Episode Title: Mining for Gold: The Art of the Follow-Up

Episode Summary: You ask a great question. Someone answers. Then silence. Most leaders jump in to fill the gap—but what if the real conversation was just about to start? In this episode, Jimmy teaches one of the most underrated skills in small group leadership: the follow-up question. Learn why the first answer is just the surface, and how to help your group go from observation to application through the simple art of asking one more question.

Key Takeaway: Never settle for the first answer. The first answer is usually observation—safe and surface-level. Transformation happens when people move from head knowledge to heart engagement, and the follow-up question is what gets them there. The follow-up question is what turns a Bible study into discipleship.

Six Follow-Up Questions to Use:

1. "Tell me more about that."
2. "What makes you say that?"
3. "Where do you see that playing out in your life?"
4. "How does that make you feel?"
5. "How would you explain that to a non-believer?"
6. "What's the biggest obstacle to living that out?"

Key Insight: These questions don't give away the "right answer" or turn the conversation into an interrogation. They simply invite the person to keep talking. When you give people space to process out loud, they often discover things they didn't even know they were thinking. That's where the gold is.

A Word of Caution: Not every answer needs a follow-up. If someone just shared something painful or deeply vulnerable, don't immediately ask them to go deeper. Let it breathe. Affirm what they shared. The goal is to create a culture where people feel safe going deeper—and sometimes that means knowing when to stop digging.

Real-Life Example: Jimmy shares a story from a small group where a standard answer about trusting God became transformational when the leader asked, "What does that look like for you right now?" That simple follow-up unlocked vulnerability, gave permission to others facing the same struggle, and turned a surface-level discussion into a deeply unifying and edifying moment.

This Week's Challenge: Ask at least one follow-up question to each answer you receive. Not to put people on the spot. Not to fill time. But because you genuinely want to hear what God is doing in their lives. Watch what happens—conversations will get richer, connections will get deeper, and your group will realize: this isn't just a Bible study. This is discipleship.

Quote to Remember: "When you settle for the first answer, you rob your group of the chance to go deeper."

Runtime: 4:54

Release Date: January 22, 2026

CLICK HERE for the Small Group Leader Follow-Up Question Cheat Sheet

Episode Summary: You made it through week one of One Story: Every Generation—and whether it felt amazing or awkward, you're already winning. In this episode, Jimmy breaks down what success actually looks like: people engaging their Bibles. He also gives you permission to make this initiative yours, leading in a way that fits your unique gifting. Plus, a reminder that you don't have to do this alone.

Key Takeaway: The win for One Story is simple: people engaging their Bibles. If Bibles are open and people are showing up, you're doing it right. Your job isn't to manufacture transformation—it's to create space for people to show up and read.

Three Things to Remember:

1. Define the Win - If someone in your group read one day this week, that's a win. Five days? Also a win. Reading more than before? Huge win. We're not measuring profound insights—we're asking: are they opening God's Word?
2. Make It Yours - Every leader thinks, teaches, and leads differently. Whether you're a lecturer, facilitator, delegator, or collaborator (or interpretive dancer—just kidding), play to your strengths. The study guides are tools, not rules.
3. Don't Be Afraid to Ask - Jimmy is a call or text away. If you have a question, face a challenge, or need a resource, reach out. That's what he's there for.

This Week's Challenge: Take a step back and celebrate what's already happening. Count the wins. Notice who's reading, who's showing up, who's starting to engage. Then? Just keep going.

Quote to Remember: "Your job isn't to manufacture transformation—it's to create space for people to show up and read."

Runtime: 4:29

Release Date: January 15, 2026

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