Join Pastor Steve Gladen and Derek as they discuss five essential ways to lead effectively in small group ministry, drawing from Steve's 25+ years of experience. They share practical tips on leading with purpose, building trust, developing your people, celebrating wins, and clarifying roles and next steps. Despite battling colds, Steve and Derek share their insights to help small group pastors navigate leadership challenges and improve group dynamics.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:23 Casual Chat and Health Updates
02:21 Five Ways to Lead Effectively
05:00 1. Lead with Purpose
06:35 2. Build Trust
09:10 3. Develop Your People
12:41 4. Celebrate the Wins
15:13 5. Clarify Roles and Next Steps
17:12 Conclusion and Recap
17:51 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder
10 Practical Steps for Handling Upset Individuals in Small Group Ministry
In this episode of SG Squared, Pastor Steve Gladen, with over 25 years of small group ministry experience, and his co-host Derek discuss valuable advice on managing upset individuals within small group ministry. The conversation includes light-hearted pre-show banter about their college football teams, but focuses deeply on equipping listeners with 10 practical tips for dealing with conflict. Key points discussed include listening actively, validating feelings, offering practical support, and much more. The episode concludes with the importance of patience and understanding that not all conflict situations will be resolved immediately. Listen in to gain essential tools to foster peaceful and empathetic conversations within your ministry.
10 Tips For Tough Conversations (and to download the full notes click HERE)
00:00 Welcome to SG Squared
00:21 Pre-Show Banter and Game Week Excitement
03:24 Addressing National Tensions and Church Relevance
04:17 Setting Up for Practical Tips
11:04 10 Practical Tips for Handling Upset People
28:07 Bonus Tips and Final Thoughts
33:09 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder
SGN Update #3 & 10 Things That Could Be A Part Of Your Group Guidelines
Join hosts Steve Gladen and Derek Olson for a lively and insightful episode packed with updates from the Small Group Network and a practical deep dive into crafting effective small group guidelines. Steve shares the latest on SGN’s mission, new initiatives, and the ongoing effort to end loneliness among pastors and church members. Then, the duo unpacks 10 essential elements you can include in your group’s guidelines, drawing from decades of small group ministry experience. Whether you’re launching a new group or looking to strengthen an existing one, this episode is full of wisdom, humor, and actionable tips.
Chapters & Timestamps:
Ready to take your small group to the next level?
Explore more resources and join the community at https://smallgroupnetwork.com!
Five Essential Tips for Setting Up Strong Small Groups This Fall with Steve Gladen
In this engaging episode of SG Squared, Derek hosts Steve Gladen, a seasoned small group ministry leader with over 25 years of experience, to share five essential tips for setting up strong small groups this fall. Steve makes two major announcements, discussing his departure from Saddleback Church and future plans to focus on the global church and develop the Small Group Network. The five tips covered include clarifying the 'why,' checking in with processes and people, listening well, saying thank you, and modeling openness. By implementing these strategies, leaders can bolster their small group ministries and impact discipleship effectively. Don't miss out on these practical insights to help you prepare for the upcoming fall season and beyond.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:14 Big Announcements from Steve Gladen
02:51 Transitioning to Global Church Work
08:11 Five Tips for Strong Small Groups This Fall
09:23 Tip 1: Clarify the Why
12:08 Tip 2: Check In
15:53 Tip 3: Listen Well
19:37 Tip 4: Say Thank You
23:02 Tip 5: Model Openness
27:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell
The Next Chapter for Small Group Network: A Vision of Connection and Impact
Learn more at https://smallgroupnetwork.com
In this special edition of SG Squared, Steve Gladen passionately shares his personal journey and the transformative power of small groups, beginning with his family's conversion story. Following his departure from Saddleback Church, Steve announces his full-time commitment to the Small Group Network. He outlines three main focuses for the future: eradicating loneliness through better community connection, enhancing Bible engagement within small groups, and making significant impacts on various community units including families, local churches, and the global church. Steve calls for support through donations, becoming a 'Friend of the Small Group Network,' and helping churches access 'All Access' resources, underlining the initiative's potential to create profound change.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Update
00:32 The Power of Small Groups: A Personal Story
01:34 The Birth and Growth of the Small Group Network
02:11 A New Chapter: Full-Time Commitment to the Network
02:39 Future Vision: Core Fundamentals and New Initiatives
03:07 Eradicating Loneliness: A Key Focus
04:07 Strategic Resourcing: Enhancing Bible Engagement
05:29 Impacting Communities: Four Key Areas
05:51 How You Can Support the Small Group Network
08:22 Conclusion and Call to Action
7 Ways to Encourage and Empower Small Group Leaders This Summer
In this exciting episode of SG Squared, Steve Gladen, the global pastor of small groups at Saddleback Church, along with co-host Derek, discuss seven practical and creative ways to encourage and build into small group leaders during the summer. From handwritten cards and spontaneous drop-bys to fun ideas like hosting a pool party or tour of a local stadium, Steve offers actionable tips to help small group leaders feel appreciated and motivated. This episode aims to help small group point people make lasting memories and strengthen relationships with their leaders, ensuring vibrant and healthy small groups throughout the year.
