learning on that front I'd love to hear you know when you think I'd love to hear you know when you think I'd love to hear you know when you think about kind of moving people I think a about kind of moving people I think a about kind of moving people I think a lot of churches struggle with this I lot of churches struggle with this I lot of churches struggle with this I know my church struggles with this I've know my church struggles with this I've know my church struggles with this I've got my notepad out here I'm going to be got my notepad out here I'm going to be got my notepad out here I'm going to be taking notes today moving people from taking notes today moving people from taking notes today moving people from kind of the large crowd out of rows into kind of the large crowd out of rows into kind of the large crowd out of rows into circles into small groups you know what circles into small groups you know what circles into small groups you know what are you learning on that from how is it

are you learning on that from how is it are you learning on that from how is it that you're seeing you know that happen that you're seeing you know that happen that you're seeing you know that happen at your church well so I think a couple at your church well so I think a couple at your church well so I think a couple of things you know for us we really try of things you know for us we really try of things you know for us we really try to empower our leaders and give them to empower our leaders and give them to empower our leaders and give them sort of a a real kind of central focus sort of a a real kind of central focus sort of a a real kind of central focus and so it's one of those things where and so it's one of those things where and so it's one of those things where you can do a lot of good things in the you can do a lot of good things in the you can do a lot of good things in the church world but you you can't do church world but you you can't do church world but you you can't do everything and you can't do everything everything and you can't do everything everything and you can't do everything well and so sort what we've wrapped our well and so sort what we've wrapped our well and so sort what we've wrapped our our vision for groups around is five our vision for groups around is five our vision for groups around is five core values for us and um you know those core values for us and um you know those core values for us and um you know those are gospel identity reaching priority uh are gospel identity reaching priority uh are gospel identity reaching priority uh authentic Community spiritual intimacy authentic Community spiritual intimacy authentic Community spiritual intimacy personal Ministry which really covers personal Ministry which really covers personal Ministry which really covers the you know the group dynamic with one the you know the group dynamic with one the you know the group dynamic with one another the relationship with God as another the relationship with God as another the relationship with God as individuals um evangelism missions those individuals um evangelism missions those individuals um evangelism missions those kind of things and so what we've asked kind of things and so what we've asked kind of things and so what we've asked our groups to do is to focus on those our groups to do is to focus on those our groups to do is to focus on those things uh each time they get together things uh each time they get together things uh each time they get together and so kind of what we said is focus on and so kind of what we said is focus on and so kind of what we said is focus on at least one of those every time you get at least one of those every time you get at least one of those every time you get together and focus on all of those at together and focus on all of those at together and focus on all of those at least one time over a we use a trimester least one time over a we use a trimester least one time over a we use a trimester system over a trimester system and what system over a trimester system and what system over a trimester system and what we found is it's kind of simplified it we found is it's kind of simplified it we found is it's kind of simplified it for our leaders helped them to know how for our leaders helped them to know how for our leaders helped them to know how to measure success and it's made it to measure success and it's made it to measure success and it's made it homogeneous enough that it's made entry homogeneous enough that it's made entry homogeneous enough that it's made entry into groups easy but yet there's enough into groups easy but yet there's enough into groups easy but yet there's enough autonomy for our leaders that they can autonomy for our leaders that they can autonomy for our leaders that they can kind of lead out of how they're gifted kind of lead out of how they're gifted kind of lead out of how they're gifted how they're shaped um that kind of thing how they're shaped um that kind of thing how they're shaped um that kind of thing so it's it's been healthy there and how so it's it's been healthy there and how so it's it's been healthy there and how is it that you're kind of reinforcing is it that you're kind of reinforcing is it that you're kind of reinforcing those those DNA like what does that like those those DNA like what does that like those those DNA like what does that like from a communication point of view are from a communication point of view are from a communication point of view are you you know do are you yeah like how do

you you know do are you yeah like how do you you know do are you yeah like how do you kind of keep those top of mind for you kind of keep those top of mind for you kind of keep those top of mind for folks yeah so you know for our leaders folks yeah so you know for our leaders folks yeah so you know for our leaders obviously things get lost if you don't obviously things get lost if you don't obviously things get lost if you don't uh if you don't have that kind of in uh if you don't have that kind of in uh if you don't have that kind of in front of us all the time and so you know front of us all the time and so you know front of us all the time and so you know we do that primarily through coaches uh we do that primarily through coaches uh we do that primarily through coaches uh really on the weekends that's our five really on the weekends that's our five really on the weekends that's our five core those are our five core values for core those are our five core values for core those are our five core values for for our weekend Services as well so our for our weekend Services as well so our for our weekend Services as well so our our pastor talking about those pretty our pastor talking about those pretty our pastor talking about those pretty often and you know we just ask our often and you know we just ask our often and you know we just ask our people hey incorporate those things people hey incorporate those things people hey incorporate those things things at three levels at the level of things at three levels at the level of things at three levels at the level of our corporate time together at the level our corporate time together at the level our corporate time together at the level of your group and in the at the level of of your group and in the at the level of of your group and in the at the level of your personal life as you're out in the your personal life as you're out in the your personal life as you're out in the community and your job and those kind of community and your job and those kind of community and your job and those kind of things and so um so that's kind of how things and so um so that's kind of how things and so um so that's kind of how we've kept it in front of them and then we've kept it in front of them and then we've kept it in front of them and then we've we've tried to tap into what kind we've we've tried to tap into what kind we've we've tried to tap into what kind of is the natural rhythm in our culture of is the natural rhythm in our culture of is the natural rhythm in our culture here you know it's probably true for here you know it's probably true for here you know it's probably true for most of you guys out there that it seems most of you guys out there that it seems most of you guys out there that it seems like there are times when our folks are like there are times when our folks are like there are times when our folks are more dialed in to what's going on and more dialed in to what's going on and more dialed in to what's going on and then there are seasons where maybe then there are seasons where maybe then there are seasons where maybe there's a little bit more distraction there's a little bit more distraction there's a little bit more distraction and so we've tried to just tap into that and so we've tried to just tap into that and so we've tried to just tap into that Rhythm a little bit and what the way Rhythm a little bit and what the way Rhythm a little bit and what the way that we've done that with our groups is that we've done that with our groups is that we've done that with our groups is we've built three different trimester we've built three different trimester we've built three different trimester system okay trimester systems here and system okay trimester systems here and system okay trimester systems here and so our groups will meet together so our groups will meet together so our groups will meet together starting in January we'll go usually starting in January we'll go usually starting in January we'll go usually through April I try to break around through April I try to break around through April I try to break around Easter and they'll be 12 to 14 weeks Easter and they'll be 12 to 14 weeks Easter and they'll be 12 to 14 weeks together we'll do a three or four week together we'll do a three or four week together we'll do a three or four week break then they'll do through the break then they'll do through the break then they'll do through the through May to August three or four week through May to August three or four week through May to August three or four week break and then to the holidays and we'll break and then to the holidays and we'll break and then to the holidays and we'll do a little longer break over Christmas do a little longer break over Christmas do a little longer break over Christmas and Thanksgiving and what we found is

