Small Group Point Person Training

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[...]

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[...]

Do you need more small group leaders? How would you like to see an exponential increase of volunteers stepping up to serve in your church? 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[...]

This month's episode features a panel conversation between Steve Gladen, Dave Enns from North Coast, Rick Howerton from Lakepointe Church, and moderation by Carolyn Taketa. Join us as we listen in to their discussion on their decades of small group experience while at the Lobby Gathering small group conference and retreat in San Juan Capistrano.[...]

To sign up for the Lobby Gathering, head over to https://smallgroupnetwork.com/events Your registration includes the event, lodging, and most meals. Plus a cohort like Dr. Bill Donahue's! We can't wait to see you there on February 20-22nd!Do you need more small group leaders? How would you like to see an exponential increase of volunteers stepping[...]

To sign up for the Lobby Gathering, head over to https://smallgroupnetwork.com/events Your registration includes the event, lodging, and most meals. Plus a cohort like Dr. Bill Donahue's! We can't wait to see you there on February 20-22nd!Today's episode comes from a small group conference at Saddleback Church. The session speaker is Dr. Bill Donahue as[...]

Steve Gladen, pastor of small groups at Saddleback Church visits London to interview Nicky Gumbel, Vicar, Holy Trinity Brompton, and Pioneer of the Alpha Course.Nicky and his wife Pippa have impacted millions throughout the world with the Alpha course. Steve talks through what goes into an Alpha course and what makes it effective with Nicky.[...]

Do you need more small group leaders? How would you like to see an exponential increase of volunteers stepping up to serve in your church? 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[...]

You can download your planner HERE and the church planner HERE and the full workbook from the conference HERECheck out the videos referenced in the podcast HEREIn this session, Steve shares one of the biggest sources of excitement for Saddleback as a church. And in each group. Evangelism.  Steve is going to begin the session[...]

Do you need more small group leaders? How would you like to see an exponential increase of volunteers stepping up to serve in your church? 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[...]

Do you need more small group leaders? How would you like to see an exponential increase of volunteers stepping up to serve in your church? 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[...]

Do you need more small group leaders? How would you like to see an exponential increase of volunteers stepping up to serve in your church? 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[...]

You can download your planner HERE and the church planner HERE and the full workbook from the conference HERECheck out the videos referenced in the podcast HEREWelcome to SG squared. Glad you joined us for this episode. In this particular one, we're going to be talking about how small groups just aren't a program in[...]

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 is joined by co-host Derek and special guests Mark Grunden and Ron Kelleher to talk about 5[...]

You can download your planner HERECheck out the videos referenced in the podcast HEREEveryone's got excuses... and here are 5 of the most common. But if you are hearing one (or all) of these excuses in your small group ministry, how should you respond? Listen to Steve's talk from the Purpose Driven Small Groups conference[...]

You can download your planner HERE and the church planner HERECheck out the videos referenced in the podcast HEREEveryone's got excuses... and here are 5 of the most common. But if you are hearing one (or all) of these excuses in your small group ministry, how should you respond? Listen to Steve's talk from the[...]

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 is joined by co-host Derek and special guest Matt Hamilton (who has 35 years of Tech Sales[...]

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 is joined by co-host Derek and special guest Christina Dawson to talk about 7 ways CRM can[...]

Listen in as Pastor Rick Warren talks about the coming trends in small group ministries. This was from our Lobby 2019 Gathering and is still relevant today! Part 2 next week! ★ Support this podcast ★

Goal: To know how to set and be comfortable having coffee/follow ups with Small Group leaders.Why: We want you to be totally comfortable contacting and meeting with small group leaders.It is important to remember that these folks are just like you. They have goals, fears, hurts, insecurities,families, family problems, health concerns and everything else you[...]

On June 10th, the Faith at Work Summit at Saddleback Church is hosting Fortune 500, Christian executives from Target, Disney, Cisco Systems, Metronic and Capital Group. Each of these speakers are passionate about the integration of faith and work. They are seeing God move in their companies, specifically through Christian fellowships and Small groups in[...]