CP Olympics Print
CP Olympics
04:29 Tip 1: Send a Card for Coffee or Dinner
07:02 Tip 2: Drop By with a Summer Kit
11:20 Tip 3: Send a Heartfelt Text
14:22 Tip 4: Host a Pool Party or Olympic Games
17:22 Tip 5: Organize a Car Wash
19:23 Tip 6: Mail a Summer T-Shirt
22:42 Tip 7: Plan a Stadium or Museum Tour
Enhancing Small Group Ministry: Insights from the Lobby Gathering
In this episode of SG Squared, Steve Gladden and James Browning discuss the annual Lobby Gathering event in Southern California, which brings together small group pastors from around the world. The conversation highlights the inception of the Lobby Gathering, emphasizing the importance of practical networking over traditional conference sessions. The episode features insights from Brad Shank of Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV), who outlines four key rhythms for creating vibrant small groups: eating together, doing life together, growing together, and serving together. Shank stresses the significance of these rhythms in fostering genuine relationships and spiritual growth, offering practical advice for making groups the best part of members' weeks by embodying the spirit of the early church. The episode encourages listeners to reevaluate their small group practices to foster environments filled with joy, generosity, connection, and mission.
To take advantage of the early bird discount, head to https://smallgroupnetwork.com/events
00:00 Introduction to the Lobby Gathering
00:33 The Origin of the Lobby Gathering
00:59 Mistake #1: Wrong Assumptions
02:56 Mistake #2: Impatience
04:29 Mistake #3: Defensiveness
06:35 Insights from the Lobby Gathering
08:12 Best Part of Your Week: Building Life-Giving Groups
15:56 Four Key Rhythms for Small Groups
19:32 Practical Tips for Group Leaders
31:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
3 mistakes to avoid with your Lead or Supervising Pastor
Mistake #1: Wrong assumptions
In the middle of a difficult moment with leadership relationships, it is very easy to assume the worst about them. A Christian counselor friend once said, “When we assume the motives of someone else we are wrong most of the time.” I have learned this is very true.
We often forget is what it’s like to be in their shoes. Remember when others misjudged you? What did you want from them? What did you wish for? It might be a good exercise to make a list of what you remember as a starting point for making changes in your relationships.
The danger of assigning motives, of assuming someone’s intent, is we never know all the facts. They maybe new to the church? To the role? To you? They come with their own often un-named values, beliefs, and assumptions about what we, their leadership, should or should not do. It’s very complicated.
The temptation is always to side with your own beliefs, to assume you are correct, because we know them…or think we do. But God is clear when He says, “You shall not be partial in judgment … For the Lord your God is God of Gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty and the awesome God, who is not partial …” (Deuteronomy 1:17; 10:17). Meaningful relations can’t happen if we are assuming the worst or assigning blame without knowing all the data. And we will rarely have all the facts.
Conclusion: Choose to believe the best. Ask God to give you His love and grace and to help you give grace, expecting nothing in return. You will never know the full impact of the Lead Pastor world! Help them see you as a “friend” not a “foe”.
