Can small groups “mix” churches? Should they? Or does it hurt unity, depth, and discipleship?

In this episode of the Crossline Community Podcast, Pastor Jordan Gash tackles a real-world issue every group leader eventually faces: What do I do when someone joins our group… but doesn’t attend our church?

Drawing from Scripture, small group leadership experience, and real tensions Jordan has walked through, this episode explores why this issue exists and how the early church faced similar challenges. Jordan addresses the dilemmas mixed-church groups navigate such as denominational differences, church culture differences, alignment issues, different weekly experiences, awkwardness, shallow connection, and the challenge of depth when group members aren’t embedded in the same church community.

He also highlights the unexpected benefits such as broader reach, the “big-C Church” unity perspective, fresh ideas from different church traditions, and how multiple teaching influences can deepen biblical insight.

Jordan walks through the disadvantages honestly and helps leaders understand when mixed-church dynamics become a barrier to connection and spiritual growth.

He then shares his pastoral answer on whether group leaders should allow mixed-church participation, when it’s wise, when it may be limiting, and how to handle these situations with grace, unity, and clarity. He also speaks directly to small group pastors on how to guide leaders through this without division or legalism.

The episode ends with Jordan’s blessing from Philippians 1:9–11, praying for love, discernment, and depth of insight for every listener.

This episode is helpful for small group leaders, group pastors, anyone navigating community in a multi-church environment, and churches wanting clarity on group alignment.

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Something powerful happens when we shift our focus from creating resources to investing in people. After seven years of developing nine comprehensive small group curriculum packages, we're taking a bold new direction at Crossline Community Church for 2025.

The revelation came through a simple question: What if we redirected the many hours typically spent on writing books, filming videos, and creating materials toward personally investing in each of our small group leaders instead? What if, rather than giving them another fish (curriculum), we taught them how to fish more effectively?

Small groups occupy a strategic position in ministry—meeting in homes, coffee shops, and neighborhoods where people who might never enter a church building are willing to engage. As one person told me bluntly, "I'll never go to church with you, but I will sit with you at a coffee shop and talk about the Bible." This presents an extraordinary opportunity for gospel advancement when leaders are properly equipped and empowered.

Our new approach combines relational investment with practical resources. We're building an online library of concise training videos (7-10 minutes each) addressing specific leadership challenges while prioritizing face-to-face mentoring, encouragement, and prayer with each leader. The theme—"Let's Go Fishing"—calls us back to Jesus' original invitation to become fishers of men.

This isn't about abandoning structure but embracing a higher purpose. When believers move beyond curriculum-following to active disciple-making, exponential kingdom growth becomes possible. Whether you lead a small group at Crossline or elsewhere, I invite you to consider your role in God's grand narrative. How might your group become a beacon of Christ's love in your community? The harvest awaits—let's go fishing together.

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Small groups provide a unique space for communal growth, fostering deep relationships among participants. Through questions sourced from Reddit, we explore various experiences within small groups and how to enhance engagement, navigate challenges, and revive group dynamics.

• Importance of feeling connected in smaller vs. larger churches
• Couples navigating group participation together vs. separately
• Value of community and personal growth in small groups
• Suggestions for fostering relationships without formal ministries
• Differences between small groups and Bible study groups
• Strategies for addressing oversharing or imbalances in group discussions
• Ideas for revitalizing stagnant small group experiences through outreach and service

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This episode explores strategies for revitalizing small groups experiencing stagnation. We discuss leadership changes, outward focus on community service, and encouraging spiritual stretching as keys to maintaining a vibrant and engaging group experience:

• Encouraging leaders and group members
• Navigating the stages of small group dynamics
• Signs of group staleness and recognizing the need for change
• Benefits of changing the facilitator or leader
• Implementing leadership rotations for freshness
• Turning group focus outward to serve the community
• Exploring mission project ideas and opportunities
• Engaging with visiting missionaries for inspiration
• Stretching spiritual boundaries through new practices
• Considering disbanding to launch new groups
• Concluding thoughts on group impact and significance

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Can the bonds formed within a church community dramatically enhance your spiritual journey? Join me as we explore the transformative power of community groups at Crossline Community Church. December not only marks my quirky tradition of growing a mustache but also serves as a timely reminder of the profound sense of belonging that small groups offer. I also discuss how active participation in small groups far surpasses traditional Sunday messages in fostering spiritual growth and learning. As iron sharpening iron—these close-knit circles encourage mutual growth, accountability, and a deeper connection with God's teachings.

