{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"GA Baptist Discipleship","title":"Episode 142: Creating and Sustaining A New Believer Pathway with Joey Rodgers and Jason Thomas","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2630,"description":"This was a podcast recording discussion about creating and sustaining new believer pathways in churches. Scott Sullivan interviewed Joey Rogers, lead pastor at First Baptist Peachtree City, and Jason Thomas, Community and Discipleship Pastor at First Baptist Duluth, to explore effective strategies for discipling new believers. Joey shared his church's \"grow groups\" approach, which involves new believers in conversational, relational pods meeting for 12-week increments over a one-year journey through specifically designed curriculum focused on daily quiet times and Bible study. Jason described First Duluth's \"Your Next Yes\" discipleship pathway that connects new believers to small groups, mentors, and spiritual rhythms while addressing their unique needs, including ESL support for non-English speakers. Both pastors emphasized the importance of moving new believers from conversion to ongoing discipleship through relationships rather than just programs, with Joey highlighting the distinction between disciple-making (the process) and discipleship (the ongoing lifestyle), and both agreeing that systems should serve relationships rather than replace them. The discussion concluded with examples of successful multiplication, including Jason's story of a military member who went from being a new believer to leading multiple groups, and Joey's story of a former prisoner who now leads three groups at another church.\n\nJason stated that First Baptist Duluth continues quarterly training for small group leaders to ensure they are equipped to disciple new believers, especially considering language and cultural diversity. And, they also encourage new believers to begin serving and sharing their faith early, providing appropriate ministry on-ramps (e.g., ESL, First Impressions) and support through mentoring relationships.\n\nJoey pointed out that First Baptist Peachtree City assists new members by:\nContinuing oversight and support of the new Grow Group leader recently hired,...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/zNKX3icnJ47p9LBPU6AxotTfzrzOS3CL0lQn3dy79Aw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzEyOTY2LzE2Njgx/MDIxODMtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}