Join ALL ACCESS! Are you ready to unlock your ministry's potential? Our ALL ACCESS plan includes  courses from Steve Gladen and leading small group pastors from across the country. workshops quarterly coaching premium articles live digital events.  All for the price of $49 a month or $490 annually. You even get half off in person[...]

Join ALL ACCESS! Are you ready to unlock your ministry's potential? Our ALL ACCESS plan includes  courses from Steve Gladen and leading small group pastors from across the country. workshops quarterly coaching premium articles live digital events.  All for the price of $49 a month or $490 annually. You even get half off in person[...]

Join ALL ACCESS! Are you ready to unlock your ministry's potential? Our ALL ACCESS plan includes  courses from Steve Gladen and leading small group pastors from across the country. workshops quarterly coaching premium articles live digital events.  All for the price of $49 a month or $490 annually. You even get half off in person[...]

Join ALL ACCESS! Are you ready to unlock your ministry's potential? Our ALL ACCESS plan includes  courses from Steve Gladen and leading small group pastors from across the country. workshops quarterly coaching premium articles live digital events.  All for the price of $49 a month or $490 annually. You even get half off in person[...]

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 is joined by three special guests - Carolyn Taketa, Bill Donahue and Philip Byers to talk about[...]

1. How do you handle unclear or wrong communication?2. How do you handle worry?3. How do you figure out who's after you?4. How do you handle failure?7 Lessons Learned from Face Plants1. Think through your response and LISTEN2. The response is always done with humility3. Everything we do is being watched by the world4. We[...]

Description: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 talks about how to have a successful retreat for your small group ministry. Steve shares about the[...]

Listen is as we go back to February 2021 and the 3 Areas for Your Groups to Shine in Today’s Culture. We still find that this will be relevant in your group's setting today!7 Civilities  Listen with your eyes (don’t roll your eyes) acknowledge their view Sleep and hungry—know the right time Social media news[...]

In this episode, Steve Gladen breaks down 5 areas where ministry leaders can re-imagine how they do coaching for their groups ministry. The following is what will specifically be covered in this show:History of Coaching Staff or volunteers Serve in one Help in another Saddleback’s history—building upon, keeping best of… 1.0 version (1998)1:5—I could recruit[...]

From the Lobby Gathering in 2019, Pastor Rick Warren shares his heart on Small Groups and what is to come. ★ Support this podcast ★

Description: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 5 Ways to Start the Year Right in regards to your small[...]

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 Derek talk about Evangelism Made Easy for Small Groups.The 6 Fs ★ 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[...]

Description: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 talks about the third Leadership Pipelines You Must Have In Your small group ministry: the small group[...]

Part 1 https://open.spotify.com/episode/6v5K4Qx54JVRwJYvNvKLUR?si=IzSx5CoyRPeQUrxPtTIqjA5 Ways to Reimagine Coachinghttps://open.spotify.com/episode/4yMNGT61KXKMAqiNtRehA7?si=XJeq4nbfTASKreJNwpLnRgCL Development PathwayCL VillageDescription: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 talks about the 3 Leadership Pipelines You Must Have In[...]

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 talks about the 3 Leadership Pipelines You Must Have In Your small group ministry: the group leader pathway,[...]

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 talks about how you can grow your small group ministry by 300%! You can do this by using[...]

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 more effective small group ministry.In this episode, Steve answers the question "should small groups meet over the summer?" He then proceeds to share some of the pros and cons[...]

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 more effective small group ministry. In this episode, you will hear an audio recording of Rick Warren talking to the Saddleback church staff about his 10 Principles of Exponential Thinking.[...]

We are excited to announce some big changes to Reading Lenz, our monthly podcast by Nick Lenzi. Nick's show is graduating to its own channel and changing its name! Search for The Group Takeaways With Nick Lenzi in your favorite podcast app or go to https://share.transistor.fm/s/480a2b74. And don't forget to subscribe at its new home.[...]

