The Build Groups Podcast

Adam Erlichman | Build Groups | Lumivoz

How do you build groups? Are you building or maintaining your small groups ministry? We seek to start, spark, and spur on thought trails you otherwise wouldn't have to get you asking questions you normally wouldn't because you get to hear to some of the best church leaders in Groups ministry across the country. Tune in to learn and explore areas of Groups ministry you've never considered before or need reminders.

  1. Steve Gladen - Empowering Your Leaders

    09/25/2025

    Steve Gladen - Empowering Your Leaders

    Steve is the Founder and CEO of the Small Group Network. An international, non-denominational network, started in 2007, to help churches Eradicate Loneliness, engage the Bible, and impact the world. Steve also serves as an Elder of Saddleback Church.   He stepped away in August 2025 from local church ministry, where he had been Pastor of Small Groups at Saddleback Church from February 1998 to August 2025, where he oversaw the strategic launch and spiritual development of over 7,000 adult small groups on multiple campuses. He has authored Small Groups With Purpose, which has been translated into fourteen languages to date, Leading Small Groups With Purpose, and Planning Small Groups With Purpose.  He has a driving passion to see each church attendee connected to a qualified shepherd and become an integral part of their church body, living purposefully for Christ. He frequently speaks at conferences and consults with church leaders from many denominations, both in the United States and around the world. Prior to stepping into his full-time role with the SGN, Steve had been on five other church staffs of varying sizes. He earned a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1985 and a B.A. in Biblical Studies, with minors in Greek and Philosophy, in 1982 from Evangel University. Steve and Lisa have been married since 1989 and have two children, Erika and Ethan. Saddleback Community Group Leaders HandbookSmall Group Guardrails image

    49 min
  2. Discovering a Different Kind of Tribe with Rick Howerton

    03/28/2025

    Discovering a Different Kind of Tribe with Rick Howerton

    Rick spent thirteen years as an author, trainer, coach, and consultant at LifeWay Church Resources, three years with NavPress, and five years aiding churches for the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Prior to these experiences, he served as a Campus Minister on two campuses, a Teaching and Groups Pastor at a thriving church, and planted The Bridge Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Most recently, Rick served as the Central Groups Pastor at Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, a church with a weekly attendance of over 25,000, where he set the pace for the Groups Ministry. Rick has authored or co-authored multiple books, studies, and leader training resources including The Perpetually Growing Church: Best Practices of America’s Most Influential Churches, Disciples Path: A Practical Guide to Disciple Making, Deacon Ministry Handbook: A Practical Guide to Servant Leadership, A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic, Destination Community: Small Group Ministry Manual, The Gospel and the Truth: Living the Message of Jesus, Small Group Life Ministry Manual: A New Approach to Small Groups, Redeeming the Tears: a Journey Through Grief and Loss, Small Group Life: Kingdom, Small Group Kickoff Retreat: Experiential Training for Small Group Leaders, Great Beginnings: Your First Small Group Study, and Countdown: Launching and Leading Transformational Groups.  Rick’s varied ministry experiences as a pastor, teaching pastor, church planter, small group pastor, collegiate minister, elder, full-time trainer, and church consultant and having been a successful church planter gives him a perspective of church life that is all-encompassing and multi-dimensional. Rick is a highly sought-after communicator and trainer. Check out A Different Kind of Tribe:https://www.buildgroups.net/tribes

    41 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

How do you build groups? Are you building or maintaining your small groups ministry? We seek to start, spark, and spur on thought trails you otherwise wouldn't have to get you asking questions you normally wouldn't because you get to hear to some of the best church leaders in Groups ministry across the country. Tune in to learn and explore areas of Groups ministry you've never considered before or need reminders.