Matt and Beth welcome back Joana Perez for another conversation about emotional health during the holiday season, post-Helene recovery, and sketchy political environments. I know. It's a lot.

This episode Matt and Beth welcome guest Ken Braddy from LifeWay, who shares insights from his extensive experience in group ministry, emphasizing the importance of small groups alongside traditional preaching.

Ken presents statistical evidence showing that consistent small group participation fosters stronger church engagement and deeper spiritual growth. He points out that individuals active in group ministries tend to be more involved in church life, donate more, and demonstrate greater spiritual discipline than those who only attend worship services. He underscores that groups provide accountability, support, and community in ways large services cannot, contributing to long-term faith retention.

The conversation also covers practical advice for church leaders, such as establishing a welcoming atmosphere for new members, starting new groups to prevent stagnation, and cultivating leaders who care deeply about their members’ spiritual health. Ken encourages pastors to embrace Bible study curriculums tailored to different learning preferences and highlights the importance of regular teacher training to foster a nurturing and effective ministry.

The episode concludes with inspiring personal stories that highlight the lasting impact of dedicated teachers and group leaders, demonstrating how small acts of faithfulness can have profound, multi-generational effects.

In this episode of the Tennessee Golden Hour Podcast, hosts Matt Tullos and Beth Moore engage with Ryan Keaton, the Emerging Generation Specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, to discuss strategies for engaging young adults in church communities. Ryan explores how future churches might differ, noting that by 2040 they could be smaller but more convictional, with members participating due to genuine belief rather than family tradition. He highlights challenges such as declining church attendance and increased distrust in organized institutions, particularly among Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Ryan emphasizes the importance of churches fostering authentic community to attract young adults, urging them to focus on what the church stands for rather than against. He also shares his personal background and commitment to ministry, which began in a strong church-based family environment. Ryan advises churches to invest in mentorship and relationship-building rather than merely programming, as young adults seek meaning and real connections in faith.

Additionally, he shares resources like the Young Adults TN podcast and his 2023 book, Winning Young Adults in Our Harvest Field, designed to help churches better engage this demographic. Ryan concludes with an open invitation for churches to reach out for tailored support in connecting with young adults in Tennessee.