Episode Summary: This is it—launch week for One Story: Every Generation. Groups across our church are gathering with open Bibles and open hearts. If you're feeling a little nervous about your first meeting, this episode is for you. Jimmy shares 10 practical encouragements (countdown style) to help you lead with confidence and calm—from embracing the awkward to remembering that God is already ahead of you.

Key Takeaway: Your faithful presence matters, but God's presence is the power that changes everything. Simple faithfulness beats impressive leadership every time.

What You'll Hear:

• Why silence isn't failure (it's processing)
• How to end well even if the middle felt messy
• The difference between going first and slipping into teaching mode
• Why this week's win is connection, not depth
• And a reminder: if it feels awkward, you're doing it right

This Week's Focus: Create a safe space for people to share. Let the rhythm form. Trust that what feels new today will feel normal soon.

Runtime: 3:59

Release Date: January 8, 2026

Episode Summary: For years, your group has relied on quarterly guides—faithful, helpful, trustworthy. But starting in January with One Story: Every Generation, we're stepping into something different. In this episode, we address the real concern many leaders are feeling: without the quarterlies, will the Bible alone be enough? Spoiler: it always has been.

Key Takeaway: When God's people wrestle with God's Word together, God shows up. Your job isn't to be the expert with all the answers—it's to be the guide who creates space for people to hear from God themselves.

Scripture Reference: Implicit throughout - The sufficiency of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit in teaching and transforming God's people.

Practical Steps:

1. Reframe the shift - The quarterlies were good, but they accidentally taught us we can't hear from God without a middleman. One Story removes that barrier.
2. Embrace your role - You're not the expert. You're the guide. The study guides aren't answer keys—they're tools to help you ask better questions.
3. Respond with confidence - When people express concern, acknowledge it honestly while pointing to what's exciting: we're reading the Bible itself, not commentary about it.

This Week's Challenge: Next time someone expresses concern about losing the quarterlies, try this response: "I know—it feels different. And honestly, I'm a little nervous too. But here's what I'm excited about: instead of us reading commentary about the Bible, we're just going to read the Bible. And I think we're going to be surprised by what God shows us when we stop looking for someone else to tell us what it means."

(And if that doesn't work, just blame Jimmy.)

Quote to Remember: "We're betting everything on the belief that when God's people wrestle with God's Word together, God shows up."

Runtime: 4:26

Release Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025

Episode Summary: Every small group leader dreads the question: "How do I know if God is speaking to me?" In this episode, we tackle how to help your people hear from God—even when you're not always sure you're hearing Him yourself. The good news? Your job isn't to BE God's voice. It's to help them recognize His voice for themselves.

Key Takeaway: Your job isn't to BE God's voice for your group. It's to help them recognize His voice for themselves. Teaching people to hear God is how they grow from attenders into disciples.

Scripture Reference: John 10:27 - "My sheep hear my voice"

Practical Steps:

1. Normalize talking about it - Share when you've sensed God's leading, even the small stuff. When you're honest about listening for God, it gives others permission to try.
2. Create space to practice - Ask questions like "What do you think God might be saying to you about this?" or "Where have you sensed God's presence this week?" Let silence happen. Let people think.

This Week's Challenge: At your next meeting, ask your group: "When's the last time you felt like God was speaking to you?" Then let them answer. Don't fix it. Don't teach on it. Just listen.

Quote to Remember: "You're not the spiritual expert who has it all figured out. You're the guide helping others listen."

Runtime: 3:00 Release Date: December 2

Episode Summary: The holidays are coming fast, and it's easy to lose Jesus in all the tinsel, parties, and gift exchanges. In this episode, we explore how to keep Jesus central without adding MORE to your already packed schedule. Spoiler: It's not about doing more—it's about filtering everything through Him.

Key Takeaway: Keeping Jesus central isn't about adding more activities—it's about filtering everything THROUGH Him. When Jesus is central, your group doesn't just DO Christian things during the holidays, they BECOME more like Jesus.

Scripture Reference: Colossians 1:18 - Jesus has "first place in everything"

Practical Steps:

1. Refocus what you're already doing - Before your December gathering, pause for 60 seconds and ask: "What's one way Jesus has shown up for you this week?"
2. Name the why - Whatever you're planning (party, service project, gift exchange), connect it out loud: "We're doing this because Jesus was generous with us first."

This Week's Challenge: Before your next group meeting, ask yourself: "If someone only experienced Jesus through our group this December, what would they learn about Him?" Let that question shape your plans.

Quote to Remember: "The holidays are coming whether you're ready or not. But you get to decide if your group just survives them or if they encounter Jesus in them."

Great group leaders don’t just teach lessons — they guide conversations that change lives. In this first episode, Jimmy shares how curiosity, good questions, and a shift in mindset can turn any Bible study into a space where people truly hear from God.