Kerry Shook: Week 2 Leadership

Welcome into The Woodlands Church Welcome into The Woodlands Church Discipleship Podcast with Pastor Kerry. Discipleship Podcast with Pastor Kerry. Discipleship Podcast with Pastor Kerry. My name is Pastor Ryan, and it's always My name is Pastor Ryan, and it's always My name is Pastor Ryan, and it's always an honor to get to spend time with you an honor to get to spend time with you an honor to get to spend time with you to help you grow as a leader and a to help you grow as a leader and a to help you grow as a leader and a disciple of Christ. Pastor Kerry, Dad, disciple of Christ. Pastor Kerry, Dad, disciple of Christ. Pastor Kerry, Dad, what is God showing you about what is God showing you about what is God showing you about discipleship, and why do we do life discipleship, and why do we do life discipleship, and why do we do life groups in the first place? groups in the first place? groups in the first place? >> Well, life groups are really >> Well, life groups are really >> Well, life groups are really discipleship groups, Ryan. I mean, I've discipleship groups, Ryan. I mean, I've discipleship groups, Ryan. I mean, I've really come to see that that the way really come to see that that the way really come to see that that the way Jesus discipled the disciples that went Jesus discipled the disciples that went Jesus discipled the disciples that went out and changed the world as he spent out and changed the world as he spent out and changed the world as he spent time with them and he did life with time with them and he did life with time with them and he did life with them. They ate together, they laughed them. They ate together, they laughed them. They ate together, they laughed together. Um he constantly asked them together. Um he constantly asked them together. Um he constantly asked them questions, and they watched his life, questions, and they watched his life, questions, and they watched his life, and and so really the key component to and and so really the key component to and and so really the key component to discipleship is life together. discipleship is life together. discipleship is life together. And um And um And um we That's why we want to come alongside we That's why we want to come alongside we That's why we want to come alongside you as a leader you as a leader you as a leader with this leadership podcast. We want with this leadership podcast. We want with this leadership podcast. We want you to watch every week because we want you to watch every week because we want you to watch every week because we want to help you grow in your leadership. to help you grow in your leadership. to help you grow in your leadership. You're really a pastor of Woodlands You're really a pastor of Woodlands You're really a pastor of Woodlands Church. You're pastor to the people in Church. You're pastor to the people in Church. You're pastor to the people in your life group. And I know you got lots your life group. And I know you got lots your life group. And I know you got lots of questions, and and we're going to of questions, and and we're going to of questions, and and we're going to just build into you because the job of a just build into you because the job of a just build into you because the job of a pastor who is called to full-time pastor who is called to full-time pastor who is called to full-time ministry, vocational ministry, ministry, vocational ministry, ministry, vocational ministry, our job is to equip you. That's what the our job is to equip you. That's what the our job is to equip you. That's what the scripture says.

scripture says. scripture says. Not to do the ministry, but to equip you Not to do the ministry, but to equip you Not to do the ministry, but to equip you to do the ministry as we do it alongside to do the ministry as we do it alongside to do the ministry as we do it alongside you. As we are an example of it. And so you. As we are an example of it. And so you. As we are an example of it. And so that's what we really want to do is that's what we really want to do is that's what we really want to do is equip you to be the best pastor of your equip you to be the best pastor of your equip you to be the best pastor of your life group that you can be. life group that you can be. life group that you can be. And um And um And um so I'm really excited. I know this is so I'm really excited. I know this is so I'm really excited. I know this is only the second one, Ryan, but I mean, only the second one, Ryan, but I mean, only the second one, Ryan, but I mean, we're going to keep at this and keep we're going to keep at this and keep we're going to keep at this and keep growing together because you keep growing together because you keep growing together because you keep learning as you go. learning as you go. learning as you go. >> Yeah, well, you've told me, Dad, that >> Yeah, well, you've told me, Dad, that >> Yeah, well, you've told me, Dad, that really the reason you're excited about really the reason you're excited about really the reason you're excited about this discipleship, about this podcast, this discipleship, about this podcast, this discipleship, about this podcast, is because you just want to invest in is because you just want to invest in is because you just want to invest in our people. You You know, you you told our people. You You know, you you told our people. You You know, you you told me over and over again, it's so me over and over again, it's so me over and over again, it's so important that we invest in our leaders important that we invest in