and Thanksgiving and what we found is and Thanksgiving and what we found is that the majority of our people who are that the majority of our people who are that the majority of our people who are new to our church usually get connected new to our church usually get connected new to our church usually get connected to groups during those breaks okay so to groups during those breaks okay so to groups during those breaks okay so it's a pretty natural time for people to it's a pretty natural time for people to it's a pretty natural time for people to uh to check out a we call them life uh to check out a we call them life uh to check out a we call them life groups to check out a life group groups to check out a life group groups to check out a life group environment now are you a kind of is the environment now are you a kind of is the environment now are you a kind of is the commitment for a group are they kind of commitment for a group are they kind of commitment for a group are they kind of staying just for one trimester or are staying just for one trimester or are staying just for one trimester or are they committed to multiple trimesters they committed to multiple trimesters they committed to multiple trimesters and are you kind of onboarding everybody and are you kind of onboarding everybody and are you kind of onboarding everybody at the same time what does that look at the same time what does that look at the same time what does that look like the kind of what is that how do you like the kind of what is that how do you like the kind of what is that how do you work that Rhythm out yeah yeah that's a work that Rhythm out yeah yeah that's a work that Rhythm out yeah yeah that's a great question yeah so for us what what great question yeah so for us what what great question yeah so for us what what we typically say to a person who's we typically say to a person who's we typically say to a person who's checking out groups for the first time checking out groups for the first time checking out groups for the first time is man you can try as many groups as is man you can try as many groups as is man you can try as many groups as you'd like until you find one that you you'd like until you find one that you you'd like until you find one that you feel like is a fit because while they're feel like is a fit because while they're feel like is a fit because while they're all all all structured the same everybody's structured the same everybody's structured the same everybody's personalities are different you know personalities are different you know personalities are different you know different leadership styles and and so different leadership styles and and so different leadership styles and and so we just give them the opportunity to we just give them the opportunity to we just give them the opportunity to check them out and and find one that check them out and and find one that check them out and and find one that they feel like is a fit but then once they feel like is a fit but then once they feel like is a fit but then once they find one that's a fit we ask them they find one that's a fit we ask them they find one that's a fit we ask them to stick there from term to term because to stick there from term to term because to stick there from term to term because there's to do different than that is to there's to do different than that is to there's to do different than that is to not really invest in community longer not really invest in community longer not really invest in community longer term and you know there are times when term and you know there are times when term and you know there are times when somebody comes and says hey my job somebody comes and says hey my job somebody comes and says hey my job schedule changed or this happened and I schedule changed or this happened and I schedule changed or this happened and I need to need to find a group that's a need to need to find a group that's a need to need to find a group that's a little bit better with our schedule but little bit better with our schedule but little bit better with our schedule but for the most part um we ask people to for the most part um we ask people to for the most part um we ask people to stick from term to term but for our new stick from term to term but for our new stick from term to term but for our new people we'll we'll typically put out a people we'll we'll typically put out a people we'll we'll typically put out a catalog of a couple of weeks before our catalog of a couple of weeks before our catalog of a couple of weeks before our term launch that list all of our groups term launch that list all of our groups term launch that list all of our groups what area of town they're in what night what area of town they're in what night what area of town they're in what night they're meeting on and so for a new

they're meeting on and so for a new they're meeting on and so for a new person they picked that up they don't person they picked that up they don't person they picked that up they don't necessarily know that a group has been necessarily know that a group has been necessarily know that a group has been together for them it's a it's a together for them it's a it's a together for them it's a it's a bite-sized commitment of 12 weeks and bite-sized commitment of 12 weeks and bite-sized commitment of 12 weeks and I've actually had people say to me you I've actually had people say to me you I've actually had people say to me you know I was nervous about going to a know I was nervous about going to a know I was nervous about going to a group for the first time but once I saw group for the first time but once I saw group for the first time but once I saw it was you know only 12 weeks I thought it was you know only 12 weeks I thought it was you know only 12 weeks I thought even if it's horrible I can do even if it's horrible I can do even if it's horrible I can do anything and so it's it's just taken anything and so it's it's just taken anything and so it's it's just taken down another one of those barriers for down another one of those barriers for down another one of those barriers for folks to kind of Step In to what folks to kind of Step In to what folks to kind of Step In to what sometimes is a little bit of a a scary sometimes is a little bit of a a scary sometimes is a little bit of a a scary situation if they don't know people or situation if they don't know people or situation if they don't know people or if they are not connected to anyone in if they are not connected to anyone in if they are not connected to anyone in the group in a personal the group in a personal the group in a personal relationship yeah I think that's a great relationship yeah I think that's a great relationship yeah I think that's a great you know principle just to draw out you know principle just to draw out you know principle just to draw out there for church leaders that are there for church leaders that are there for church leaders that are listening in you know we know that the listening in you know we know that the listening in you know we know that the best thing for people is to be connected best thing for people is to be connected best thing for people is to be connected to relationships over an extended period to relationships over an extended period to relationships over an extended period of time there is something about the of time there is something about the of time there is something about the longevity of that relationship that we longevity of that relationship that we longevity of that relationship that we can you know we lean into each other we can you know we lean into each other we can you know we lean into each other we get to know each other but the reality get to know each other but the reality get to know each other but the reality of it is people if you were to say hey of it is people if you were to say hey of it is people if you were to say hey you're going to find a group and you're you're going to find a group and you're you're going to find a group and you're there you're there for 2 years they're there you're there for 2 years they're there you're there for 2 years they're not going to do that that's hard for not going to do that that's hard for not going to do that that's hard for them to commit to that but but I like them to commit to that but but I like them to commit to that but but I like what you're doing saying hey let's bite what you're doing saying hey let's bite what you're doing saying hey let's bite this off 12 weeks 14 weeks it's not this off 12 weeks 14 weeks it's not this off 12 weeks 14 weeks it's not forever um give it a try you know I forever um give it a try you know I forever um give it a try you know I think is a real practical way now within think is a real practical way now within think is a real practical way now within those 12 weeks are you know are they is those 12 weeks are you know are they is those 12 weeks are you know are they is every week the same or you just saying every week the same or you just saying every week the same or you just saying okay you come and you do you know trying okay you come and you do you know trying okay you come and you do you know trying to live out all five of those values to live out all five of those values to live out all five of those values kind of every night what does that look kind of every night what does that look kind of every night what does that look like yeah so no the answer to that is like yeah so no the answer to that is like yeah so no the answer to that is they're not the same every week they're not the same every week they're not the same every week practically what that looks like over practically what that looks like over practically what that looks like over the course of a term you know there's the course of a term you know there's the course of a term you know there's going to be some sort of Bible study going to be some sort of Bible study going to be some sort of Bible study prayer maybe a worship element for 8 to prayer maybe a worship element for 8 to prayer maybe a worship element for 8 to 10 weeks out of the term but in order to

