Barnabas Piper: Character-Driven Discipleship [FULL EPISODE] | "Group Answers" Ep. 307

In a culture that often prioritizes charisma and credentials, it’s easy to forget that biblical leadership is first and foremost a matter of the heart. As leaders, we’re not just forming good volunteers or skilled communicators, we’re shaping men and women into the image of Christ. What does it look like to lead from character, build relationships that matter, and measure success by spiritual transformation rather than statistics? In this episode, host Brian Daniel sits down with Barnabas Piper, pastor, author, and ministry leader at Emmanuel Church, to explore the kind of leadership that fosters lasting discipleship. Barnabas shares why character must outweigh competence, especially in church leadership, and how relational discipleship sets the foundation for genuine spiritual growth. We're confident you'll walk away with practical insight on training and equipping group leaders, cultivating a thriving church culture, and keeping the focus on what matters most: becoming more like Jesus in the context of authentic community. If this conversation encouraged or challenged you, please take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast with a fellow leader or small group member. Your support helps us reach more people who are passionate about making disciples that make disciples. Lifeway designs experiences that fuel ministry and simplify the path to spiritual growth. As the world's leading provider of ministry resources, we serve churches and individuals in their calling to make disciples. At Lifeway, we believe in the power of God’s Word to change the world. We strive to work together in our mission to help the church thrive, today and in the future. Visit us at lifeway.com.