our leaders important that we invest in our leaders because they are really the saints. because they are really the saints. because they are really the saints. They're the ones doing the ministry. And They're the ones doing the ministry. And They're the ones doing the ministry. And so, you know, so, you know, so, you know, what do you think is the most important what do you think is the most important what do you think is the most important thing when it comes to having a life thing when it comes to having a life thing when it comes to having a life group or hosting a life group? What What group or hosting a life group? What What group or hosting a life group? What What is the most important thing that people is the most important thing that people is the most important thing that people leaders need to keep in mind? leaders need to keep in mind? leaders need to keep in mind? >> I think the most important thing is to >> I think the most important thing is to >> I think the most important thing is to keep in mind keep in mind keep in mind that uh you're caring for those people. that uh you're caring for those people. that uh you're caring for those people. That uh and you're teaching others to in That uh and you're teaching others to in That uh and you're teaching others to in the group to care for each other. It's the group to care for each other. It's the group to care for each other. It's not that you're over them, but you are not that you're over them, but you are not that you're over them, but you are leading. And uh you ought to get an leading. And uh you ought to get an leading. And uh you ought to get an assistant leader with you to start, you assistant leader with you to start, you assistant leader with you to start, you know, working with you to learn from you know, working with you to learn from you know, working with you to learn from you and and um and and um and and um and everyone is helping each other. And and everyone is helping each other. And and everyone is helping each other. And that's the way it should be, but you're that's the way it should be, but you're that's the way it should be, but you're leading and so you're responsible in so leading and so you're responsible in so leading and so you're responsible in so many ways uh for caring for the sheep.

many ways uh for caring for the sheep. many ways uh for caring for the sheep. That you're the shepherd. And so but and That you're the shepherd. And so but and That you're the shepherd. And so but and when we at Woodland Church here are when we at Woodland Church here are when we at Woodland Church here are really we're challenging you. I'm really we're challenging you. I'm really we're challenging you. I'm challenging me to go to a whole new challenging me to go to a whole new challenging me to go to a whole new level of leadership by this time next level of leadership by this time next level of leadership by this time next year. Um as we challenge you to take year. Um as we challenge you to take year. Um as we challenge you to take this next step because we know that's this next step because we know that's this next step because we know that's what's going to be so uh what's going to be so uh what's going to be so uh purposeful and meaningful in your life purposeful and meaningful in your life purposeful and meaningful in your life when you take next steps. when you take next steps. when you take next steps. We have to come alongside you and give We have to come alongside you and give We have to come alongside you and give you the tools that you need, the you the tools that you need, the you the tools that you need, the training you need, like the discipleship training you need, like the discipleship training you need, like the discipleship courses that we're going to be courses that we're going to be courses that we're going to be unveiling. And the first one coming up unveiling. And the first one coming up unveiling. And the first one coming up this fall, discipleship one and things this fall, discipleship one and things this fall, discipleship one and things that you need to grow in your faith so that you need to grow in your faith so that you need to grow in your faith so strong and to help others. And this strong and to help others. And this strong and to help others. And this podcast to help you grow in your podcast to help you grow in your podcast to help you grow in your leadership. That's crucial. leadership. That's crucial. leadership. That's crucial. And I I know Ryan, there's something And I I know Ryan, there's something And I I know Ryan, there's something that that that we talk about all the time as a staff we talk about all the time as a staff we talk about all the time as a staff and a lot of our leaders understand it and a lot of our leaders understand it and a lot of our leaders understand it and know it, but it's a little slogan we and know it, but it's a little slogan we and know it, but it's a little slogan we have to really understand the purpose of have to really understand the purpose of have to really understand the purpose of the church and what the church is all the church and what the church is all the church and what the church is all about and it's a little thing that we about and it's a little thing that we about and it's a little thing that we say our purpose is to invite them to the say our purpose is to invite them to the say our purpose is to invite them to the party, connect them to the family, and party, connect them to the family, and party, connect them to the family, and disciple them for ministry.

