Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
-How can we get our people into small groups and involved in the mission of discipleship?
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson speaks with Lindsey Jodts, Groups Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, about how discipleship flourishes in the context of community. Lindsey shares her journey into ministry, Willow Creek’s evolving small group strategy, and why their vision is “everyone in groups, every group on mission.” This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for churches of every size seeking to form Christlike disciples who live for the sake of others
📌 Main Points
- Discipleship Defined – Helping people become their most Christlike selves in their unique God-given identity.
- Community Matters – Why discipleship thrives when stories are shared, gifts are called out, and people are empowered.
- Willow Creek’s Shift – Moving from an attractional model toward deeper formation and intentional mission.
- Three Pathways of Growth – Weekends, Teams, and Groups as Willow’s Discipleship Framework.
- The Rooted Experience – Seven rhythms (daily devotion, prayer, worship, generosity, serving, sharing your story, breaking strongholds) anchoring group life.
- Every Group on Mission – Small groups discerning their “heart song” and living it out locally and globally.
- For Any Church Size – Practical insights for small, medium, and large churches to empower leaders and multiply disciples.
If this conversation encouraged you, share it with your pastor, small group leader, or ministry team. Be sure to subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave us a review, and join us in the vision of disciple-making churches for every people and place.
📚 Links & Resources
- RightNow Media – rightnowmedia.org
- The Bible Project – bibleproject.com | Bible Project Classroom | Bible Project Podcast
- Rooted Network – experiencerooted.com
Books Mentioned:
- How to Ask Great Questions by Karen Lee-Thorp
- Falling Upward by Richard Rohr'
Guest Bio:
Lindsey Jodts is the Groups and Compassion & Justice Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. She holds a Master of Leadership in Ministry from Judson University and has years of experience leading women’s communities, young adult ministries, and discipleship initiatives. Lindsey is a gifted teacher and communicator, known for helping people grow in authentic faith through formative experiences and biblical community.
00:00 Highlights
00:41 Podcast Welcome & Introduction
02:26 Lindsey's Journey into Ministry
11:09 The Role of Community in Discipleship
14:19 Balancing Individualism and Community
18:10 Willow Creek's Evolution and Discipleship Strategy
22:34 Discipleship Strategies: Weekends, Teams, and Groups
27:07 Empowering Leaders in Any Church Size
32:09 Global Principles for Small Groups
32:58 Willow Creek's Small Group Structure
33:49 The Rooted Program: Foundation and Rhythms
35:16 Diverse Small Group Expressions
35:53 Term-Based Group Dynamics
39:23 Rooted's African Origins and Impact
44:20 Creative Small Group Practices
48:55 Vision of Groups on Mission
52:53 Resources for Small Group Leaders
57:14 Encouragement and Closing Prayer
-How can we get our people into small groups and involved in the mission of discipleship?
In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson speaks with Lindsey Jodts, Groups Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, about how discipleship flourishes in the context of community. Lindsey shares her journey into ministry, Willow Creek’s evolving small group strategy, and why their vision is “everyone in groups, every group on mission.” This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for churches of every size seeking to form Christlike disciples who live for the sake of others
📌 Main Points
- Discipleship Defined – Helping people become their most Christlike selves in their unique God-given identity.
- Community Matters – Why discipleship thrives when stories are shared, gifts are called out, and people are empowered.
- Willow Creek’s Shift – Moving from an attractional model toward deeper formation and intentional mission.
- Three Pathways of Growth – Weekends, Teams, and Groups as Willow’s Discipleship Framework.
- The Rooted Experience – Seven rhythms (daily devotion, prayer, worship, generosity, serving, sharing your story, breaking strongholds) anchoring group life.
- Every Group on Mission – Small groups discerning their “heart song” and living it out locally and globally.
- For Any Church Size – Practical insights for small, medium, and large churches to empower leaders and multiply disciples.
If this conversation encouraged you, share it with your pastor, small group leader, or ministry team. Be sure to subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave us a review, and join us in the vision of disciple-making churches for every people and place.
📚 Links & Resources
- RightNow Media – rightnowmedia.org
- The Bible Project – bibleproject.com | Bible Project Classroom | Bible Project Podcast
- Rooted Network – experiencerooted.com
Books Mentioned:
- How to Ask Great Questions by Karen Lee-Thorp
- Falling Upward by Richard Rohr'
Guest Bio:
Lindsey Jodts is the Groups and Compassion & Justice Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. She holds a Master of Leadership in Ministry from Judson University and has years of experience leading women’s communities, young adult ministries, and discipleship initiatives. Lindsey is a gifted teacher and communicator, known for helping people grow in authentic faith through formative experiences and biblical community.
00:00 Highlights
00:41 Podcast Welcome & Introduction
02:26 Lindsey's Journey into Ministry
11:09 The Role of Community in Discipleship
14:19 Balancing Individualism and Community
18:10 Willow Creek's Evolution and Discipleship Strategy
22:34 Discipleship Strategies: Weekends, Teams, and Groups
27:07 Empowering Leaders in Any Church Size
32:09 Global Principles for Small Groups
32:58 Willow Creek's Small Group Structure
33:49 The Rooted Program: Foundation and Rhythms
35:16 Diverse Small Group Expressions
35:53 Term-Based Group Dynamics
39:23 Rooted's African Origins and Impact
44:20 Creative Small Group Practices
48:55 Vision of Groups on Mission
52:53 Resources for Small Group Leaders
57:14 Encouragement and Closing Prayer