Mistake #2: Impatience
We’ve had a lifetime to get to know our ministry, but when it comes to being the Lead Pastor…not so much. It’s all too easy to impatiently expect these relationships to gel perfectly. Relationships take time … lots of time with many investments of grace, love, and patience. There are so many factors to consider—working styles, age gaps, passion gaps, interest gaps, etc.
Often what helps me in impatience is to know, that through PRAYER, God can make things go far faster than I can. Simple, huh? Along with that, you need to be good for your church. You are part of the team to help, not just have your way. You need to show up, but not throw up!
Basically, be what a friend taught me, “Be a good General, not a bad General”. A bad General takes their assignment and does whatever higher ups tell them. A good General will assess the situation, give their advise and then execute on whatever leadership decides. If you feel it is wrong, PRAY, God will course correct.
Conclusion: We are only responsible to suggest and pray.. God is more than able to work His will in their lives without our help. Our job now is to be patient with the process and trust Him to do the work. SOMETIMES God is working in the background and doesn’t tell us! LOL
Mistake #3: Defensiveness
When a Lead Pastor points out a flaw he or she sees in us, it hurts. Our natural inclination is to be defensive, to explain our position and how hard we tried to do our best rather than just apologize and say, “I’m so sorry that hurt you so much or wasn’t done the way you expected.” We forget so easily that we are all flawed, broken people and no pastor is perfect. So why are we surprised when stuff happens and people give us issues?
This next statement isn’t natural but … instead of having defensiveness of those of we serve (our Lead Pastor), we should be grateful for the opportunity to mend and apologize for the mistakes we make! Even if it was 100% unintentional. Modeling an apologetic heart and seeking forgiveness will open the door for you to do the same with those that serve under you (staff or volunteer). A friend once said, “Seeing a flaw in ourselves is a joy because we now have the opportunity to be rid of it.” It takes maturity and humility to see our shortcomings this way, but it’s liberating.
Only when we own our mistakes and admit where we failed leadership will we grow rich relationships with them and church leadership. The truth is always your friend.
Only humility produces the beauty of meaningfully deep relationships. And continually acknowledging our own shortcomings and failures before God makes beautiful our lives in the greater body of Christ.
It’s been quite a journey at Saddleback Church since March of 1998. I’ve known lots of misunderstandings and mistakes. Thankfully I’ve known forgiveness too. I love our church so much, including the staff and people LOL. Each difficulty brings uniqueness which challenges us to a greater faith, and that is always good.
He’s got us, He’s got our ministry and He’s got our Lead Pastor too!
Sign up for the Lobby Gathering: Small Group Conference May 13-15th in Southern California at https://smallgroupnetwork.com/conferences/
Food and lodging are included!
Spring Cleaning for Small Group Ministry: The 5 Ks with Steve Gladen
In this episode of FG Squared, Steve Gladen, the global pastor of small groups from Saddleback Church, shares insights from his 25+ years of experience to help listeners enhance their small group ministries. Joined by Derek, Steve discusses 'The 4 Ks of Small Group Ministry Spring Cleaning': Kinship with leaders, Keeping clean data, Knowing your playbook, Kindling leadership, and Kicking spiritual butt. They emphasize the importance of building deeper relationships with leaders, maintaining accurate data, ensuring everyone understands the group's playbook, fostering leadership pathways, and ultimately achieving ministry victories. Tune in for practical advice to rejuvenate your small group ministry.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:25 Personal Updates and Moving Challenges
01:46 Spring Cleaning in Small Group Ministry
03:02 The Four Ks of Small Group Ministry
03:20 Kinship with Leaders
07:42 Keep Clean Data
10:50 Know Your Playbook
12:50 Kindle Leadership
16:56 Final Thoughts and The Fifth K
18:30 Conclusion and Farewell
Sign up for the Lobby Gathering: Small Group Conference May 13-15th in Southern California at https://smallgroupnetwork.com/conferences/
Food and lodging are included!