disciple them for ministry. disciple them for ministry. And so what does that mean? I mean, we And so what does that mean? I mean, we And so what does that mean? I mean, we talk a lot about connect them, you know, talk a lot about connect them, you know, talk a lot about connect them, you know, or we talk a lot about invite them to or we talk a lot about invite them to or we talk a lot about invite them to the party, don't we? The church is a the party, don't we? The church is a the party, don't we? The church is a party. party. party. >> Yeah, you know, Woodland Church we love >> Yeah, you know, Woodland Church we love >> Yeah, you know, Woodland Church we love inviting new people. We're so good at inviting new people. We're so good at inviting new people. We're so good at putting on events and we do that because putting on events and we do that because putting on events and we do that because it's outreach and we care about reaching it's outreach and we care about reaching it's outreach and we care about reaching those who are far from Jesus. those who are far from Jesus. those who are far from Jesus. >> Exactly. And it's such an amazing thing >> Exactly. And it's such an amazing thing >> Exactly. And it's such an amazing thing because that's a big part of because that's a big part of because that's a big part of discipleship is reaching people for discipleship is reaching people for discipleship is reaching people for Jesus. If you don't share your faith or Jesus. If you don't share your faith or Jesus. If you don't share your faith or you don't invite people to church or to you don't invite people to church or to you don't invite people to church or to your life group, then you're really a your life group, then you're really a your life group, then you're really a disciple is someone who cares about disciple is someone who cares about disciple is someone who cares about people. Jesus said, "I came to seek and people. Jesus said, "I came to seek and people. Jesus said, "I came to seek and save the lost. I came not for the save the lost. I came not for the save the lost. I came not for the healthy, but for those who are sick." healthy, but for those who are sick." healthy, but for those who are sick." He's like he he came his purpose come He's like he he came his purpose come He's like he he came his purpose come for the those who, you know, who are far for the those who, you know, who are far for the those who, you know, who are far from God. And yet he tells us to go and from God. And yet he tells us to go and from God. And yet he tells us to go and make disciples of all nations, you know. make disciples of all nations, you know. make disciples of all nations, you know. And here here's the interesting thing And here here's the interesting thing And here here's the interesting thing that we're to invite people to the party that we're to invite people to the party that we're to invite people to the party and I and the church is a party. It is and I and the church is a party. It is and I and the church is a party. It is all about a party for Jesus and a party all about a party for Jesus and a party all about a party for Jesus and a party celebrating Jesus. celebrating Jesus. celebrating Jesus. Um there was a uh parable Jesus told Um there was a uh parable Jesus told Um there was a uh parable Jesus told about a a wealthy man who had a big about a a wealthy man who had a big about a a wealthy man who had a big dinner party and everything was ready. dinner party and everything was ready. dinner party and everything was ready. He invited people to party, no one He invited people to party, no one He invited people to party, no one wanted to come.

wanted to come. wanted to come. All the influential people in the All the influential people in the All the influential people in the community didn't come. So, he said he community didn't come. So, he said he community didn't come. So, he said he got really upset and he said, "Well, go got really upset and he said, "Well, go got really upset and he said, "Well, go out and get every broken person, every out and get every broken person, every out and get every broken person, every homeless person, every poor person and homeless person, every poor person and homeless person, every poor person and invite them on in and they're welcome." invite them on in and they're welcome." invite them on in and they're welcome." And Jesus was saying, "Hey, invite And Jesus was saying, "Hey, invite And Jesus was saying, "Hey, invite people to the party. people to the party. people to the party. Everyone who needs Jesus. Everyone who needs Jesus. Everyone who needs Jesus. Come you know, invite them to the Come you know, invite them to the Come you know, invite them to the party." And so, the church is a party. party." And so, the church is a party. party." And so, the church is a party. You invite friends to the party to You invite friends to the party to You invite friends to the party to receive Christ and come to know Christ. receive Christ and come to know Christ. receive Christ and come to know Christ. But I'll tell you the other party is But I'll tell you the other party is But I'll tell you the other party is your life group. your life group. your life group. It's a discipleship group. It's your It's a discipleship group. It's your It's a discipleship group. It's your life group and you invite a friend to life group and you invite a friend to life group and you invite a friend to it. it. it. It's so fulfilling because that's a big It's so fulfilling because that's a big It's so fulfilling because that's a big part of discipleship. So, we want to part of discipleship. So, we want to part of discipleship. So, we want to encourage every life group to think encourage every life group to think encourage every life group to think about what friend could I invite to my about what friend could I invite to my about what friend could I invite to my life group? And when you're at church, life group? And when you're at church, life group? And when you're at church, be meeting people maybe in your age and be meeting people maybe in your age and be meeting people maybe in your age and stage and and ask them stage and and ask them stage and and ask them if you talk to them for a little bit and if you talk to them for a little bit and if you talk to them for a little bit and say, "You know what? Kind of like those say, "You know what? Kind of like those say, "You know what? Kind of like those guys." Well, then say, "Hey, are you in guys." Well, then say, "Hey, are you in guys." Well, then say, "Hey, are you in a life group?" a life group?" a life group?" Um no. Well, then we'd love you to be in Um no. Well, then