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Group Essentials Training

Revitalize Your Bible Study Ministry

The Group Essentials Conference is a FREE* two-day event that equips participants to revitalize their Bible study ministries by learning:

  • principles for growing healthy Bible study groups

  • best practices for enlisting and training workers

  • the eight signposts that indicate group members are growing as disciples

  • and more!

Plus, participants will develop a plan of action they can implement upon returning to their churches.

The sessions are led by Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s Director of Group Ministry. Ken has more than 25 years of experience leading education ministries in the local church and has led two to become the fastest-growing churches in two different states. He is an author, blogger, and conference leader.

Registration is limited, so sign up soon if you’re interested. Attendees receive a conference notebook, Bible, and three books related to Sunday School leadership—Breathing Life into Sunday School, Building a Disciple-making Ministry, and Breakthrough: Creating a New Scorecard for Group Ministry Success. During the conference, attendees will be given access to 17 different digital books and the accompanying plans to use in the church as training tools.

Who Should Attend

This conference is ideal for Sunday School or group ministry directors, pastors, ministers of education (and similar positions),
especially those who have been serving in their role for five years or less.

Lynn Haven, FL

January 13-14, 2025

First Baptist Church

Register

Germantown, TN

February 24-25, 2025

Germantown Baptist Church

Register

Rome, GA

April 14-15, 2025

Sherwood Baptist Church

Register

To register by phone, call 800.254.2022

*The conference is free and will include dinner on the first night and lunch on the second day along with snacks. 

Lodging is not included.

Schedule

Day 1

  • 12:30 p.m. Check-in

  • 1:00 p.m. Session 1: Welcome/ZOOM Exercise/Your ICONic Group Ministry

  • 1:45 p.m. Session 2: Why Groups Matter

  • 2:45 p.m. Session 3: The Purpose & Definition of Groups

  • 3:45 p.m. Break

  • 4:00 p.m. Session 4: Groups and the 8 Signposts of Discipleship

  • 5:00 p.m. Session 5: Starting New Groups

  • 6:15 p.m. Reflect & Respond

  • 6:30 p.m. Dismiss to dinner

Day 2

  • 8:00 a.m. Coffee & Conversations

  • 8:30 a.m. Session 6: Creating a New Scorecard for Groups

  • 10:00 a.m. Break

  • 10:15 a.m. Session 7: Best Practices for Enlisting Group Leaders

  • 11:15 a.m. Lunch (provided)

  • Noon Session 8: Training Group Leaders

  • 1:15 p.m. Break

  • 1:30 p.m. Session 9: Curriculum as a Disciple-making Tool

  • 2:45 p.m. Break

  • 3:00 p.m. Session 10: Creating my Next Steps Plan

  • 3:45 p.m. Reflect & Respond

  • 4:00 p.m. Dismiss