SG² Steve Gladen on Small Groups
Religion & Spirituality
About
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.
Episodes
- 10 Building Blocks To Engineer A Dynamic Small Group Ministry
Steve Gladen and Derek review 10 building blocks for small group ministries, covering success definition, leader training, practical tools, curriculum strategy, data collection for shepherding, coaching structures, and a group maturity pat…
- How do you keep the ministry PEOPLE focused verse PROGRAM focus
Steve Gladen and Derek Olson discuss how small group ministries can become program-focused instead of people-focused. They highlight the importance of one-to-one connections and offer methods like texting, calling, and in-person interactio…
- The real question you should be asking.
Steve Gladen explains that small group leaders should prioritize the discipleship outcomes of their groups over connection metrics. He emphasizes the need for a clear spiritual formation pathway and aligning resources with intended discipl…
- 5 Ways We Can All Lead Better
The episode shares the story of Fernando Mendoza, a college football player who faced rejection from 134 schools before leading the losingest program to a national championship and winning the Heisman. It emphasizes that being overlooked i…
- 5 Small Group Strategies for 2026
In this episode of SG Squared, host Steve Gladen discusses five strategies for leading small groups: leading with purpose, building trust, developing people, celebrating wins, and clarifying roles and next steps. These principles are appli…
- Evangelism Made Easy For Small Groups (Classic Episode)
Steve Gladen, Global Small Groups Pastor, shares insights on making evangelism easier for small groups, based on his two decades of ministry experience. He discusses effective strategies for small group leaders aiming to grow their ministr…
- 5 Ways to Lead Effectively
Steve Gladen and Derek discuss five essential ways to lead effectively in small group ministry. Topics include leading with purpose, building trust, developing people, celebrating wins, and clarifying roles and next steps. The discussion i…
- 10 Ideas For Engaging Upset Members
In this episode of SG Squared, Steve Gladen and Derek discuss 10 practical steps for managing upset individuals within small group ministry. They cover active listening, validating feelings, offering support, and the importance of patience.
- SGN Update #3 & 10 Things That Could Be A Part Of Your Group Guidelines
Steve Gladen and Derek Olson provide updates from the Small Group Network, covering new initiatives and recruitment for state representatives. They also detail 10 essential components for creating effective small group guidelines, such as…
- 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 ess…
- 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 pow…
- 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 wa…
- 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 fr…
- 3 mistakes to avoid with your Lead Pastor
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 sai…
- The 4 "K"s of Small Group Ministry Spring Cleaning
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…
- 5 Emotional Refreshments for You & Your Groups (Replay)
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.…
- Special Episode from the Group Answers Podcast with Chris Surratt and Steve Gladen
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. Than…
- 4 Steps to a Strategic 2025
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.…
- TOP SMALL GROUP MAIL BAG QUESTIONS (Part 3)
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.…
- TOP SMALL GROUP MAIL BAG QUESTIONS (Part 2)
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.…
- Top Small Group Mail Bag Questions
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.…
- 🎂EPISODE 250🎂 - 20 Ways To Honor Your Groups Leaders
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 episo…
- 10 Ways Your Small Group can Evangelize!
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 list…
- 10 Ways to Worship in your Small Group
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 listene…
- 10 Ways Your Small Group Can Serve
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 an…
- How to Start a Small Group Ministry
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 health…
- The Saddleback Small Group Difference
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 grou…
- March 2024 The Lobby Panel
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 sm…
- Think critically: Accomplish More with Less
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 grou…
- Creating an Environment for Spiritual Growth with Dr. Bill Donahue
Today's episode comes from a small group conference at Saddleback Church. The session speaker is Dr. Bill Donahue as he shares about how to create an environment for spiritual growth in small groups. Dr. Donahue is one of the most well res…
- Interviewing Nicky Gumbel - Vicar, Holy Trinity Brompton, and Pioneer of the Alpha Course
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…
- How To Move From Making Friends To Reaching Friends
The episode features Steve Gladen who, leveraging his extensive experience of over 25 years, offers insights on leading small group ministry in churches. He addresses the common misconception of people fearing evangelism, emphasizing how t…
- Treasure Hunt: How to Find the Gold
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 grou…
- How To Move From Making Friends To Reaching Friends
You can download your planner HERE and the church planner HERE and the full workbook from the conference HERE Check out the videos referenced in the podcast HERE In this session, Steve shares one of the biggest sources of excitement for Sa…
- Leading Up or Sucking up? How to lead up & lead out
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 grou…
- Is Sermon-Based Curriculum Hazardous to your Small Group’s Health?
- 8 Steps to Successful Recruiting
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 gro…
- What We Can Learn From The 5 Words That Changed Amazon
- How To Disciple People, Not Just Lead Groups
You can download your planner HERE and the church planner HERE and the full workbook from the conference HERE Check out the videos referenced in the podcast HERE Welcome to SG squared. Glad you joined us for this episode. In this particula…
- The 5 Levels of True Fellowship
- 5 Steps to Creating a Workplace Ministry
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 episo…
- 4 Consequences You Need to Avoid
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 Plants 1. Think through your response and LISTEN 2. The re…
- The 5 Levels of True Fellowship
- How To Connect To Everyone In Your Church!
You can download your planner HERE and the church planner HERE Check out the videos referenced in the podcast HERE Everyone's got excuses... and here are 5 of the most common. But if you are hearing one (or all) of these excuses in your sm…
- 4 Consequences You Need to Avoid
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 Plants 1. Think through your response and LISTEN 2. The re…
- 7 Ways CRM Can Improve Discipleship!
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 episo…
- 3 Areas for Your Groups to Shine in Today’s Culture
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) acknowl…
- Current and Future Group Trends w/ Rick Warren (Part 2)
- Current and Future Group Trends w/ Rick Warren (Part 1)
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 ★
- 10 Strategic Tips for Follow Up with Small Group Leaders
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 j…