10 weeks out of the term but in order to 10 weeks out of the term but in order to focus on those core values more focus on those core values more focus on those core values more holistically we would say to them hey we holistically we would say to them hey we holistically we would say to them hey we want you to take one maybe two times a want you to take one maybe two times a want you to take one maybe two times a term go out in the community and serve term go out in the community and serve term go out in the community and serve somewhere together as a group and we somewhere together as a group and we somewhere together as a group and we want to incorporate the family into that want to incorporate the family into that want to incorporate the family into that so kids who are older we want the kids so kids who are older we want the kids so kids who are older we want the kids serving with their with their parents serving with their with their parents serving with their with their parents and with their families um we would say and with their families um we would say and with their families um we would say you know for us it's just as spiritual you know for us it's just as spiritual you know for us it's just as spiritual to get together and go you know out to to get together and go you know out to to get together and go you know out to eat or bowling because you you kind of eat or bowling because you you kind of eat or bowling because you you kind of get to know a different side of people get to know a different side of people get to know a different side of people in that kind of environment versus maybe in that kind of environment versus maybe in that kind of environment versus maybe just sitting in a in a living room and just sitting in a in a living room and just sitting in a in a living room and you know I say to my leaders you know you know I say to my leaders you know you know I say to my leaders you know you if you've got a group that's doing you if you've got a group that's doing you if you've got a group that's doing bowling 10 weeks and bible study two bowling 10 weeks and bible study two bowling 10 weeks and bible study two weeks that's that's not what shoot right weeks that's that's not what shoot right weeks that's that's not what shoot right but you know just to kind of keep it but you know just to kind of keep it but you know just to kind of keep it healthy keep it balanced and and so healthy keep it balanced and and so healthy keep it balanced and and so that's what it sort of practically looks that's what it sort of practically looks that's what it sort of practically looks like for us and you know I've seen that like for us and you know I've seen that like for us and you know I've seen that done in other places none of this is done in other places none of this is done in other places none of this is really um new with me but you know just really um new with me but you know just really um new with me but you know just kind of contextual ized it for for our kind of contextual ized it for for our kind of contextual ized it for for our culture where we are here in in Mid Ohio culture where we are here in in Mid Ohio culture where we are here in in Mid Ohio MH definitely very cool on the service MH definitely very cool on the service MH definitely very cool on the service piece of that are you is that kind of piece of that are you is that kind of piece of that are you is that kind of hey go and do something or are you hey go and do something or are you hey go and do something or are you providing kind of you know here's some providing kind of you know here's some providing kind of you know here's some examples or write down to like here's examples or write down to like here's examples or write down to like here's specific stuff you could do within your specific stuff you could do within your specific stuff you could do within your community what does that look like yeah community what does that look like yeah community what does that look like yeah so um it's either or if if they have so um it's either or if if they have so um it's either or if if they have something that they're already naturally something that they're already naturally something that they're already naturally kind of connected to someone in their kind of connected to someone in their kind of connected to someone in their group is connected to we give them the group is connected to we give them the group is connected to we give them the freedom you know as long as it's a a freedom you know as long as it's a a freedom you know as long as it's a a biblically based thing to go and and and biblically based thing to go and and and biblically based thing to go and and and connect there and then at the same time connect there and then at the same time connect there and then at the same time we also provide some connections for

we also provide some connections for we also provide some connections for them if they don't know where to start them if they don't know where to start them if they don't know where to start and so our Director of Missions does a and so our Director of Missions does a and so our Director of Missions does a great job of kind of coming alongside of great job of kind of coming alongside of great job of kind of coming alongside of our group leaders in that and making our group leaders in that and making our group leaders in that and making connections on their behalf and then connections on their behalf and then connections on their behalf and then giving them some opportunities to step giving them some opportunities to step giving them some opportunities to step into those things another thing that into those things another thing that into those things another thing that really we're we're ramping up right now really we're we're ramping up right now really we're we're ramping up right now is we're doing we're working really hard is we're doing we're working really hard is we're doing we're working really hard to get our groups connected with to get our groups connected with to get our groups connected with missions and and and particularly a missions and and and particularly a missions and and and particularly a missionary either nationally and through missionary either nationally and through missionary either nationally and through a church planter or internationally and a church planter or internationally and a church planter or internationally and kind of what we've said to them is think kind of what we've said to them is think kind of what we've said to them is think of that person as if they're a member of of that person as if they're a member of of that person as if they're a member of your group and so you know a couple your group and so you know a couple your group and so you know a couple times a term Skype them in hear what times a term Skype them in hear what times a term Skype them in hear what God's doing in their in their church or God's doing in their in their church or God's doing in their in their church or in their you know in their wherever they in their you know in their wherever they in their you know in their wherever they are on the field and then our hope is are on the field and then our hope is are on the field and then our hope is that longer term our groups will begin that longer term our groups will begin that longer term our groups will begin to do short-term trips together to go to to do short-term trips together to go to to do short-term trips together to go to the place that they've you know that the the place that they've you know that the the place that they've you know that the person is that they been kind of Skyping person is that they been kind of Skyping person is that they been kind of Skyping with and talking with and we're with and talking with and we're with and talking with and we're beginning to even set aside a little bit beginning to even set aside a little bit beginning to even set aside a little bit of budget money strategically to kind of of budget money strategically to kind of of budget money strategically to kind of help with that to we feel like it fuels help with that to we feel like it fuels help with that to we feel like it fuels great things here the more feat that we great things here the more feat that we great things here the more feat that we get on foreign soil or uh even National get on foreign soil or uh even National get on foreign soil or uh even National soil and other places just to kind of soil and other places just to kind of soil and other places just to kind of give a missional value it just makes our give a missional value it just makes our give a missional value it just makes our church healthier it makes our groups church healthier it makes our groups church healthier it makes our groups healthier and so it's a big thing that healthier and so it's a big thing that healthier and so it's a big thing that that we're kind of working toward right that we're kind of working toward right that we're kind of working toward right now H okay very cool let's go back to now H okay very cool let's go back to now H okay very cool let's go back to the kind of trimester thing you're kind the kind of trimester thing you're kind the kind of trimester thing you're kind of as you're coming in kind of bringing of as you're coming in kind of bringing of as you're coming in kind of bringing people on what are you learning about people on what are you learning about people on what are you learning about that kind of process of actually getting that kind of process of actually getting that kind of process of actually getting people connected yeah so you know one of people connected yeah so you know one of people connected yeah so you know one of the things that that I think we found the things that that I think we found the things that that I think we found and you guys have probably all found is