As we journey further, we uncover the relationship between grace and accountability in a Christian community. Acknowledging our flaws, I emphasize the abundant grace offered through Jesus Christ, which opens the door to forgiveness and collective growth. It's about forming a support system where love encourages change, urging us to strive towards Christ-likeness together. I reflect on the idea that grace is not contrary to effort but challenges the notion of earning it, urging us to actively pursue Christ as a community. With a heartfelt blessing from Philippians 1:9-11, my hope is to inspire knowledge, discernment, and righteousness within your own group, guiding you towards a more enriched spiritual path.

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Unlock the secrets to creating a small group experience that's both spiritually enriching and filled with fun. Join me as we dive into the fascinating dynamics of small groups. Discover what motivates people to join, from seeking deeper church connections to enhancing their biblical understanding, and learn how to cater to these diverse needs. We'll also touch on Barna's research, which offers valuable insights into prioritizing spiritual practices within these communities.

Do you know what participants find most meaningful in their small group gatherings? This episode reveals the surprising preferences of participants, highlighting the power of engaging directly with scripture and the unexpected role of worship and music. While pre-made curriculums have their place, we discuss why reading and discussing the Bible takes precedence for many. We'll also cover the significance of sharing prayer concerns, and how structured discussions on specific topics can elevate group engagement, despite digital written curriculums being underutilized.

Experience the transformative power of praying together as the cornerstone of small group unity. We'll talk about how this practice fosters deep connections and supports a collective spiritual journey, alongside the importance of studying God's word. With a focus on tailored discipleship plans and the blessings of participating in small groups, we conclude with a heartfelt message inspired by Philippians 1:9-11, encouraging growth in love, knowledge, and insight. Whether you're a seasoned leader or considering joining a small group, this episode offers insights and inspiration for your faith journey.

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Step into your calling as a small group leader and uncover the profound role you play within the church community. Join me, Jordan Gash, as I explore the sacred responsibility of shepherding your group members, drawing inspiration from biblical passages such as Jeremiah 3:15 and John 21:15-17. Through personal stories and scriptural reflections, I highlight the transformative power of the spiritual gift of shepherding, emphasizing its importance in guiding, nurturing, and protecting your flock. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with practical insights from my experiences as a small group pastor, as we delve into how you can effectively lead and enrich your community’s faith journey.

Prayer isn’t just a practice; it’s a lifeline for your community. Discover how activating prayer, like prayer walks during pivotal times, can illuminate and safeguard neighborhoods. In this episode, I discuss how fostering a supportive village mentality can create meaningful connections and spiritual growth within your group. Learn how aligning with church values and maintaining open communication with pastors can advance the broader mission of the church. Through patience, shared experiences, and a commitment to prayer, you’ll become an effective extension of the church, shepherding your small group towards a deeper faith and stronger community bonds.

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Have you ever wondered how to truly connect and engage with your small group members from day one? Join me as I share the essential strategies and heartfelt insights drawn from my experience as the Community Life Pastor at Crossline Community Church. In this episode, I equip you with practical steps to prepare for your first meeting, from attending training sessions to effectively communicating with your group members. We'll also talk about the biblical story of Mary and Martha to highlight the importance of being present and engaged, rather than feeling behind and not prepared for your guests.

I guide you through facilitating meaningful introductions and fostering those invaluable connections among your group members. Learn how to set clear expectations, gather essential contact information, and provide the necessary directions to make everyone feel comfortable and prepared. As we wrap up, I’ll share a grace-filled blessing inspired by Philippians 1:9-11, encouraging you to continue building a spiritually enriching environment through the power of prayer. This episode is your roadmap to becoming a confident and impactful small group leader, making a significant difference in your community.

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