we'd love you to be in Um no. Well, then we'd love you to be in our life group. And have that attitude our life group. And have that attitude our life group. And have that attitude of thinking about how you can invite of thinking about how you can invite of thinking about how you can invite people and God will guide you. I think people and God will guide you. I think people and God will guide you. I think one of the issues that, you know, some one of the issues that, you know, some one of the issues that, you know, some some life groups Ryan are are a little some life groups Ryan are are a little some life groups Ryan are are a little afraid to like grow because maybe the afraid to like grow because maybe the afraid to like grow because maybe the church has just sent them someone cold church has just sent them someone cold church has just sent them someone cold that doesn't really, you know, like that doesn't really, you know, like that doesn't really, you know, like someone they don't know at all and they someone they don't know at all and they someone they don't know at all and they just show up the door and they don't just show up the door and they don't just show up the door and they don't really you know, it doesn't really click really you know, it doesn't really click really you know, it doesn't really click and they've been together a while and it and they've been together a while and it and they've been together a while and it doesn't really work. But but I'm telling doesn't really work. But but I'm telling doesn't really work. But but I'm telling you if you start looking beyond yourself you if you start looking beyond yourself you if you start looking beyond yourself and you start meeting people at church and you start meeting people at church and you start meeting people at church that need to be in life groups that need to be in life groups that need to be in life groups that are just waiting for someone to ask that are just waiting for someone to ask that are just waiting for someone to ask them, them, them, it'll change everything. I mean, you'll

it'll change everything. I mean, you'll it'll change everything. I mean, you'll see experience inviting people to the see experience inviting people to the see experience inviting people to the party. party. party. Some of you already invite people to the Some of you already invite people to the Some of you already invite people to the church a lot and you see them come to church a lot and you see them come to church a lot and you see them come to Christ and grow in Christ and it's just Christ and grow in Christ and it's just Christ and grow in Christ and it's just crazy how God works and and it just crazy how God works and and it just crazy how God works and and it just makes you feel like you get saved all makes you feel like you get saved all makes you feel like you get saved all over again. That's what will happen in over again. That's what will happen in over again. That's what will happen in your life group. And so I I really your life group. And so I I really your life group. And so I I really encourage you to think that way and encourage you to think that way and encourage you to think that way and start praying that way. So you we invite start praying that way. So you we invite start praying that way. So you we invite them to the party and then then we them to the party and then then we them to the party and then then we connect them to the family. And the way connect them to the family. And the way connect them to the family. And the way we connect people to the family is life we connect people to the family is life we connect people to the family is life groups. groups. groups. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> If they're not connected in a life >> If they're not connected in a life >> If they're not connected in a life group, then how can they really be group, then how can they really be group, then how can they really be connected to the family? connected to the family? connected to the family? You know, the early church they You know, the early church they You know, the early church they worshipped in the temple every week and worshipped in the temple every week and worshipped in the temple every week and then they met from house to house during then they met from house to house during then they met from house to house during the week. So they had life groups. the week. So they had life groups. the week. So they had life groups. And that's you have the large group, you And that's you have the large group, you And that's you have the large group, you celebrate, you worship, but then you do celebrate, you worship, but then you do celebrate, you worship, but then you do life together. And you can't be a life together. And you can't be a life together. And you can't be a disciple growing as a disciple disciple growing as a disciple disciple growing as a disciple without being in a life group. without being in a life group. without being in a life group. >> Yeah, and I I love the way you said >> Yeah, and I I love the way you said >> Yeah, and I I love the way you said about, you know, inviting them to the about, you know, inviting them to the about, you know, inviting them to the party, but then don't stop at the party, party, but then don't stop at the party, party, but then don't stop at the party, connect them to the family. And that's connect them to the family. And that's connect them to the family. And that's what our life groups do is connecting, what our life groups do is connecting, what our life groups do is connecting, you know, that like you said that the you know, that like you said that the you know, that like you said that the church is a family. church is a family. church is a family. We we are an an eternal spiritual We we are an an eternal spiritual We we are an an eternal spiritual family. And um family. And um family. And um I think one of the things that's hard I think one of the things that's hard I think one of the things that's hard though in life groups is as a leader to though in life groups is as a leader to though in life groups is as a leader to know when is my group, you know, too know when is my group, you know, too know when is my group, you know, too small or too big? What is the right size small or too big? What is the right size small or too big? What is the right size of a life group? And sometimes, you of a life group? And sometimes, you of a life group? And sometimes, you know, personally I know I've gotten to a know, personally I know I've gotten to a know, personally I know I've gotten to a place where I like the group that I place where I like the group that I place where I like the group that I have.