Equipping Small Group Leaders: Insights from Saddleback Church
In this episode of SG Squared, Steve Gladen, the global pastor of small groups at Saddleback Church, shares his extensive experience to encourage and equip small group leaders. The episode includes the 'Saddleback Scoop,' highlighting the church's shift from fruitfulness to faithfulness, an approach to combat COVID-induced depletion by focusing on all four aspects of personal refreshment: physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. The 'Network Nugget' segment introduces Saddleback’s first online training course, Align, and discusses its positive impact on participants. Additionally, the podcast touches on new course releases, upcoming events, and the importance of maintaining various forms of personal well-being. The show wraps up with a focus on five emotional refreshments essential for small group leaders and members: support, stability, self-expression, significance, and satisfaction.
00:00 Welcome to F G Squared
00:19 The Saddleback Scoop: Refreshment and Recalibration
07:03 Network Nugget: Align Learning and Cohort Strategy
13:42 Leadership Learning: The Replenishment Cycle
21:45 Trending Topic: Five Emotional Refreshments
32:08 Closing Remarks and Resources
This episode is a very special cross post from the Group Answers podcast. We are sharing in honor of the passing of Chris Surratt, a friend and brother in Christ who has impacted thousands of small group point people around the world.
Thanks for taking the time to listen, and don't forget to check out Group Answers podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
Original Description:
On this episode of Group Answers, Chris talks to Steve Gladen about why we should go after hard and soft data to know if our small groups are healthy and creating disciples. Steve Gladen has been the pastor of small groups at Saddleback Church since 1998 and serves as an elder of the church.
The post Group Answers Episode 235: Steve Gladen on Knowing Hard and Soft Data in Your Small Group Ministry appeared first on Adult Ministry.
CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.
Steve Gladen, Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Church, pulls from his 25 plus years of small group ministry experience to encourage and equip listeners to lead healthier, growing and more effective small groups and small group ministries. In this episode, Steve shares the four key steps that you will want to follow for a successful and strategic 2025 in regards to your small group ministry. You don't want to miss this episode!
BOOK: Planning Small Groups with Purpose
★ Support this podcast ★Steve Gladen, Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Church, pulls from his 25 plus years of small group ministry experience to encourage and equip listeners to lead healthier, growing and more effective small groups and small group ministries. In this episode, Steve and co-host Derek sit down to continue reading and answering the top small group mail bag questions sent in by small group point people and ministry leaders. You don't want to miss this episode!
SHOWNOTES
Mail Bag Questions 13-18
13 How do we get previously existing groups to become “official” Small Groups so we can include them on our website and app? They are nomads and we love to start walking beside them.
14 What’s one thing you would do differently if you could go back to your first day over groups?
15 How do we create a church culture of groups?
16 Top tips for getting long-time groups to multiply
17 What is the outcome or “win” of a group?
18 Can Adult Sunday School work with small groups?
Steve Gladen, Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Church, pulls from his 25 plus years of small group ministry experience to encourage and equip listeners to lead healthier, growing and more effective small groups and small group ministries. In this episode, Steve and co-host Derek sit down to continue reading and answering the top small group mail bag questions sent in by small group point people and ministry leaders. You don't want to miss this episode!
SHOW NOTES
Mail Bag Questions 8-12
8 Who is doing ESL as a small group?
9 I wish I had known the importance of having the right coaches in place...any tips?
10 What is the biggest mistake you made?
11 What’s the one thing you would tell yourself as someone new to ministry regarding groups?
12 How to get/grow more leaders?
Steve Gladen, Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Church, pulls from his 25 plus years of small group ministry experience to encourage and equip listeners to lead healthier, growing and more effective small groups and small group ministries. In this episode, Steve and co-host Derek sit down to read and answer the top small group mail bag questions sent in by small group point people and ministry leaders. You don't want to miss this episode!
Mail Bag Questions 1-7
1 What advice would you give to someone brand new to vocational ministry?
2 What is key to moving from good and high participation to great and highly effective in your groups.
3 How do you navigate creating a small group culture if senior leadership isn’t on board?
4 How to encourage attendance after a busy work day?
5 How do you best prioritize time and energy with ministry friends?
6 Starting healthy! I am from a church plant and want to establish firm foundations as we look to continue the process of growing more into the likeness of Christ in community! Help.
