SG² Steve Gladen on Small Groups

Steve Gladen | Lumivoz
  • 4.8 (49)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Small group leaders, pastors, and more discussing strategies for growth and community in church groups. The Small Group Network is an international ministry that equips churches to engage in deeper discipleship and community.

  1. Evangelism Made Easy For Small Groups (Classic Episode)

    DEC 3

    Evangelism Made Easy For Small Groups (Classic Episode)

    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 ★

    23 min

  2. NOV 5

    5 Ways to Lead Effectively

    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 Welcome00:23 Casual Chat and Health Updates02:21 Five Ways to Lead Effectively05:00 1. Lead with Purpose06:35 2. Build Trust09:10 3. Develop Your People12:41 4. Celebrate the Wins15:13 5. Clarify Roles and Next Steps17:12 Conclusion and Recap17:51 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder ★ Support this podcast ★

    19 min

  3. OCT 1

    10 Ideas For Engaging Upset Members

    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) Start the time in prayer.Make the meeting in a quiet public placeListen actively and empathetically: Allow the member to express their feelings without interruption or judgment. Show that you are truly hearing them by nodding, making eye contact, and offering verbal affirmations like "I understand" or "That sounds really tough."Validate their feelings: Let them know that their feelings are understandable given the situation. You can say something like, "It makes sense that you feel [upset emotion] about this" or "I can see why you'd be frustrated." Get to a place where you can express that "feelings" aren't "facts".Offer practical support (if appropriate): Ask if there's anything they are looking for to be done. This could help you know how extreme they are coming from or they just may want to be heard. You can help them brainstorm solutions, or simply pray with them.Suggest a distraction or activity: Sometimes a change of scenery or a fun activity can help shift their mood. This could be going for a walk, watching a movie, or doing something they enjoy. However, be sensitive to their readiness for this and don't push it if they prefer to talk. A prayer meditation time may bring another perspective.  BBasically focus on Jesus versus the situation.Remind them of your support: Reassure them that you care about them and are there for them. A simple "I'm here for you" or "You're not alone in this" can be very powerful.Encourage self-care: Suggest activities that might help them relax and de-stress, like taking a quiet time, listening to music, or getting some rest.Avoid minimizing their feelings: Don't say things like "It's not that big of a deal" or "You're overreacting." Even if the issue seems small to you, it's significant to them.Don't offer unsolicited advice: Unless they specifically ask for your opinion or solutions, focus on listening and validating. Sometimes people just need to vent.Share a relevant experience (briefly and cautiously): If you've gone through something similar, you might briefly share your experience to show solidarity, but avoid making the conversation about you.Be patient: It can take time for someone to process their emotions. Continue to check in with them and offer support as they navigate their feelings. 00:00 Welcome to SG Squared00:21 Pre-Show Banter and Game Week Excitement03:24 Addressing National Tensions and Church Relevance04:17 Setting Up for Practical Tips11:04 10 Practical Tips for Handling Upset People28:07 Bonus Tips and Final Thoughts33:09 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder ★ Support this podcast ★

    34 min

  4. SEP 3

    SGN Update #3 & 10 Things That Could Be A Part Of Your Group Guidelines

    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: [00:00] Introduction & BanterDerek and Steve kick off with some friendly sports rivalry, coffee cup confessions, and updates on Steve’s “office on wheels.”[04:18] SGN Update: New Initiatives & State RepsSteve shares exciting news about SGN’s 501(c)(3) status, upcoming Bible engagement resources, and the push to recruit state representatives to combat loneliness and resource churches nationwide.[09:35] How to Get InvolvedLearn how you can become a state rep, make an impact, and connect with Steve directly.[10:55] Why Group Guidelines MatterThe hosts explain the importance of group covenants/guidelines and how they set expectations for healthy, thriving small groups.[12:17] 10 Things That Could Be Part of Your Group GuidelinesClear Purpose – Define your group’s mission and goals.Group Attendance – Commit to regular, intentional meetings.Safe Environment – Foster a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing.Confidentiality – Build trust by keeping group discussions private (with legal exceptions).Conflict Resolution – Handle disagreements biblically and directly.Spiritual Health – Encourage accountability and growth in faith.Limit Our Freedom – Be sensitive to others’ backgrounds and struggles.Welcome Newcomers – Keep your group open and inviting.Building Relationships – Go deeper through authentic community and subgrouping.Teamwork – Involve everyone in the group’s life and mission.[32:56] Final Thoughts & EncouragementSteve and Derek wrap up with practical advice for customizing your group guidelines and a reminder to revisit them regularly.[37:01] How to Become a State LeaderSteve outlines the proactive and reactive roles of a state leader and invites passionate listeners to join the mission.[37:01] Closing & Call to ActionDon’t forget to subscribe and visit smallgroupnetwork.com for more resources, support, and opportunities to connect.Ready to take your small group to the next level?Explore more resources and join the community at https://smallgroupnetwork.com! ★ Support this podcast ★

    38 min

  5. AUG 6

    5 Tips to Set Your Small Groups Up Strong

    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 Introduction01:14 Big Announcements from Steve Gladen02:51 Transitioning to Global Church Work08:11 Five Tips for Strong Small Groups This Fall09:23 Tip 1: Clarify the Why12:08 Tip 2: Check In15:53 Tip 3: Listen Well19:37 Tip 4: Say Thank You23:02 Tip 5: Model Openness27:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell ★ Support this podcast ★

    29 min

  6. AUG 1

    A New Day At The Small Group Network (BONUS EPISODE)

    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 Update00:32 The Power of Small Groups: A Personal Story01:34 The Birth and Growth of the Small Group Network02:11 A New Chapter: Full-Time Commitment to the Network02:39 Future Vision: Core Fundamentals and New Initiatives03:07 Eradicating Loneliness: A Key Focus04:07 Strategic Resourcing: Enhancing Bible Engagement05:29 Impacting Communities: Four Key Areas05:51 How You Can Support the Small Group Network08:22 Conclusion and Call to Action ★ Support this podcast ★

    9 min

  7. JUL 2

    7 Ways Your Small Group Leaders Can Have The Best Summer Ever

    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 PrintCP Olympics 04:29 Tip 1: Send a Card for Coffee or Dinner07:02 Tip 2: Drop By with a Summer Kit11:20 Tip 3: Send a Heartfelt Text14:22 Tip 4: Host a Pool Party or Olympic Games17:22 Tip 5: Organize a Car Wash19:23 Tip 6: Mail a Summer T-Shirt22:42 Tip 7: Plan a Stadium or Museum Tour ★ Support this podcast ★

    27 min

  8. JUN 4

    The Best Part of Your Week: How to Make Groups Fun, Relational, and Life-Giving - Featuring Brad Shank

    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 Gathering00:33 The Origin of the Lobby Gathering00:59 Mistake #1: Wrong Assumptions02:56 Mistake #2: Impatience04:29 Mistake #3: Defensiveness06:35 Insights from the Lobby Gathering08:12 Best Part of Your Week: Building Life-Giving Groups15:56 Four Key Rhythms for Small Groups19:32 Practical Tips for Group Leaders31:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ★ Support this podcast ★

    35 min
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4.8
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Small group leaders, pastors, and more discussing strategies for growth and community in church groups. The Small Group Network is an international ministry that equips churches to engage in deeper discipleship and community.

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