have. have. >> Of course. >> Of course. >> Of course. >> I know I'm called to, you know, grow >> I know I'm called to, you know, grow >> I know I'm called to, you know, grow healthy things grow and the church grows healthy things grow and the church grows healthy things grow and the church grows because it's healthy. because it's healthy. because it's healthy. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> But when it comes to a life group, it's >> But when it comes to a life group, it's >> But when it comes to a life group, it's hard to break some of that mentality and hard to break some of that mentality and hard to break some of that mentality and you know, want to really grow your you know, want to really grow your you know, want to really grow your group. So what what what's your group. So what what what's your group. So what what what's your encouragement for a group that maybe is encouragement for a group that maybe is encouragement for a group that maybe is already going, but already going, but already going, but >> Yeah. Well, sometimes I think it's >> Yeah. Well, sometimes I think it's >> Yeah. Well, sometimes I think it's misunderstandings that you know, misunderstandings that you know, misunderstandings that you know, sometimes life groups who are really sometimes life groups who are really sometimes life groups who are really amazing together and they love each amazing together and they love each amazing together and they love each other. They've shared tough times and other. They've shared tough times and other. They've shared tough times and good times and you you know, they know good times and you you know, they know good times and you you know, they know so much about each other doing life so much about each other doing life so much about each other doing life together and that's part of together and that's part of together and that's part of discipleship. But then they think if we discipleship. But then they think if we discipleship. But then they think if we invite other people, it will ruin the invite other people, it will ruin the invite other people, it will ruin the group or if our group gets too big, group or if our group gets too big, group or if our group gets too big, you know, and and grows too much, but you know, and and grows too much, but you know, and and grows too much, but God takes care of that and a lot of God takes care of that and a lot of God takes care of that and a lot of groups think, you know, that they think groups think, you know, that they think groups think, you know, that they think they can't imagine multiplying. You they can't imagine multiplying. You they can't imagine multiplying. You know, it's like, well, you know, if you know, it's like, well, you know, if you know, it's like, well, you know, if you keep inviting people, it gets to be 30 keep inviting people, it gets to be 30 keep inviting people, it gets to be 30 or 40. or 40. or 40. Well, what we want for you is to have Well, what we want for you is to have Well, what we want for you is to have someone that you've already is already someone that you've already is already someone that you've already is already ready to go and your group then multiply ready to go and your group then multiply ready to go and your group then multiply and and divide, you know, and and then and and divide, you know, and and then and and divide, you know, and and then you've got, you know, from 40 now you've you've got, you know, from 40 now you've you've got, you know, from 40 now you've got two groups of 20 or, you know, or if got two groups of 20 or, you know, or if got two groups of 20 or, you know, or if you're 30, you got two groups of 15 and you're 30, you got two groups of 15 and you're 30, you got two groups of 15 and you just keep inviting people and you you just keep inviting people and you you just keep inviting people and you keep multiplying, but the scary thing is keep multiplying, but the scary thing is keep multiplying, but the scary thing is for all of us, human nature is, for all of us, human nature is, for all of us, human nature is, I'll never get to see those people I I'll never get to see those people I I'll never get to see those people I love again. And that's just not true.