and you guys have probably all found is and you guys have probably all found is that invitation personal invitation is that invitation personal invitation is that invitation personal invitation is the primary way that people get the primary way that people get the primary way that people get connected to groups and so um it it just connected to groups and so um it it just connected to groups and so um it it just it feels a whole lot less intimidating it feels a whole lot less intimidating it feels a whole lot less intimidating if they're going with someone they know if they're going with someone they know if they're going with someone they know so one of the things that we try to so one of the things that we try to so one of the things that we try to really encourage our leaders to do as we really encourage our leaders to do as we really encourage our leaders to do as we grown you know our staff makes an effort grown you know our staff makes an effort grown you know our staff makes an effort to meet people and kind of invite people to meet people and kind of invite people to meet people and kind of invite people along but as we grown that's become more along but as we grown that's become more along but as we grown that's become more difficult so we've encouraged our difficult so we've encouraged our difficult so we've encouraged our leaders to you know serve on our our leaders to you know serve on our our leaders to you know serve on our our Hospitality team where people come in Hospitality team where people come in Hospitality team where people come in and um you know they make a connection and um you know they make a connection and um you know they make a connection with them they you know they're at the with them they you know they're at the with them they you know they're at the door or they're at our info center door or they're at our info center door or they're at our info center because if someone's going to look for a because if someone's going to look for a because if someone's going to look for a group the first place they're going to group the first place they're going to group the first place they're going to typically go is to an info center and so typically go is to an info center and so typically go is to an info center and so for especially for some of our leaders for especially for some of our leaders for especially for some of our leaders who are more you know extroverted who are more you know extroverted who are more you know extroverted outgoing it it's a perfect opportunity outgoing it it's a perfect opportunity outgoing it it's a perfect opportunity for them to say man not only let me tell for them to say man not only let me tell for them to say man not only let me tell you about my group but or about a group you about my group but or about a group you about my group but or about a group but why don't you come to my group come but why don't you come to my group come but why don't you come to my group come check it out and then the other thing I check it out and then the other thing I check it out and then the other thing I think we've discovered and is that think we've discovered and is that think we've discovered and is that people tend to be creatures of habit as people tend to be creatures of habit as people tend to be creatures of habit as we all know and so we've said to our we all know and so we've said to our we all know and so we've said to our leaders hey as you sit in the same leaders hey as you sit in the same leaders hey as you sit in the same section on Sundays get to know the section on Sundays get to know the section on Sundays get to know the people that are sitting around you and people that are sitting around you and people that are sitting around you and if you see a new person there make a if you see a new person there make a if you see a new person there make a connection with them and and invite them connection with them and and invite them connection with them and and invite them along into small group Community maybe along into small group Community maybe along into small group Community maybe not in the first conversation but over not in the first conversation but over not in the first conversation but over the course a couple of weeks and you the course a couple of weeks and you the course a couple of weeks and you know groups are pretty front and center know groups are pretty front and center know groups are pretty front and center here so within a couple of three weeks here so within a couple of three weeks here so within a couple of three weeks they have they' probably heard something they have they' probably heard something they have they' probably heard something about groups and so it's makes sense for about groups and so it's makes sense for about groups and so it's makes sense for them to to make an invitation and that's

them to to make an invitation and that's them to to make an invitation and that's been that's been super helpful for us been that's been super helpful for us been that's been super helpful for us what are some of those ways that you are what are some of those ways that you are what are some of those ways that you are you know you kind of you said there you you know you kind of you said there you you know you kind of you said there you know on the weekends you're kind of know on the weekends you're kind of know on the weekends you're kind of raising the value of groups people are raising the value of groups people are raising the value of groups people are hearing about it what are some of those hearing about it what are some of those hearing about it what are some of those other ways outside of the personal other ways outside of the personal other ways outside of the personal invitation that just it's kind of just invitation that just it's kind of just invitation that just it's kind of just normal for you to talk about yeah I normal for you to talk about yeah I normal for you to talk about yeah I think I think one of the ways that's think I think one of the ways that's think I think one of the ways that's probably been most beneficial for us is probably been most beneficial for us is probably been most beneficial for us is all of our teachers do a great job of all of our teachers do a great job of all of our teachers do a great job of talking about their group and so you talking about their group and so you talking about their group and so you know it's it's not out of the ordinary know it's it's not out of the ordinary know it's it's not out of the ordinary for our lead Pastor to say you know last for our lead Pastor to say you know last for our lead Pastor to say you know last week in our life group we were talking week in our life group we were talking week in our life group we were talking about this or you know um you know the about this or you know um you know the about this or you know um you know the other day we went and served here as a other day we went and served here as a other day we went and served here as a group and it just reinforces that value group and it just reinforces that value group and it just reinforces that value and um the the great thing is I know and um the the great thing is I know and um the the great thing is I know it's intentional on their part but at it's intentional on their part but at it's intentional on their part but at the same time it really is something the same time it really is something the same time it really is something that's just kind of coming out of coming that's just kind of coming out of coming that's just kind of coming out of coming out of their life you know it comes out out of their life you know it comes out out of their life you know it comes out naturally it doesn't feel forced and naturally it doesn't feel forced and naturally it doesn't feel forced and it's just one more layer of you know it's just one more layer of you know it's just one more layer of you know putting that out there for people and putting that out there for people and putting that out there for people and and maybe making them curious about what and maybe making them curious about what and maybe making them curious about what it would be like to to connect in a it would be like to to connect in a it would be like to to connect in a group the other thing that I would say group the other thing that I would say group the other thing that I would say too is we've been pretty strategic about too is we've been pretty strategic about too is we've been pretty strategic about not offering a lot of things that not offering a lot of things that not offering a lot of things that compete with groups and so when yeah compete with groups and so when yeah compete with groups and so when yeah when we start uh when someone comes to when we start uh when someone comes to when we start uh when someone comes to us and says hey I'd like to start a us and says hey I'd like to start a us and says hey I'd like to start a Ministry that does this or I'd like to Ministry that does this or I'd like to Ministry that does this or I'd like to do a Ministry that does that we really do a Ministry that does that we really do a Ministry that does that we really try to push that back to the life group try to push that back to the life group try to push that back to the life group level and you know if somebody comes and level and you know if somebody comes and level and you know if somebody comes and says hey I want to start a food pantry says hey I want to start a food pantry says hey I want to start a food pantry for example we say Hey you know we do for example we say Hey you know we do for example we say Hey you know we do that through groups here's an that through groups here's an that through groups here's an organization in the community that's