7 What % of regular worshippers being in small groups is typical?
Check out the The Lobby Conference
★ Support this podcast ★Steve Gladen, Global Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Church, pulls from his 20+ years of small group ministry experience to encourage and equip listeners to lead healthier, growing and more effective small group ministries. In this episode, Steve & co-host Deek talk about 20 ways that you can honor and celebrate the leaders in your ministry this groups season.
This is a rebroadcast episode
★ Support this podcast ★Would you like to know about ten unique ways that your small group can evangelize together? Steve Gladen, Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Church, pulls from his 25 plus years of small group ministry experience to encourage and equip listeners to lead healthier, growing and more effective small groups and small group ministries. In this episode, Steve and Dereksit down with special guest Kiersten Telzerow to discuss ten innovative ways that small groups can break out beyond the walls to share the good news with people in their community.
Note: Kiersten is still finalizing her program and is not yet a doctor.
10 Ways Your Group Can Evangelize
Of first time Health Assessment takers 87% evangelism is self selected as low
Practically speaking:
Would you like to know about ten unique ways that your small group can worship together? Steve Gladen, Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Church, pulls from his 25 plus years of small group ministry experience to encourage and equip listeners to lead healthier, growing and more effective small groups and small group ministries. In this episode, Steve and Dereksit down with special guest Troy Kennedy to discuss ten innovative ways that small groups can worship together.
10 Ways to Worship in Your Small Group
Brief discussion on definition of worship.
Three questions to prompt response: Who is he? Who am I in relationship to Him? What has he done?
10 Ways to Worship in a Small Group -
For the leaders - Before and during the worship time, always pray for God's guidance and presence to be felt among the group. Ask for wisdom in leading the group in worship. Every group dynamic is different and needs to be treated sensitively.
Would you like to know about ten unique ways that your small group can serve your church and community? Steve Gladen, Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Church, pulls from his 25 plus years of small group ministry experience to encourage and equip listeners to lead healthier, growing and more effective small groups and small group ministries. In this episode, Steve and Derek sit down with special guest Jon Laster, small group pastor from Spring Hill, TN to discuss ten innovative ways that small groups can mobilize to serve people.
10 Ways Your Group Can Serve
Groups serving other areas of ministry in the local church is life giving, and fuel for what God wants to do in your local congregation!
1 - Talk to your Pastoral Staff and ask them what areas they feel needs the most attention in your local church. This can be basic cleaning, outreach, etc. I believe it’s the best place to start on where you can serve as a group.
2 - Serve those in your group. Whether someone needs their lawn cut during a busy season of life, or just a 45 min coffee meeting to check in on them and their family.
3 - Serve your local police and fire department. These are groups that are often are carrying a heavy load and it’s a great way for the local body to serve and encourage them. Pizza and subs go a long way! :)
4 - Find a street in your community and serve the community by doing clean up together.
5 - Sponsor a block party in someone’s neighborhood and serve your neighbors lunch or dinner. This leads to a great time of connection.
6 - Gather and pray for your local church and leaders. There is never not a good time to do this. Church leadership is carrying a heavier load than a lot of people realize and one of the best ways to serve others is to pray for them.
7 - Serve together at local food pantries, or homeless shelters. Find local opportunities outside the walls of your church to be the church.
8 - Find a way to serve your Kids, Teens, Worship, etc. Departments in your church. Whether it’s helping with snacks, prayer, set up, clean up, etc. Serve the upcoming generation!
9 – Connect with a city official and see what they did help in that your group(s) can help.
10 - Serve your local churches vision. This might look a little different for each church, but find ways to serve and carry out your local church’s vision together as a group.
★ Support this podcast ★Would you like to know the basics of starting a small group ministry? Steve Gladen, Global Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Church, pulls from his 25 years of small group ministry experience to encourage and equip listeners to lead healthier, growing and more effective small group ministries. In this episode, Steve shares his timeless and commonsense keys to launching & building healthier small groups.
Download the fill ins:
1. The Saddleback Small Group Difference
2. How To Start A Small Group Ministry