love again. And that's just not true. love again. And that's just not true. The groups that we have that are The groups that we have that are The groups that we have that are multiplying, multiplying, multiplying, um um um it's amazing. You know, I was talking to it's amazing. You know, I was talking to it's amazing. You know, I was talking to one group leader the other day and they one group leader the other day and they one group leader the other day and they grew to like uh 40, grew to like uh 40, grew to like uh 40, you know, and it was so fun, but they you know, and it was so fun, but they you know, and it was so fun, but they said the problem is we couldn't, you said the problem is we couldn't, you said the problem is we couldn't, you know, really, you know, couldn't have know, really, you know, couldn't have know, really, you know, couldn't have prayer time anymore like that, you know, prayer time anymore like that, you know, prayer time anymore like that, you know, and so then they realized, "Wait a and so then they realized, "Wait a and so then they realized, "Wait a minute. God's will for us is to multiply minute. God's will for us is to multiply minute. God's will for us is to multiply cuz we want others to experience this." cuz we want others to experience this." cuz we want others to experience this." And so one of the leaders is going out And so one of the leaders is going out And so one of the leaders is going out with the others and they're doing, you with the others and they're doing, you with the others and they're doing, you know, two groups, but what they do is know, two groups, but what they do is know, two groups, but what they do is once a month they all meet together. You once a month they all meet together. You once a month they all meet together. You know, it's like 50 I think it's up to 60 know, it's like 50 I think it's up to 60 know, it's like 50 I think it's up to 60 now. So they're like starting three now. So they're like starting three now. So they're like starting three groups and once a month though they they groups and once a month though they they groups and once a month though they they have the biggest house or they go to the have the biggest house or they go to the have the biggest house or they go to the park or they come up here to the plaza park or they come up here to the plaza park or they come up here to the plaza at the Woodlands campus and they have at the Woodlands campus and they have at the Woodlands campus and they have big day and bring all their kids and big day and bring all their kids and big day and bring all their kids and they celebrate and they they go to eat they celebrate and they they go to eat they celebrate and they they go to eat together with different group They're together with different group They're together with different group They're they're dear friends. And so I think they're dear friends. And so I think they're dear friends. And so I think that's a misnomer that well, I can't that's a misnomer that well, I can't that's a misnomer that well, I can't reach out and do what the Bible says in reach out and do what the Bible says in reach out and do what the Bible says in the Great Commission to, you know, make the Great Commission to, you know, make the Great Commission to, you know, make disciples of all nations and to invite disciples of all nations and to invite disciples of all nations and to invite them to the party them to the party them to the party and still keep this close fellowship. and still keep this close fellowship. and still keep this close fellowship. That that's just not true. That that's just not true. That that's just not true. But it is it it does go against my human But it is it it does go against my human But it is it it does go against my human nature, right? You know, that I have to nature, right? You know, that I have to nature, right? You know, that I have to be like it's uncomfortable, you know, I be like it's uncomfortable, you know, I be like it's uncomfortable, you know, I have to really be unselfish and realize have to really be unselfish and realize have to really be unselfish and realize that we want people to come into the that we want people to come into the that we want people to come into the church and the big way to do that is church and the big way to do that is church and the big way to do that is bring them into your life group.

bring them into your life group. bring them into your life group. >> That's a great point. >> That's a great point. >> That's a great point. >> But you know, it's okay. You talk to >> But you know, it's okay. You talk to >> But you know, it's okay. You talk to your life group about it, you know, and your life group about it, you know, and your life group about it, you know, and um celebrate what you got going. Now, um celebrate what you got going. Now, um celebrate what you got going. Now, there's no uh size that's perfect size. there's no uh size that's perfect size. there's no uh size that's perfect size. I mean, one of the things I think can be I mean, one of the things I think can be I mean, one of the things I think can be an issue is if you have 10 people in an issue is if you have 10 people in an issue is if you have 10 people in your life group and it's a really busy your life group and it's a really busy your life group and it's a really busy group and then group and then group and then four of them are gone one week, four of them are gone one week, four of them are gone one week, you got six. If you got eight people in you got six. If you got eight people in you got six. If you got eight people in your group and then four of them are your group and then four of them are your group and then four of them are gone, you got four and it feels a little gone, you got four and it feels a little gone, you got four and it feels a little uncomfortable. And so, I would want my uncomfortable. And so, I would want my uncomfortable. And so, I would want my life group to get up to at least 15 life group to get up to at least 15 life group to get up to at least 15 probably to be able to cuz people are probably to be able to cuz people are probably to be able to cuz people are gone, you know, and then um but I mean, gone, you know, and then um but I mean, gone, you know, and then um but I mean, uh you know, we got groups of 30 that uh you know, we got groups of 30 that uh you know, we got groups of 30 that are just so exciting and they're getting are just so exciting and they're getting are just so exciting and they're getting ready to divide and multiply, but they ready to divide and multiply, but they ready to divide and multiply, but they know the strategies are know the strategies are know the strategies are we we grow because we love people and we we we grow because we love people and we we we grow because we love people and we want to bring people to Christ and want to bring people to Christ and want to bring people to Christ and experience this fellowship and experience this fellowship and experience this fellowship and discipleship, but also discipleship, but also discipleship, but also um we know that we're going to stay um we know that we're going to stay um we know that we're going to stay really close and we're going to keep you really close and we're going to keep you really close and we're going to keep you know, working together and doing life know, working together and doing life know, working together and doing life together. together. together. >> Yeah, and and our life group pastors and >> Yeah, and and our life group pastors and >> Yeah, and and our life group pastors and our our our staff are going to continue our our our staff are going to continue our our our staff are going to continue to come alongside you. That's why we're to come alongside you. That's why we're to come alongside you. That's why we're doing this podcast. That's why we doing this podcast. That's why we doing this podcast. That's why we provide the training and the resources provide the training and the resources provide the training and the resources that we're doing. That's why Pastor that we're doing. That's why Pastor that we're doing. That's why Pastor Kerry's going to lead discipleship one Kerry's going to lead discipleship one Kerry's going to lead discipleship one is because we want you to be equipped to is because we want you to be equipped to is because we want you to be equipped to lead and to attract. Um we know some lead and to attract. Um we know some lead and to attract. Um we know some people are going to resist that desire people are going to resist that desire people are going to resist that desire to grow. They're going to say, "I want to grow. They're going to say, "I want to grow. They're going to say, "I want to stay this size cuz it's comfortable."