organization in the community that's organization in the community that's already doing that and doing that well already doing that and doing that well already doing that and doing that well why don't you get your group connected why don't you get your group connected why don't you get your group connected with that organization and let's support with that organization and let's support with that organization and let's support what they're doing rather than what they're doing rather than what they're doing rather than Reinventing the wheel and man it's going Reinventing the wheel and man it's going Reinventing the wheel and man it's going that's gone really well for us I don't that's gone really well for us I don't that's gone really well for us I don't know that it it works everywhere but it know that it it works everywhere but it know that it it works everywhere but it certainly worked really well for us very certainly worked really well for us very certainly worked really well for us very very cool now what about the leadership very cool now what about the leadership very cool now what about the leadership of the individual groups what are you of the individual groups what are you of the individual groups what are you asking kind of out of the leaders of asking kind of out of the leaders of asking kind of out of the leaders of those is is it like kind of the lone those is is it like kind of the lone those is is it like kind of the lone person on a hill you're looking for you person on a hill you're looking for you person on a hill you're looking for you know they're going to do everything what know they're going to do everything what know they're going to do everything what does what does that look like yeah man does what does that look like yeah man does what does that look like yeah man um I think for us one of the big values um I think for us one of the big values um I think for us one of the big values is shared delegation so it's it's this is shared delegation so it's it's this is shared delegation so it's it's this idea that um a leader doesn't have to do idea that um a leader doesn't have to do idea that um a leader doesn't have to do everything and a leader shouldn't do everything and a leader shouldn't do everything and a leader shouldn't do everything because you know we all know everything because you know we all know everything because you know we all know that a guy who carries it all on his that a guy who carries it all on his that a guy who carries it all on his shoulders even though that's easier in shoulders even though that's easier in shoulders even though that's easier in the moment at times ends up tired over the moment at times ends up tired over the moment at times ends up tired over time and it's just not the way the body time and it's just not the way the body time and it's just not the way the body of Christ was really designed to of Christ was really designed to of Christ was really designed to function and so what we' said to our function and so what we' said to our function and so what we' said to our leaders is hey we want you to delegate leaders is hey we want you to delegate leaders is hey we want you to delegate those core values those things that those core values those things that those core values those things that we're asking you to focus on to members we're asking you to focus on to members we're asking you to focus on to members in your group based around their in your group based around their in your group based around their spiritual gifts or their passions and so spiritual gifts or their passions and so spiritual gifts or their passions and so for example if you've got someone who for example if you've got someone who for example if you've got someone who has the gift of administration you know has the gift of administration you know has the gift of administration you know let them do all the administration for let them do all the administration for let them do all the administration for the group if you have one who has the group if you have one who has the group if you have one who has someone who has the gift of teaching you someone who has the gift of teaching you someone who has the gift of teaching you know let them share in some of the know let them share in some of the know let them share in some of the facilitation if You' got someone who has facilitation if You' got someone who has facilitation if You' got someone who has passion for evangelism missions let them passion for evangelism missions let them passion for evangelism missions let them be that guy who's who's doing that be that guy who's who's doing that be that guy who's who's doing that reaching priority value for you and you reaching priority value for you and you reaching priority value for you and you we've seen that groups who do that we've seen that groups who do that we've seen that groups who do that consistently are are healthier over the consistently are are healthier over the consistently are are healthier over the Long Haul than than groups that don't do

Long Haul than than groups that don't do Long Haul than than groups that don't do that that that consistently very cool now that's cool consistently very cool now that's cool consistently very cool now that's cool what about training what do you do uh what about training what do you do uh what about training what do you do uh you know from training your life group you know from training your life group you know from training your life group leaders what does that look like yeah so leaders what does that look like yeah so leaders what does that look like yeah so um as as with most there's a lot of on um as as with most there's a lot of on um as as with most there's a lot of on the job training so there's a um uh the job training so there's a um uh the job training so there's a um uh there's an orientation that I do with there's an orientation that I do with there's an orientation that I do with them that's about an hour and a half them that's about an hour and a half them that's about an hour and a half long that kind of tells them the whole long that kind of tells them the whole long that kind of tells them the whole you know why we do what we do the you know why we do what we do the you know why we do what we do the biblical basis for why we do what we do biblical basis for why we do what we do biblical basis for why we do what we do because a lot of the people who've come because a lot of the people who've come because a lot of the people who've come here that have come from other churches here that have come from other churches here that have come from other churches have been in churches some of them with have been in churches some of them with have been in churches some of them with great group structures and great group great group structures and great group great group structures and great group systems and so often times it's more systems and so often times it's more systems and so often times it's more difficult to get Buy in from that person difficult to get Buy in from that person difficult to get Buy in from that person because they've seen it work so well in because they've seen it work so well in because they've seen it work so well in a in another context in a different way a in another context in a different way a in another context in a different way and and so as spent a lot of time in and and so as spent a lot of time in and and so as spent a lot of time in that just saying to them hey this is how that just saying to them hey this is how that just saying to them hey this is how we do groups here this is why we do we do groups here this is why we do we do groups here this is why we do groups this way and if you're going to groups this way and if you're going to groups this way and if you're going to lead here we really ask that you lead in lead here we really ask that you lead in lead here we really ask that you lead in the context of of our system and then the context of of our system and then the context of of our system and then from there we do uh follow up with from there we do uh follow up with from there we do uh follow up with coaching and we do followup with uh coaching and we do followup with uh coaching and we do followup with uh apprenticeship with with other existing apprenticeship with with other existing apprenticeship with with other existing leaders and then one of the things that leaders and then one of the things that leaders and then one of the things that we're actually in the process of right we're actually in the process of right we're actually in the process of right now is uh we've been working through now is uh we've been working through now is uh we've been working through something that's called auxano something that's called auxano something that's called auxano leadership development track and so leadership development track and so leadership development track and so we're heading into our last month of we're heading into our last month of we're heading into our last month of that and it's really a leadership that and it's really a leadership that and it's really a leadership pathway that that helps us to be more pathway that that helps us to be more pathway that that helps us to be more intentional about developing leaders and intentional about developing leaders and intentional about developing leaders and it's been super helpful for us we it's been super helpful for us we it's been super helpful for us we haven't got it all figured out yet but haven't got it all figured out yet but haven't got it all figured out yet but we feel like we're on the front end of we feel like we're on the front end of we feel like we're on the front end of really taking that to another level very