Exciting news, everybody! Bill Search's podcast "Leadership Journey" has moved! It is now its own podcast on its own channel. Go to https://share.transistor.fm/s/b7e1a4de or search for "Leadership Journey with Bill Search in your favorite podcast app. This week, Bill interviews John Ortberg, the author and pastor on his leadership and legacy. Check it out and[...]

If you're looking for the latest episode of Here To There with Carolyn Taketa, it has moved! Carolyn's show has grown enough to get it's own channel. Just head over to https://share.transistor.fm/s/b7677a39 or search for Here To There With Carolyn Taketa in your favorite podcast app. And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review.[...]

In this episode, Steve Gladen breaks down 5 areas where ministry leaders can re-imagine how they do coaching for their groups ministry. The following is what will specifically be covered in this show:History of Coaching Staff or volunteers Serve in one Help in another Saddleback’s history—building upon, keeping best of… 1.0 version (1998)1:5—I could recruit[...]

The Small Group Network is celebrating its 15th anniversary! Steve Gladen and James Browning look at the history of the small group network and what things that are currently happening that could make a big difference for you or your ministry.Check out our Year In Review to find out just how big of an impact[...]

Each of us sets out to be successful but who defines what it means to be successful? How do we get there? The answer may surprise you. In this episode of Reading Lenz we learn from Hall of Fame basketball Coach John Wooden, winner of 10 national championships who would be the first to tell[...]

Show Notes:The Art of Gathering: How we meet and why it matters by Priya Parker The Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders by Bill SearchWhy does a group get tired? •Leader begins to coast•Meeting becomes routine•Relationships hit a plateau•Purpose is lost#1 Leader Coasting Am I practicing “Generous Authority”? – [Priya Parker] “’Chill’ is selfishness disguised as kindness.” - Priya Parker Generous Authority[...]

What are younger generations looking for from churches, small groups, and leaders? What are some unique markers of this generation? What does it look like for them to deconstruct their faith? Join us for this conversation with Saddleback's Development Pastor Dave Alford, who has worked with younger generations for decades both in ministry and higher[...]

In each "Inside Saddleback" Group Talk Podcast episode we feature four unique segments: Saddleback Scoop, Network Nugget, Leadership Learning and the Trending Topic. In this exciting new episode, we cover the following insightful topics:Saddleback Scoop: Year 2022 oof!SGPP Vision—focus TRUST—Truth, resilience, Unity, Stewardship, Teachability rolled outCL Launch—Retreat moved to April 8/9, but each campus rolled[...]

When faced with an enviable challenge, how can we best use community to drive us to unity instead defaulting back to our standard of individuality?Join us on this rewind episode we are going back to an impactful book Tribe:On Homecoming and Belonging  by award winning wartime journalist Sebastian Junger. In this episode  modernity is affecting[...]

Show Notes:The Art of Gathering: How we meet and why it matters by Priya Parker The Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders by Bill Search Why does a group get tired? •Leader begins to coast •Meeting becomes routine •Relationships hit a plateau •Purpose is lost #1 Leader Coasting Am I practicing “Generous Authority”? – [Priya Parker] “’Chill’ is selfishness disguised[...]

Guests: Rex & Andrea Minor Intro:  How has your marriage been impacted by working at a church? How are you navigating the unique stressors of vocational ministry and its influence on your marriage? What are some ways we can build and sustain a healthy marriage that helps us thrive in ministry? In honor of the upcoming[...]

In each "Inside Saddleback" Group Talk Podcast episode we feature four unique segments: Saddleback Scoop, Network Nugget, Leadership Learning and the Trending Topic. In this exciting new episode, we cover the following insightful topics:Saddleback Scoop: 3 Keys to Unity1. Success is never a solo entity. You need Mentors, Models, Partners and friends2. The older I[...]

Why are habits the best way to build consistency inside your groups? Join us for this month's episode of Reading Lenz as host Nick Lenzi is joined by Amber Walker to breakdown the New Times #1 Best Seller Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book has sold over 5 million copies, tune into to hear[...]