to stay this size cuz it's comfortable." to stay this size cuz it's comfortable." But Pastor Kerry's going to continue to But Pastor Kerry's going to continue to But Pastor Kerry's going to continue to push you push you push you >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> to grow, challenge your faith and he >> to grow, challenge your faith and he >> to grow, challenge your faith and he knows that healthy things grow and knows that healthy things grow and knows that healthy things grow and that's why he challenges us to push out, that's why he challenges us to push out, that's why he challenges us to push out, to reach out beyond ourselves. That's to reach out beyond ourselves. That's to reach out beyond ourselves. That's always been the heart of Woodland always been the heart of Woodland always been the heart of Woodland Church. It's we want to reach out beyond Church. It's we want to reach out beyond Church. It's we want to reach out beyond the walls of the church the walls of the church the walls of the church >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> to reach those who are far from him. And >> to reach those who are far from him. And >> to reach those who are far from him. And um I think it's important to also um I think it's important to also um I think it's important to also remember to on a practical note, you remember to on a practical note, you remember to on a practical note, you know, we're never going to send someone know, we're never going to send someone know, we're never going to send someone to your door just because they are to your door just because they are to your door just because they are interested in joining a life group. So, interested in joining a life group. So, interested in joining a life group. So, just because your life group is now open just because your life group is now open just because your life group is now open and maybe more open to people joining, and maybe more open to people joining, and maybe more open to people joining, we're still going to have a conversation we're still going to have a conversation we're still going to have a conversation with you. If there's someone at the with you. If there's someone at the with you. If there's someone at the church we identify that may be a good church we identify that may be a good church we identify that may be a good fit in your group, we're still going to fit in your group, we're still going to fit in your group, we're still going to talk with you before anybody ever shows talk with you before anybody ever shows talk with you before anybody ever shows up at your door. up at your door. up at your door. >> Yeah, no doubt about it. And I think >> Yeah, no doubt about it. And I think >> Yeah, no doubt about it. And I think that that that we love what God's doing through you. we love what God's doing through you. we love what God's doing through you. I'm so proud of our life groups and our I'm so proud of our life groups and our I'm so proud of our life groups and our life group leaders. And and we want to life group leaders. And and we want to life group leaders. And and we want to come alongside you and just really help come alongside you and just really help come alongside you and just really help you in every way we can. We feel such a you in every way we can. We feel such a you in every way we can. We feel such a responsibility to take it to a whole new responsibility to take it to a whole new responsibility to take it to a whole new level, to really teach and train and level, to really teach and train and level, to really teach and train and disciple. And one of the last things the disciple. And one of the last things the disciple. And one of the last things the last thing in that three-part slogan is last thing in that three-part slogan is last thing in that three-part slogan is invite them to the party, connect them invite them to the party, connect them invite them to the party, connect them to the family, and disciple them for to the family, and disciple them for to the family, and disciple them for ministry. And so that's what we want to ministry. And so that's what we want to ministry. And so that's what we want to do. Jesus said the Great Commission is do. Jesus said the Great Commission is do. Jesus said the Great Commission is to make disciples who make disciples.

