GA Baptist Discipleship

About GA Baptist Discipleship

This podcast exists to strengthen churches by resourcing, inspiring, and creating disciple-makers! Discipleship is a life-long process by which a follower of Jesus Christ grows toward Christ-likeness and multiplies the experience. Each week we will broadcast new episodes relevant to your ministry and replicating discipleship.

Publisher

Georgia Baptist Mission Board

Category

religion & spirituality · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Apr 2020

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

137 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Episode 140: Reaching and Discipling Men with Keith Boggs and Kevin McKoy

   This podcast episode featured Scott Sullivan hosting a discussion with Keith Boggs and Kevin McKoy about reaching and discipling men in churches. Keith, president of Real Momentum Men's Ministry, shared insights about churches doing events well but missing opportunities to create clear pathways for men to move from attendance to active discipleship. Kevin, discipleship pastor at First Baptist Villa Rica, emphasized the importance of authentic relationships, personal invitations, and moving men from isolation to brotherhood through small groups and service opportunities. The conversation covered practical steps for helping men transition from consumers to leaders, including the need for relational leadership, personal spiritual growth, and faithfulness in family leadership before taking on public ministry roles. Both speakers stressed that men are hungry for real relationships and biblical truth, and that churches should focus on building simple, reproducible pathways rather than complicated programs. Scott will send the 12-month sample men's ministry plan to any leaders who email ssullivan@gabaptist.org (mailto:ssullivan@gabaptist.org). Collaboration Intentionally create clear next steps and pathways for men after events, moving them from attendance to biblical community and service roles. Emphasize personal invitations and relational leadership when forming men's small groups and discipleship environments. Celebrate faithfulness, service, and spiritual growth—not just attendance numbers—to encourage men toward deeper discipleship and leadership. Provide simple, reproducible discipleship steps for men, focusing on personal spiritual disciplines, relational health, and leadership in the home before public ministry. Encourage and equip men to lead spiritually in their homes before seeking public leadership roles. Regularly survey men in their ministries to better understand needs and foster personal connection. Give men early ownership and responsibility in ministry, with appropriate encouragement and coaching, to foster leadership development. Engaging Men in Church Communities Keith and Kevin discussed strategies for engaging men in church communities, highlighting the importance of moving beyond event-driven ministry to create clear pathways for ongoing discipleship. They noted that churches are doing well by offering authentic and intentional engagement, using events as entry points rather than finish lines, and creating environments where vulnerability is possible. The key challenge identified was helping men transition from attendance to true belonging in biblical community, with both speakers emphasizing the need for simplicity and reproducible practices in discipleship. Men's Leadership and Community Building Kevin emphasized the importance of personal invitations and relational leadership in building meaningful men's groups, highlighting the need for approachable and transparent leaders who can create safe spaces for discussion. He stressed that serving together is a powerful way to build brotherhood and deepen community. Keith agreed, noting that many men are seeking clarity and biblical truth but often lack the relational connections needed to process and apply what they learn. Both speakers agreed that equipping men to lead in their families and homes is crucial, as this foundation can lead to broader engagement in church communities. Men's Ministry Transformation Strategy Keith emphasized that helping men transition from consumers to active participants in ministry requires starting with prayer and getting to know individual men through surveys and personal engagement. He noted that men often need to process their personal challenges and feel valued before they can take on leadership roles, suggesting this transformation takes time rather than happening through single events or short programs. Keith also highlighted that many churchgoers struggle with basic life challenges like family relationships, making it difficult for them to understand broader discipleship concepts. Kevin began to respond by suggesting there needs to be a mind shift in how churches approach discipleship, though his full thoughts were not captured in the transcript. Men's Ministry Discipleship Strategies Kevin emphasized the importance of developing disciples through reproduction and giving men ownership and responsibility early in ministry. He suggested celebrating mission and service rather than just attendance numbers to encourage men to become active participants rather than spectators. Scott shared examples from First Redeemer Church and Fusion Church, highlighting successful approaches to men's ministry, including structured next steps and relational discipleship. The discussion concluded with Scott raising questions about how men define success, noting a tendency to focus on career and financial achievements rather than spiritual growth. Redefining Male Success and Leadership Scott, Kevin, and Keith discussed redefining success for men by emphasizing faithfulness, spiritual leadership, and integrity over external achievements like career and wealth. They highlighted the importance of men leading themselves and their families faithfully, with Kevin noting that many men try to lead publicly before mastering private leadership. The group stressed that spiritual responsibility in the home and personal growth are foundational steps before leading in other areas, with Keith encouraging men to be intentional about their faith and involvement in their communities. Men's Spiritual Leadership Discussion Scott facilitated a discussion on reaching and discipling men, with Keith and Kevin sharing insights on spiritual leadership and manhood. Keith emphasized the importance of prayer, living a simple life, and community in spiritual leadership, while Kevin highlighted men's spiritual hunger for truth, brotherhood, and purpose. Scott concluded by reinforcing the importance of helping men succeed in all areas of life, especially at home, and thanked listeners for their support through the Cooperative Program. You can contact Keith Boggs at keith@realmomentum.org (mailto:keith@realmomentum.org).

2. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Episode 139: Make Every Day Count with David Pollack

   This was an interview between Scott Sullivan from Georgia Baptist Discipleship and David Pollock, a former NFL player and author of the book Every Day Counts. The conversation covered David’s journey from professional football player to his current faith-focused life, including how a broken neck at age 22 led to a deeper relationship with God and how his wife’s brain cancer diagnosis has shaped their family’s approach to discipleship. David shared key principles from his book, emphasizing the importance of daily habits, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and prioritizing faith over sports achievements, particularly in managing his children’s athletic activities while maintaining family values. The discussion highlighted how David and his wife have developed strong family rhythms, including regular church attendance, careful phone and social media management, and serving others during difficult times, while also addressing the challenges of balancing competitive sports with spiritual priorities. Link to David’s new book: Every Day Counts https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/every-day-counts-2/ (https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/every-day-counts-2/?utm_source=sparkai) Scott and David discussed David’s new book, Every Day Counts, which focuses on providing a framework for living intentionally as a man of God rather than just sharing football stories. David emphasized that the book is designed to challenge readers and help them develop better rhythms and habits to become their best selves. The conversation began to touch on the topic of leadership development and the influence of mentors. Scott shared that many leaders “drink from wells they did not dig,” highlighting the idea that many who came before us as leaders paved the way for our success. Influential Relationships in Spiritual Journeys David shared how important influential relationships were in his spiritual journey, particularly highlighting his physics teacher, Mark Watson, who treated him with respect and introduced him to Christianity. David described how Watson helped him understand the Bible by comparing it to other historical texts, which led David to choose the Bible for his required reading assignment. Scott responded by sharing his own story about Calvin Phelps, a pastor who prevented him from resigning when his life was falling apart, which ultimately led to Scott’s continued ministry work. Faith Transformation Through Challenges David shared how a career-ending injury at 22 led to a transformation in his faith from transactional to relational, providing a foundation for his family’s spiritual growth. He discussed how his wife’s brain cancer diagnosis presented additional challenges, though it also deepened their faith and enabled them to support other families facing similar circumstances. David emphasized the importance of community support during difficult times, noting that practical help, such as meal preparation and household tasks, meant more than asking what could be done. Family Discipleship Strategies David shared his approach to family discipleship, emphasizing that it evolves as children grow older. He outlined several nonnegotiables in his household, including attending church together, playing praise and worship music, and having strict cellphone rules. David also stressed the importance of family service and using the Pollock Family Foundation to facilitate service opportunities. Balancing Family and Sports Commitments David and Scott discussed balancing family priorities with sports involvement, with David emphasizing the importance of keeping family time sacred and not letting sports consume a child’s entire summer. David shared his approach of allowing his daughter to choose between basketball and church attendance and advised against overcommitting to travel sports that can strain family relationships. Scott shared that he has taught his children that they are disciples of Jesus who happen to play ball, rather than a travel-sports family who happens to be disciples of Jesus. The conversation concluded with David promoting his book, Every Day Counts, which focuses on how daily habits and morning routines determine long-term success and character development.

3. 

   7 Sept 2026

   Episode 138: The Future of Small Groups with Steve Gladen, lead pastor of Discipleship at Pinelake Church, and Rick Howerton, Central Groups Pastor at Lakepoint Church