Do you "want to want to read the Bible?" Do you or your groups struggle to incorporate Bible reading as a regular habit? We talk with Tara-Leigh Cobble, host of the Bible Recap, a short digest of a daily bible reading. With millions of downloads, Tara Leigh has been enormously influential in helping people love[...]

In each "Inside Saddleback" Group Talk Podcast episode we feature four unique segments: Saddleback Scoop, Network Nugget, Leadership Learning and the Trending Topic. In this exciting new episode, we cover the following insightful topics:Saddleback Scoop: Your Vision CastingGetting you ready- The moment we are in doesn’t pause the mission we are on! - Ed Stetzer-[...]

Has your life been changed by a small group? Do you know someone else who has been transformed? Love God Greatly is a ministry that creates and translates Bible studies in 40 different languages. James Browning interviews Viola Bolbas and Angela Perritt about how God has been using their Bible studies and groups to impact[...]

On this final episode of the year we pause to reflect on our learnings and takeaways from the 12 episodes we did this year. Below you can find all episodes from this past year:   January - Creativity Inc. - https://bit.ly/3qfRpeJ February - Never Split the Difference - https://bit.ly/3yLVXxa March - E-Myth - https://bit.ly/3edS7Ud April - How to Lead[...]

Lobby Gathering 2022 - Don't forget promo code grouptalk for your $100 off!★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for an honest and engaging conversation about NY Times bestseller, "Live No Lies, Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies that Sabotage Your Peace."  Author and pastor John Mark Comer says "the problem isn't that we've been told lies, it's that we end up believing them."  So what are some lies about God, ourselves, other people, church,[...]

In each "Inside Saddleback" Group Talk Podcast episode, we feature 4 unique segments:  Saddleback Scoop, Network Nugget, Leadership Learning and the Trending Topic. In this exciting new episode, we cover the following insightful topics:   Saddleback Scoop: Get ready for 2022--DiscipleMAKING   Group Launch (onramp)—DiscipleMAKING - Is it small group or discipleship? - Cost of DiscipleMaking CL Launch--Retreat[...]

Do you remember your first night at group? Do you remember the message you talked about? Or do you remember how they made you feel?  We often overlook how we are intentionally welcoming those new to our community and into our groups. On this episode we are joined by hospitality expert, Sarah Neral, who will[...]

Join us for Lobby 2022! Sign up today!★ Support this podcast ★

Guest: Allen White    Bio: Allen White has led small group and discipleship ministries for over 30 years. He has coached over 1,500 churches and is the author of four books including his latest book, Leading Online Small Groups: Embracing the Church's Digital Future. He works with churches through individual coaching, online courses, consultations as well[...]

In each "inside Saddleback" Group Talk Podcast episode, we feature four unique segments:  Saddleback Scoop, Network Nugget, Leadership Learning and the Trending Topic. In this exciting new episode, we cover the following insightful topics: Saddleback Scoop: Fall Learnings Update Group Launch (Update) Rick video and small group testimony Customizing Campuses Learnings Sharpen communication Stop distractions[...]

As groups people we are always faced with the challenge to communicate ideas, tips, and hacks to help our people lead to the best of their abilities. So how do we communicate those ideas so that they will stick? What is it that makes it memorable so that those we are leading take an actionable[...]

Join us February 22-24, 2022 at our Lobby Gathering!!★ Support this podcast ★

Couples groups are uniquely positioned to positively influence individuals and strengthen marriages as marital issues are shared in an environment of grace and trust. What are tips for leading couples groups that build safe and meaningful spaces? How can group members come alongside one another to strengthen their marriages? What are the landmines to avoid when leading a[...]

In each "inside Saddleback" Group Talk Podcast episode, we feature four unique segments:  Saddleback Scoop, Network Nugget, Leadership Learning and the Trending Topic.   In this exciting new episode, we cover the following insightful topics:   Saddleback Scoop: New Fall Group Launch Ideas Group Launch Rick's email Customizable Campuses each of the 19 campuses doing their own[...]