to make disciples who make disciples. to make disciples who make disciples. And so the the biggest part at the end And so the the biggest part at the end And so the the biggest part at the end of discipleship and keeps it going is of discipleship and keeps it going is of discipleship and keeps it going is we want you to be a growing disciple who we want you to be a growing disciple who we want you to be a growing disciple who makes disciples who makes disciples who makes disciples who makes disciples who makes disciples who makes disciples who makes disciples. So the way we say it is makes disciples. So the way we say it is makes disciples. So the way we say it is and we chant it in and our slogan, you and we chant it in and our slogan, you and we chant it in and our slogan, you know, on staff all the time, invite them know, on staff all the time, invite them know, on staff all the time, invite them to the party, connect them to the to the party, connect them to the to the party, connect them to the family, disciple them for ministry, so family, disciple them for ministry, so family, disciple them for ministry, so they can invite them to the party, they can invite them to the party, they can invite them to the party, connect them to the family, and disciple connect them to the family, and disciple connect them to the family, and disciple them for ministry, so they can invite them for ministry, so they can invite them for ministry, so they can invite them to the party, connect them to the them to the party, connect them to the them to the party, connect them to the family, and disciple them for ministry, family, and disciple them for ministry, family, and disciple them for ministry, so they can I'll stop right there. But so they can I'll stop right there. But so they can I'll stop right there. But you get it how it multiplies and that's you get it how it multiplies and that's you get it how it multiplies and that's what Jesus calls us to do. what Jesus calls us to do. what Jesus calls us to do. But um But um But um just encourage I want to encourage you. just encourage I want to encourage you. just encourage I want to encourage you. We love you. We're so proud of you. Keep We love you. We're so proud of you. Keep We love you. We're so proud of you. Keep it going. it going. it going. >> That's right. I love that because that's >> That's right. I love that because that's >> That's right. I love that because that's what Jesus did. It's multiplication, what Jesus did. It's multiplication, what Jesus did. It's multiplication, right? I mean and it's also encouraging right? I mean and it's also encouraging right? I mean and it's also encouraging for me to be reminded that we are part for me to be reminded that we are part for me to be reminded that we are part of a multiplication process process of a multiplication process process of a multiplication process process that's been going on for thousands of that's been going on for thousands of that's been going on for thousands of years now, right? It's not like this new years now, right? It's not like this new years now, right? It's not like this new idea of you know, we're not reinventing idea of you know, we're not reinventing idea of you know, we're not reinventing the wheel at Woodland Hills Church.

the wheel at Woodland Hills Church. the wheel at Woodland Hills Church. We're really just doing what Jesus We're really just doing what Jesus We're really just doing what Jesus Christ commissioned all of us to do. Christ commissioned all of us to do. Christ commissioned all of us to do. >> Yeah, and and really as your uh >> Yeah, and and really as your uh >> Yeah, and and really as your uh equippers, your leaders, they're equippers, your leaders, they're equippers, your leaders, they're alongside you. I mean, all we have to be alongside you. I mean, all we have to be alongside you. I mean, all we have to be concerned about is concerned about is concerned about is really just pouring into you. really just pouring into you. really just pouring into you. And just being there for you and pouring And just being there for you and pouring And just being there for you and pouring into you God's word, challenging you, into you God's word, challenging you, into you God's word, challenging you, sure, but pouring into you at the same sure, but pouring into you at the same sure, but pouring into you at the same time. time. time. >> So good. Will you pray for us, Dad? >> So good. Will you pray for us, Dad? >> So good. Will you pray for us, Dad? >> Yeah, sure will. Dear Lord, I thank you >> Yeah, sure will. Dear Lord, I thank you >> Yeah, sure will. Dear Lord, I thank you for all of our leaders. Lord, they're so for all of our leaders. Lord, they're so for all of our leaders. Lord, they're so amazing. I'm so proud of them, and amazing. I'm so proud of them, and amazing. I'm so proud of them, and Lord, they're pastors. Lord, they're pastors. Lord, they're pastors. And so, I pray you would help us as a And so, I pray you would help us as a And so, I pray you would help us as a staff and our vocational pastors to staff and our vocational pastors to staff and our vocational pastors to really, Lord, invest and equip them really, Lord, invest and equip them really, Lord, invest and equip them Lord, to be the leaders that they want Lord, to be the leaders that they want Lord, to be the leaders that they want to be in every way that and help us grow to be in every way that and help us grow to be in every way that and help us grow to be the leaders you want us to be. to be the leaders you want us to be. to be the leaders you want us to be. And as we embark on this adventure to go And as we embark on this adventure to go And as we embark on this adventure to go to the next level in so many ways in our to the next level in so many ways in our to the next level in so many ways in our growth as a disciple that you would just growth as a disciple that you would just growth as a disciple that you would just bless beyond measure. Bless our life bless beyond measure. Bless our life bless beyond measure. Bless our life groups, our leaders, their families. groups, our leaders, their families. groups, our leaders, their families. Meet their every need, for it's in Meet their every need, for it's in Meet their every need, for it's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Jesus' name we pray. Amen. >> Amen.