really taking that to another level very really taking that to another level very cool um one thing that I know a lot of cool um one thing that I know a lot of cool um one thing that I know a lot of churches struggle with you know I think churches struggle with you know I think churches struggle with you know I think similar you know our churches are similar you know our churches are similar you know our churches are similar and that you know there's a lot similar and that you know there's a lot similar and that you know there's a lot of people with a lot of kids and you of people with a lot of kids and you of people with a lot of kids and you know what does that look like how do we know what does that look like how do we know what does that look like how do we do that well you know do you struggle do that well you know do you struggle do that well you know do you struggle with you know you know if Mom's mom and with you know you know if Mom's mom and with you know you know if Mom's mom and dad are out what do they do with the dad are out what do they do with the dad are out what do they do with the kids all that kind of stuff what what kids all that kind of stuff what what kids all that kind of stuff what what are you doing uh for the kind of family are you doing uh for the kind of family are you doing uh for the kind of family side of the equation here yeah um man side of the equation here yeah um man side of the equation here yeah um man quite honestly in the past 20 years that quite honestly in the past 20 years that quite honestly in the past 20 years that I've been involved in groups we've done I've been involved in groups we've done I've been involved in groups we've done just about everything and I think the just about everything and I think the just about everything and I think the thing that I found that is not always thing that I found that is not always thing that I found that is not always the cleanest it's a little bit messy at the cleanest it's a little bit messy at the cleanest it's a little bit messy at times but it seems to work the best for times but it seems to work the best for times but it seems to work the best for families most consistently and for us families most consistently and for us families most consistently and for us it's a real Biblical value we ask it's a real Biblical value we ask it's a real Biblical value we ask families to do group together families to do group together families to do group together and so if a family comes to my group and and so if a family comes to my group and and so if a family comes to my group and they have children they bring the kids they have children they bring the kids they have children they bring the kids along with them and what we'll do is along with them and what we'll do is along with them and what we'll do is during the you know a fellowship time during the you know a fellowship time during the you know a fellowship time welcome time connection time the the welcome time connection time the the welcome time connection time the the kids will be in with us and then while kids will be in with us and then while kids will be in with us and then while we jump into the adult Bible study we'll we jump into the adult Bible study we'll we jump into the adult Bible study we'll send the kids into a different part of send the kids into a different part of send the kids into a different part of the house to do something that we call the house to do something that we call the house to do something that we call wildlife and it's very intentionally wildlife and it's very intentionally wildlife and it's very intentionally named because it can get a little bit named because it can get a little bit named because it can get a little bit wild at but it's it's a lot like BBS you wild at but it's it's a lot like BBS you wild at but it's it's a lot like BBS you know there's a we we put together a know there's a we we put together a know there's a we we put together a wildlife kit for our group leaders wildlife kit for our group leaders wildlife kit for our group leaders there's CRA there are crafts and things there's CRA there are crafts and things there's CRA there are crafts and things like that in the in the the group or in like that in the in the the group or in like that in the in the the group or in that box and then they'll go and and we that box and then they'll go and and we that box and then they'll go and and we try to give them a 20 minute lesson that try to give them a 20 minute lesson that try to give them a 20 minute lesson that somebody can pick up and lead for the somebody can pick up and lead for the somebody can pick up and lead for the kids and our our parents take take turns

kids and our our parents take take turns kids and our our parents take take turns rotating through the leadership of that rotating through the leadership of that rotating through the leadership of that and you know we're not trying to and you know we're not trying to and you know we're not trying to necessarily recate what they get on a necessarily recate what they get on a necessarily recate what they get on a Sunday morning but we are saying hey if Sunday morning but we are saying hey if Sunday morning but we are saying hey if we're going to have this season with we're going to have this season with we're going to have this season with kids let's invest in them in an age kids let's invest in them in an age kids let's invest in them in an age appropriate way in their spiritual life appropriate way in their spiritual life appropriate way in their spiritual life and you know it's that whole deal that and you know it's that whole deal that and you know it's that whole deal that kids don't have a junior version of the kids don't have a junior version of the kids don't have a junior version of the Holy Spirit when they become a Believer Holy Spirit when they become a Believer Holy Spirit when they become a Believer they have the the same version that you they have the the same version that you they have the the same version that you and I have and so we've been charged to and I have and so we've been charged to and I have and so we've been charged to invest in them in a way that's invest in them in a way that's invest in them in a way that's appropriate for their age but also appropriate for their age but also appropriate for their age but also builds the kingdom in them and again builds the kingdom in them and again builds the kingdom in them and again it's not always perfect and I'm it's not always perfect and I'm it's not always perfect and I'm constantly looking out there for new constantly looking out there for new constantly looking out there for new ways and fresh ways to do that I just ways and fresh ways to do that I just ways and fresh ways to do that I just bought Joe kamsky has a new book on kids bought Joe kamsky has a new book on kids bought Joe kamsky has a new book on kids and cell Ministry that I just I haven't and cell Ministry that I just I haven't and cell Ministry that I just I haven't read yet but um you know it it it can read yet but um you know it it it can read yet but um you know it it it can get like I say a little messy but man get like I say a little messy but man get like I say a little messy but man when you see kids who've been in that when you see kids who've been in that when you see kids who've been in that now for 10 years or so they have grown now for 10 years or so they have grown now for 10 years or so they have grown up not knowing anything else and that up not knowing anything else and that up not knowing anything else and that value is just embedded deeply in them value is just embedded deeply in them value is just embedded deeply in them that's who we that's what we want the that's who we that's what we want the that's who we that's what we want the DNA of of who we are here that's amazing DNA of of who we are here that's amazing DNA of of who we are here that's amazing so do you provide so let's just kind of so do you provide so let's just kind of so do you provide so let's just kind of pull apart the wildlife thing a little pull apart the wildlife thing a little pull apart the wildlife thing a little bit because I don't know of when I read bit because I don't know of when I read bit because I don't know of when I read this I'm like I don't know a lot of this I'm like I don't know a lot of this I'm like I don't know a lot of churches that do that that that seems churches that do that that that seems churches that do that that that seems really great um do you provide like you really great um do you provide like you really great um do you provide like you know all the material up front is it know all the material up front is it know all the material up front is it basically kind of a 12we you know kind basically kind of a 12we you know kind basically kind of a 12we you know kind of campaign every time what is that just of campaign every time what is that just of campaign every time what is that just give us kind of some of the details give us kind of some of the details give us kind of some of the details around that yeah yeah so for us in the around that yeah yeah so for us in the around that yeah yeah so for us in the beginning especially when we were uh we beginning especially when we were uh we beginning especially when we were uh we didn't have the budget as to do great didn't have the budget as to do great didn't have the budget as to do great things as I know many of us probably are things as I know many of us probably are things as I know many of us probably are in that place we would just pull