Are you a small group leader? Or considering becoming a small group leader? Whether you have years of experience or you've been asked to give church groups a try for the first time, this is our miniseries on How To Be A Small Group Leader.   Each episode shares insights and tips from small group[...]

Are you a small group leader? Or considering becoming a small group leader? Whether you have years of experience or you've been asked to give church groups a try for the first time, this is our miniseries on How To Be A Small Group Leader.   Each episode shares insights and tips from small group[...]

Are you a small group leader? Or considering becoming a small group leader? Whether you have years of experience or you've been asked to give church groups a try for the first time, this is our miniseries on How To Be A Small Group Leader. This is the third of five episodes and each episode[...]

Are you a small group leader? Or considering becoming a small group leader? Whether you have years of experience or you've been asked to give church groups a try for the first time, this is our miniseries on How To Be A Small Group Leader. This is the second of five episodes and each episode[...]

Are you a small group leader? Or considering becoming a small group leader? Whether you have years of experience or you've been asked to give church groups a try for the first time, this is our miniseries on How To Be A Small Group Leader. Each episode shares insights and tips from small group pastors[...]

This month we cover the breakout book, The Other Half of The Church, which has taken the Small Group Network by storm. Join our host Nick Lenzi and guest Tommy Carreras as they help us understand how we can activate our full brain when it comes to our spiritual development inside our group.    We[...]

A lot has changed since Creating Community, by Andy Stanley and Bill Willits was published 16 years ago describing the North Point Church's vision and strategies for group life. New realities, cultural shifts, technological changes, sociological dynamics, and organizational challenges have caused us to reevaluate our assumptions and strategies about small groups ministries. Listen to[...]

Saddleback Works Small Group Network Virtual Lobby The Other Half of Church Book    ★ Support this podcast ★

Being someone in ministry the desire is in all of us to be the one that rescues others, provides them the support, and gives them care they deserve. But in the books, we cover this month on Reading Lenz we discover that being the hero might not be the best way to get our people where[...]

Register for the Small Group Network Virtual Lobby Today!★ Support this podcast ★

How can we help people integrate their faith and build community in their workplaces? What is the role of work in our lives? Why is workplace ministry a strategic way to reach people? What are workplace groups, how do they function, and how do we start them?    Guest: Ron Kelleher   Ron Kelleher worked[...]

This week Kevin Lee joins Inside Saddleback. Contact Kevin at KevinL@saddleback.com  The New Digital Edge Article 2021 Connections Retreat   (Marks of a Good Shepherd) From Jesus in John 10 By Rick Warren        GOOD SHEPHERDSGIVE PERSONAL ATTENTION TO INDIVIDUALS “The good shepherd calls his own sheep by name...”  John 10:3                               [...]

Description:  This month we take a break from reading to tackle the breakout TV show Ted Lasso. We have so much to learn from Ted Lasso. He’s the ideal small group point person. He’s humble, curious, and timely. My guest, Ben Reed, and I break down three key lessons we've learned from the show and[...]

How do we move from a homogenous church or group to one that welcomes full participation of people from different ethnicities? Why is it so important for churches to reflect their communities and be ethnically integrated as a reflection of the full Gospel? What can we do in our small groups to help create safe[...]

Saddleback Small Groups Website Small Group Network Events 10 Things that for easy engagement ANY Small Group Pastor can do1 Being on Time 2 Work Ethic 3 Effort 4 Body Language 5 Energy 6 Attitude 7 Passion 8 Being Coachable 9 Doing Extra 10 Being Prepared★ Support this podcast ★

How aligned in your small groups ministry with the rest of your staff? Many in ministry struggle with "buy-in" from senior leadership. But James Browning takes a fairly deep dive into the idea that small group point people would benefit from buying into other ministries in their church. In particular we look at the role[...]

Our small group gatherings shouldn't be repetitive and predictable but rather places where our members and guest can be known and flourish. his month's Reading Lenz features an insightful discussion regarding the book "The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters" by Priya Parker with Andrew Camp, Carolyn Taketa, and Nick Lenzi★[...]