
Group Essentials Training
Revitalize Your Bible Study Ministry
The Group Essentials Conference is a FREE* two-day event that equips participants to revitalize their Bible study ministries by learning:
principles for growing healthy Bible study groups
best practices for enlisting and training workers
the eight signposts that indicate group members are growing as disciples
and more!
Plus, participants will develop a plan of action they can implement upon returning to their churches.
The sessions are led by Ken Braddy, Lifeway's Director of Group Ministry. Ken has more than 25 years of experience leading education ministries in the local church and has led two to become the fastest-growing churches in two different states. He is an author, blogger, and conference leader.
Registration is limited, so sign up soon if you're interested. Attendees receive a conference notebook, Bible, and three books related to Sunday School leadership—Breathing Life into Sunday School, Building a Disciple-making Ministry, and Breakthrough: Creating a New Scorecard for Group Ministry Success. During the conference, attendees will be given access to 17 different digital books and the accompanying plans to use in the church as training tools.
Who Should Attend
This conference is ideal for Sunday School or group ministry directors, pastors, ministers of education (and similar positions),
especially those who have been serving in their role for five years or less.
O'Fallon, IL
October 19-20, 2026
First Baptist Church
Tupelo, MS
January 11-12, 2027
Calvary Baptist Church
Brentwood, TN
April 12-13, 2027
Lifeway Christian Resources
Florence, AL
August 16-17, 2027
Highland Baptist Church
To register by phone, call 800.254.2022
*The conference is free and will include lunch on the second day along with snacks.
Lodging is not included.
Schedule
Day 1
12:30PM Check-in/Networking
1:00PM Conference begins/Welcome
1:15PM Session 1: Your “ICONic” Group Ministry
1:30PM Session 2: The State of Groups, Theology, & Discipleship (Lifeway Research)
2:15 PM Session 3: Why Groups Matter
3:00PM Break
3:15PM Session 4: The Purpose & Definition of Ongoing Groups
4:15PM Session 5: Starting New Groups
5:30PM Dismiss
Day 2
8:00AM Coffee & Networking
8:30AM Session 6: Flake’s Formula for Growing your Group Ministry
9:30AM Break
9:45AM Session 7: Best Practices for Enlisting New Leaders
10:45AM Session 8: Training Group Leaders
12:00PM Lunch
12:30PM Give-aways!
1:00PM Session 9: Curriculum as a Disciple-making Tool
2:00PM Session 10: Your Next Steps Plan
2:30PM Dismiss