in that place we would just pull in that place we would just pull different things you know we we use different things you know we we use different things you know we we use different resources that we'd find different resources that we'd find different resources that we'd find online or or through different books out online or or through different books out online or or through different books out there um right now what we're currently there um right now what we're currently there um right now what we're currently doing is LifeWay writes a a wildlife doing is LifeWay writes a a wildlife doing is LifeWay writes a a wildlife lesson for us each week we have them lesson for us each week we have them lesson for us each week we have them write our our part of some of our groups write our our part of some of our groups write our our part of some of our groups do a sermon facilitation and LifeWay do a sermon facilitation and LifeWay do a sermon facilitation and LifeWay writes that for us and we also have them writes that for us and we also have them writes that for us and we also have them writing a wildlife lesson for us as well writing a wildlife lesson for us as well writing a wildlife lesson for us as well and usually what they'll do is they'll and usually what they'll do is they'll and usually what they'll do is they'll write that with a 12-week block in mind write that with a 12-week block in mind write that with a 12-week block in mind so there's a connectivity week to week so there's a connectivity week to week so there's a connectivity week to week but man you know anything walking a kid but man you know anything walking a kid but man you know anything walking a kid Through the Bible even a even a you know Through the Bible even a even a you know Through the Bible even a even a you know uh old school Sunday school book or uh old school Sunday school book or uh old school Sunday school book or something like that works great you're something like that works great you're something like that works great you're just trying to build you know build just trying to build you know build just trying to build you know build biblical truth into their into their biblical truth into their into their biblical truth into their into their minds and hearts a that's that's minds and hearts a that's that's minds and hearts a that's that's fantastic this has been great I hope fantastic this has been great I hope fantastic this has been great I hope you've been taking notes as you've been you've been taking notes as you've been you've been taking notes as you've been listening in because this has been just listening in because this has been just listening in because this has been just a lot of great uh insight into what you a lot of great uh insight into what you a lot of great uh insight into what you know what's happening there um at your know what's happening there um at your know what's happening there um at your church anything else you want to share church anything else you want to share church anything else you want to share before we pivot into the rest of the before we pivot into the rest of the before we pivot into the rest of the episode yeah the the only other thing I episode yeah the the only other thing I episode yeah the the only other thing I would say about the kids thing is I I've would say about the kids thing is I I've would say about the kids thing is I I've had a number of people through the years had a number of people through the years had a number of people through the years say to me man we're so grateful that you say to me man we're so grateful that you say to me man we're so grateful that you do groups the way that you do because do groups the way that you do because do groups the way that you do because you know we were somewhere before and we you know we were somewhere before and we you know we were somewhere before and we could never get connected to a group could never get connected to a group could never get connected to a group because we couldn't we either couldn't because we couldn't we either couldn't because we couldn't we either couldn't afford Child Care on a weekly basis or afford Child Care on a weekly basis or afford Child Care on a weekly basis or if we went and dropped somebody off at if we went and dropped somebody off at if we went and dropped somebody off at the CH dropped our kids off at the the CH dropped our kids off at the the CH dropped our kids off at the church for someone to watch them by the church for someone to watch them by the church for someone to watch them by the time we got back it was three hours you time we got back it was three hours you time we got back it was three hours you know we were out on the school night and know we were out on the school night and know we were out on the school night and the fact that we can bring our children the fact that we can bring our children the fact that we can bring our children with us is is a huge deal so not that with us is is a huge deal so not that with us is is a huge deal so not that any of those other ways are wrong but any of those other ways are wrong but any of those other ways are wrong but for us in our culture it it seems like

for us in our culture it it seems like for us in our culture it it seems like it works really well with kind of the it works really well with kind of the it works really well with kind of the rhythm of the family and um and just rhythm of the family and um and just rhythm of the family and um and just seems to take down one more barrier more seems to take down one more barrier more seems to take down one more barrier more reason why people don't connect to a reason why people don't connect to a reason why people don't connect to a group this is the unseminary podcast group this is the unseminary podcast group this is the unseminary podcast stuff you wish they taught in seminary stuff you wish they taught in seminary stuff you wish they taught in seminary well we're going to Pivot into the well we're going to Pivot into the well we're going to Pivot into the lightning round that part of the episode lightning round that part of the episode lightning round that part of the episode where we ask similar questions of where we ask similar questions of where we ask similar questions of everybody that's on the show today we everybody that's on the show today we everybody that's on the show today we have TR uh Troy poo from lifeo church have TR uh Troy poo from lifeo church have TR uh Troy poo from lifeo church great conversation uh today Troy what is great conversation uh today Troy what is great conversation uh today Troy what is an online resource that you're using an online resource that you're using an online resource that you're using these days that's helping you out yeah these days that's helping you out yeah these days that's helping you out yeah so we just kind of our team just kind of so we just kind of our team just kind of so we just kind of our team just kind of pivoted over to assana which is pivoted over to assana which is pivoted over to assana which is as and not to be confused with Oxo the as and not to be confused with Oxo the as and not to be confused with Oxo the thing that I talk about earlier right thing that I talk about earlier right thing that I talk about earlier right it's just kind of an online it's just kind of an online it's just kind of an online collaboration thing and we're using that collaboration thing and we're using that collaboration thing and we're using that a lot more among our teams to a lot more among our teams to a lot more among our teams to collaborate and keep everything in one collaborate and keep everything in one collaborate and keep everything in one spot and have discussions and we've been spot and have discussions and we've been spot and have discussions and we've been using that now for several months and using that now for several months and using that now for several months and it's going really well for us nice F it's going really well for us nice F it's going really well for us nice F fantastic uh what's a book you've read fantastic uh what's a book you've read fantastic uh what's a book you've read in the last maybe six months to a year in the last maybe six months to a year in the last maybe six months to a year that you feel like is you know shaping that you feel like is you know shaping that you feel like is you know shaping your thinking or Ministry yeah so um your thinking or Ministry yeah so um your thinking or Ministry yeah so um just a couple of weeks ago I picked up a just a couple of weeks ago I picked up a just a couple of weeks ago I picked up a book called start with Why by Simon s book called start with Why by Simon s book called start with Why by Simon s mhm and a friend of mine at a church mhm and a friend of mine at a church mhm and a friend of mine at a church here in town recommended it and man I'm here in town recommended it and man I'm here in town recommended it and man I'm not I'm only in the beginning kind of a not I'm only in the beginning kind of a not I'm only in the beginning kind of a quarter of the way through it but it is quarter of the way through it but it is quarter of the way through it but it is really really a great book it's a really really a great book it's a really really a great book it's a business book but it it's given me a lot business book but it it's given me a lot business book but it it's given me a lot of good things to kind of think about of good things to kind of think about of good things to kind of think about and think about in the context of how we and think about in the context of how we and think about in the context of how we move forward here yeah fantastic great move forward here yeah fantastic great move forward here yeah fantastic great book fantastic book for sure um what's book fantastic book for sure um what's book fantastic book for sure um what's another Ministry you're looking at that

another Ministry you're looking at that another Ministry you're looking at that inspires you these days yeah there are a inspires you these days yeah there are a inspires you these days yeah there are a couple of churches here in Ohio that are couple of churches here in Ohio that are couple of churches here in Ohio that are you know here in our context one is you know here in our context one is you know here in our context one is Cedar Creek up harisburg I think they Cedar Creek up harisburg I think they Cedar Creek up harisburg I think they have eight 10 campuses and so doing a have eight 10 campuses and so doing a have eight 10 campuses and so doing a lot of the things that that are similar lot of the things that that are similar lot of the things that that are similar to what we're doing but they're miles to what we're doing but they're miles to what we're doing but they're miles ahead of us and so it's really good to ahead of us and so it's really good to ahead of us and so it's really good to kind of be able to just learn from them kind of be able to just learn from them kind of be able to just learn from them and then there's another church here in and then there's another church here in and then there's another church here in Columbus called Rock City Church that is Columbus called Rock City Church that is Columbus called Rock City Church that is a plant that's just a few years old and a plant that's just a few years old and a plant that's just a few years old and man they're doing fantastic things here man they're doing fantastic things here man they're doing fantastic things here in our city um and we're we're in our city um and we're we're in our city um and we're we're definitely learning some from them the definitely learning some from them the definitely learning some from them the friend that I mentioned that told me friend that I mentioned that told me friend that I mentioned that told me about that book is is one of the pastors about that book is is one of the pastors about that book is is one of the pastors there at Rock City and there at Rock City and there at Rock City and they're they're just really doing an they're they're just really doing an they're they're just really doing an incredible job of impacting specifically incredible job of impacting specifically incredible job of impacting specifically around the college campus at Ohio State around the college campus at Ohio State around the college campus at Ohio State reaching students yeah we had Chad fiser reaching students yeah we had Chad fiser reaching students yeah we had Chad fiser the the lead Pastor on um on on Seminary the the lead Pastor on um on on Seminary the the lead Pastor on um on on Seminary a while back they're a great church for a while back they're a great church for a while back they're a great church for sure doing lots of great stuff for sure sure doing lots of great stuff for sure sure doing lots of great stuff for sure definitely uh that's great well what is definitely uh that's great well what is definitely uh that's great well what is uh if you could get 15 minutes with any uh if you could get 15 minutes with any uh if you could get 15 minutes with any leader alive today um you know to just leader alive today um you know to just leader alive today um you know to just Chad who would you want to talk to and Chad who would you want to talk to and Chad who would you want to talk to and why yeah I think for me probably Jim why yeah I think for me probably Jim why yeah I think for me probably Jim simol simol simol early early on in my Ministry you know early early on in my Ministry you know early early on in my Ministry you know he was just one of those guys that was he was just one of those guys that was he was just one of those guys that was inspired me and I love to hear him talk inspired me and I love to hear him talk inspired me and I love to hear him talk about prayer and kind of what God's done about prayer and kind of what God's done about prayer and kind of what God's done in his life and what God's done in his in his life and what God's done in his in his life and what God's done in his church through the power of prayer and church through the power of prayer and church through the power of prayer and so it' be really interesting I think to so it' be really interesting I think to so it' be really interesting I think to sit down and just kind of hear from his sit down and just kind of hear from his sit down and just kind of hear from his heart about what that looks like on a heart about what that looks like on a heart about what that looks like on a more personal level what that looks like more personal level what that looks like more personal level what that looks like among his leaders and just some of the

among his leaders and just some of the among his leaders and just some of the really cool things that they've seen God really cool things that they've seen God really cool things that they've seen God do Through The Years through through do Through The Years through through do Through The Years through through prayer very cool well I really prayer very cool well I really prayer very cool well I really appreciate you being on the show today appreciate you being on the show today appreciate you being on the show today when you're not uh you know trying to when you're not uh you know trying to when you're not uh you know trying to lead the ministry for 1,800 different lead the ministry for 1,800 different lead the ministry for 1,800 different people in in life groups what do you do people in in life groups what do you do people in in life groups what do you do to just kind of kick back relax have a to just kind of kick back relax have a to just kind of kick back relax have a little bit of fun yeah man I really like little bit of fun yeah man I really like little bit of fun yeah man I really like to fish and so I fish as there as much to fish and so I fish as there as much to fish and so I fish as there as much as I get a chance to do and particularly as I get a chance to do and particularly as I get a chance to do and particularly I like I like to fly fish oh cool and so I like I like to fly fish oh cool and so I like I like to fly fish oh cool and so um my in-laws have a house kind of a um my in-laws have a house kind of a um my in-laws have a house kind of a central Arkansas so as often as I can central Arkansas so as often as I can central Arkansas so as often as I can get down there and fly fish there's some get down there and fly fish there's some get down there and fly fish there's some world class fly fishing there and cool world class fly fishing there and cool world class fly fishing there and cool not so many places here in Ohio but not so many places here in Ohio but not so many places here in Ohio but there are a couple that I get out to so there are a couple that I get out to so there are a couple that I get out to so that's how I spend some of my time yeah that's how I spend some of my time yeah that's how I spend some of my time yeah that you're not going to tell anybody that you're not going to tell anybody that you're not going to tell anybody about because you don't want people know about because you don't want people know about because you don't want people know yeah exactly nice well Troy I really yeah exactly nice well Troy I really yeah exactly nice well Troy I really appreciate you being on the show today appreciate you being on the show today appreciate you being on the show today if people want to get in touch with you if people want to get in touch with you if people want to get in touch with you or with the church how can they do that or with the church how can they do that or with the church how can they do that yeah I think probably the easiest way is yeah I think probably the easiest way is yeah I think probably the easiest way is just check out the website it's just check out the website it's just check out the website it's LifePoint LifePoint LifePoint ohio.com and my contact information is ohio.com and my contact information is ohio.com and my contact information is on there and lots of information about on there and lots of information about on there and lots of information about kind of what's going on here and what kind of what's going on here and what kind of what's going on here and what God's doing here at Life Point great I God's doing here at Life Point great I God's doing here at Life Point great I really appreciate you being on the show really appreciate you being on the show really appreciate you being on the show today yeah man thank you thank you for today yeah man thank you thank you for today yeah man thank you thank you for tuning in to this week's unseminary tuning in to this week's unseminary tuning in to this week's unseminary podcast don't be shy we'd love to podcast don't be shy we'd love to podcast don't be shy we'd love to connect check out unseminary inbox you connect check out unseminary inbox you connect check out unseminary inbox you can sign up at unseminary dcom and we'll can sign up at unseminary dcom and we'll can sign up at unseminary dcom and we'll send you helpful training resources send you helpful training resources send you helpful training resources every week plus you'll gain immediate every week plus you'll gain immediate every week plus you'll gain immediate access to our exclusive members area access to our exclusive members area access to our exclusive members area with tons of resources you can use with tons of resources you can use with tons of resources you can use connect with Rich on Twitter at Rich connect with Rich on Twitter at Rich connect with Rich on Twitter at Rich Birch or through email rich unseminary

un seminary. it includes links to what un seminary. it includes links to what we talked about today and more leave a we talked about today and more leave a we talked about today and more leave a comment we'd love to hear from you did comment we'd love to hear from you did comment we'd love to hear from you did you enjoy today's episode drop by iTunes you enjoy today's episode drop by iTunes you enjoy today's episode drop by iTunes and leave a review Thanks again for and leave a review Thanks again for and leave a review Thanks again for tuning in to this week's unseminary tuning in to this week's unseminary tuning in to this week's unseminary podcast join us next week when we'll podcast join us next week when we'll podcast join us next week when we'll learn more stuff we wish they taught in learn more stuff we wish they taught in learn more stuff we wish they taught in seminary