   This podcast discussion focused on the future of small groups in churches, featuring Scott Sullivan hosting Steve Gladen and Rick Howerton, two veteran small group ministry leaders. The conversation explored opportunities for small groups to impact churches and culture over the next 5-10 years, with both guests emphasizing the importance of relationships and discipleship over mere friendship-building. They discussed challenges including the risk of institutionalizing what should be a spiritual movement, the need for clear discipleship outcomes, and the importance of properly trained leaders who can guide groups toward spiritual maturity rather than just social connection. The discussion also covered practical advice for churches transitioning from traditional Sunday school models to small group approaches, including the importance of maintaining both systems under one discipleship umbrella and using technology to meet people where they are before moving them toward deeper spiritual formation. Next steps Promote and support hybrid models (small groups and Sunday School) within Georgia Baptist churches, encouraging equal weight and shared terminology for both models to foster unity and discipleship. Share and promote resources (e.g., Rick's “Cracking the Volunteer Code”, Steve's Small Group Network, Scott's cohorts) to equip pastors and group leaders for effective, multiplying discipleship. Highlight stories and models of successful hybrid (small group/Sunday School) ministries within the Georgia Baptist network to encourage other churches to consider similar approaches. Continue developing strategies to move various types of church groups (fellowship, mission, service, etc.) toward deeper discipleship, helping group members progress from assimilation to spiritual growth. Utilize the "three Ts" (Time, Trust, Truth) change management approach when guiding legacy Sunday school classes or traditional groups toward small group/discipleship models, investing in relational renewal before structural change. Advocate for clear, unified vision statements within church leadership regarding the definition and end goal of a "disciple," ensuring alignment across children, student, and adult ministries. Develop and communicate strategies for moving group members from interest-based or service-focused groups into intentional discipleship groups, without forcing rapid change but providing clear pathways. Summary Scott led a discussion about the future of small groups, noting that Steve and Rick are part of the top leadership who have experience with small groups implementation. Scott indicated there would be a follow-up podcast about Sunday school with Ken Braddy and Allan Taylor. Scott interviewed Steve Gladen and Rick Howerton about the future of small groups, with the discussion being recorded for both audio podcast and video platforms. Rick explained that after retiring from Lakewood Church, he is now focused on coaching, consulting, training, writing, and leading cohorts, with his latest book being Cracking the Volunteer Code about recruiting and retaining volunteers. Small Group Ministry Transition Steve shared his transition from Saddleback Church to joining Pine Lake Church in Mississippi, where he will focus on discipleship and small groups. Both Steve and Rick discussed the future of small groups, emphasizing the importance of relationships and obedience over simply making friends, with Rick highlighting the need for doctrine clarity in groups and Steve stressing the need for proper structure while maintaining relational health. They identified key pitfalls in small group ministry, including over-institutionalization and focusing on system maintenance rather than discipleship, while emphasizing that healthy groups require both proper structure and strong relational connections. Small Groups Transition Strategy Rick and Steve discussed the importance of pastors engaging authentically with their small groups and having a captivating vision statement, like Rick's example of seeing biblical small groups within walking distance of everyone. They addressed the challenges of transitioning from traditional Sunday school to small groups, emphasizing that the focus should be on the outcome and discipleship rather than the format. Steve outlined a change management approach involving time, trust, and truth, and discussed the five levels of renewal and innovation diffusion curves to help leaders navigate these transitions effectively. Rick was about to provide practical advice for implementing small groups in churches that currently have Sunday school. Small Groups and Sunday School Integration Rick emphasized the importance of maintaining both small groups and Sunday school while ensuring they work together under a unified discipleship umbrella. He recommended starting with an experimental small group and using consistent terminology and training across both ministries to prevent conflict. Rick also highlighted that people from churches with only Sunday school often leave in search of more relational experiences, suggesting that small groups can help address this gap. The discussion ended with an uncompleted question about how traditional small group models might need to evolve to produce multiplying disciples, particularly in light of technology and cultural changes. Church Small Groups Evolution Scott and Rick discussed the evolution of small groups in churches, with Rick explaining how the model has shifted from Sunday school-focused education to more relational small groups due to people moving away from their hometowns. Rick emphasized the need to focus on making mature disciples rather than just building community, noting that 70% of high school students leave the church after graduation. Steve highlighted how technology can help provide master teachers in small groups and discussed different types of groups that can help people connect with the church, including online groups, missional groups, fellowship-based groups, and service-oriented groups, while emphasizing the importance of gradually moving people toward deeper discipleship. Small Groups Future Planning Scott, Steve, and Rick discussed the future of small groups, focusing on both exciting opportunities and concerns. Steve expressed enthusiasm about seeing lives changed and helping people grow closer to Jesus through community, while Rick highlighted the importance of effective pastor training and groups engaging with the Holy Spirit. Concerns included the church not harnessing its full potential, lead pastors not promoting group ministry, spiritually immature leaders, and group leaders lacking biblical knowledge to address heresy. The discussion emphasized the need for simple, gospel-focused approaches and spiritual maturity in leadership to make a meaningful impact. You can contact Rick Howerton at rick.pgcc@gmail.com (mailto:rick.pgcc@gmail.com) and Steve Gladen at steve@smallgroupnetwork.com (mailto:steve@smallgroupnetwork.com).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Contact GA Baptist Discipleship

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Shows with a similar audience

• 

  Disciple-making in Community with Ken Braddy

• 

  Revitalize and Replant

• 

  The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast

• 

  The Briefing with Albert Mohler

• 

  Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast