SG² Steve Gladen on Small Groups

Carolyn's Show Has Moved!

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. Reviews are an incredible way to support our volunteers! ★ Support this podcast ★

READING LENZ: What It Takes To Be Successful w/ Peter Englert

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 you it wasn’t his championships that determined his success.  Tune in as host Nick Lenzi and guest Peter Englert, host of the Why God Why podcast cover the book Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations...

LEADERSHIP JOURNEY: Coaching Leaders of Tired Groups - Part 2

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 as kindness.”  - Priya Parker  Generous Authority Serves others by:  1.Protecting group members  2.Equa...

HERE TO THERE: Leading Millennials and Gen Z in the Church

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 education to learn how we can better care for, minister to, and engage young adults in our lives, in our churches, on our staffs, and i...

INSIDE SADDLEBACK: Back to the Future

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 events like the LOBBY and ACCELERATE And to make it an even better deal, that one low price is a churchwide license. Everyone at your church is i...

READING LENZ REWIND: On Homecoming and Belong

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 community and how groups are in a prime position to fight for what are heart actually desires.   More About Tommy Carreras: Tommy never h...

LEADERSHIP JOURNEY: Coaching Leaders of Tired Groups - Part 1

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 as kindness.”  - Priya Parker  Generous Authority Serves others by:  1.Protecting group members  2...

HERE TO THERE: How to Sustain a Healthy Marriage While in Ministry

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 Valentine’s Day, this episode focuses on how you can maintain and grow a healthy marriage when you work in ministry.  Bios:  Rex Minor:  Over the last 30 years, ...

INSIDE SADDLEBACK: 3 Areas for your Groups to Shine in 2022 - UNITY, DIVERSITY & CIVILITY

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 Unity 1. Success is never a solo entity. You need Mentors, Models, Partners and friends 2. The older I get, it’s not so much the place, but the people I am doing life & ministry with. 3. Love always wins out.  Key Scri...

READING LENZ: Creating Group Habits

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 what you should know about this book and the takeaways we are bringing into our groups.  Episode Highlights: Atomic Habits Intro (8:35) Difference between a habit and a goal (12:40) Make i...

LEADERSHIP JOURNEY: GroupTalk Rewind - The 4 P's of Leadership

HERE TO THERE: Bible Recap & D-Groups

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 to read and understand the Bible. She also believes that the Bible is best understood in the context of community, alongside one another in groups. So Tara-Leigh founded and ...

INSIDE SADDLEBACK: 4 Musts to Make 2022 Successful

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 Casting Getting you ready - The moment we are in doesn’t pause the mission we are on! - Ed Stetzer - Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a KNOWN God. - Corey Ten Boom SGPP Vision—focus TRUST—Truth, resilienc...

Small Group Stories

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 women across the globe. Throughout the interview you'll also hear stories from the women in the groups from several different countries.  If you are interested ...

READING LENZ: 2021 Year End Review

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 When Your Not in Charge - https://bit.ly/3mpOfnt May - Silos Politics and Turf Wars - https://bit.ly/3H2gfp7 June - Art of the Gathe...

LEADERSHIP JOURNEY: Navigating the Inevitable Challenges Group Face (Part 2)

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HERE TO THERE: Book Talk - Live No Lies by John Mark Comer w/ Andrew Camp and Nick Lenzi

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, and ministry that we believe? How are these lies forming or "deforming" our character and life with God? Comer tackles the three sources of li...

INSIDE SADDLEBACK: Get ready 2022—Lobby!—6 Questions to Survive the Attacks—2 Duties of Leadership

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 SGPP Vision—focus TRUST—Truth, resilience, Unity, Stewardship, Teachability ...

READING LENZ: How To Host Friends w/ Guest Sarah Neral

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 share with us practical ways we can impact our groups through biblical hospitality. ABOUT OUR GUEST Sarah Neral is the Associate Director of Community at Hoboken Grace in H...

LEADERSHIP JOURNEY: Navigating the Inevitable Challenges Groups Face (Part 1)

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HERE TO THERE: 5 Things Not to Do when Coaching Group Leaders (Replay)

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 as providing resources through his blog, a free email newsletter, and occasional videos. https://allenwhite.org/   Sign up for Lo...

INSIDE SADDLEBACK: Fall Updates, Growth Spurt, What’s the Path, 3 Must Have Answers, CRT

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 Empower the campus creativity…kind of  Picture Innovation was o...

READING LENZ: Making Ideas Stick w/ JW Hilliard

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 step? This month’s episode of Reading Lenz with @Nick Lenzi is joined by @JW Hilliard from @Southside Church in Peachtree City, GA - tune in as they break down the book Made to Stick by Chip ...

LEADERSHIP JOURNEY: 10 Rules of Spiritual Leadership

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

HERE TO THERE: Leading Married Couples Groups – Key Practices For Making Them Better

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 couples group? Pop in and listen to veteran group leaders Rick (psychologist) and Sheri Blackmon (Bible teacher a...

INSIDE SADDLEBACK: New Launch Ideas, Networking 101, Dream Management, The Bible is HOT!

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 October emphasis. Felt need THEN find curriculum--relevant Community Group Launch 5 modules Module O...

INSIDE SADDLEBACK: New Launch Ideas, Networking 101, Dream Management, The Bible is HOT!

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 October emphasis. Felt need THEN find curriculum--relevant Community Group Launch 5 modules Module...

HOW TO BE A SMALL GROUP LEADER: Part 5 w/ Shelley Leith

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 and point people around the country, sharing the training that they give their own small group leaders. Learn from experienced leaders on how to build a lasting discipleship comm...

HOW TO BE A SMALL GROUP LEADER: Part 4 w/ Jay Kranda

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 and point people around the country, sharing the training that they give their own small group leaders. Learn from experienced leaders on how to build a lasting discipleship comm...

HOW TO BE A SMALL GROUP LEADER: Part 3 w/ Jon Laster

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 shares insights and tips from small group pastors and point people around the country, sharing the training that they give their own small group leaders. Learn from experienced leaders on how t...

HOW TO BE A SMALL GROUP LEADER: Part 2 w/ JT Black

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 shares insights and tips from small group pastors and point people around the country, sharing the training that they give their own small group leaders. Learn from experienced leaders on how ...

HOW TO BE A SMALL GROUP LEADER: Part 1 w/ Joel Donis

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 and point people around the country, sharing the training that they give their own small group leaders. Learn from experienced leaders on how to build a lasting discipleship communit...

READING LENZ: The Other Half of The Church

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 learn why we tend to lean into left brain discipleship and four ingredients necessary to develop and maintain a vibrant transformational community.    Those 4 are:   Joy - True joy found thr...

LEADERSHIP JOURNEY: Leading Men

HERE TO THERE: Creating Community: Five Keys to Building a Thriving Small Group Culture

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 Bill share North Point's learnings and how we can adapt strategically and creatively for a thriving ...

INSIDE SADDLEBACK: 4 Vital Trainings, Which Are You Missing?

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

READING LENZ: Don't Be The Hero

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 we them to be. Join this month's guest Allen White and host Nick Lenzi as they breakdown two hit books Buidling a Storybrand by Donald Miller and Hero Maker by Dave Ferguson and Warren Bird.    Regi...

LEADERSHIP JOURNEY: 4 Steps of Spiritual Leadership

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HERE TO THERE: Workplace Small Groups

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 for Procter & Gamble for 36 years in a variety of roles and then transitioned into ministry. He earned a Master of Arts in biblical studies and theology from Talbot seminary and was or...

INSIDE SADDLEBACK: Who’s Replacing Rick—Let the Pipeline Begin!—Digital Madness—4 Fall Planning Keys

This week Kevin Lee joins Inside Saddleback. Contact Kevin at [email protected]  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                                 GOOD SHEPHERDSLEAD BY EXAMPLE “After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them,...”   ...

READING LENZ: Being Ted Lasso with Your Small Groups

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 they are shaping our leadership and small groups.  Lesson One - Seeing the Best in Everyone (17:47)   Lesson Two - Be Curious (36:18)   Lesson Three - Better Together (48:23...

LEADERSHIP JOURNEY: Integrity, Obedience, and the Word

LEADERSHIP JOURNEY: Integrity, Obedience, and the Word

HERE TO THERE: Building a Multiethnic Church or Small Group - Why It Matters and First Steps Toward an Integrated Gospel Community

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 spaces for people to discuss issues related to ethnicity and socioeconomic differences as part of our discipleship?  Listen as Dr. Derwin Gray envisions and calls churches to ...

HERE TO THERE: Building a Multiethnic Church or Small Group - Why It Matters and First Steps Toward an Integrated Gospel Community

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 spaces for people to discuss issues related to ethnicity and socioeconomic differences as part of our discipleship?  Listen as Dr. Derwin Gray envisions and calls churches to "grow o...

INSIDE SADDLEBACK: The 5 R’s of Summer

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 ★

5th Wednesday: Aligning Small Groups With Church Communications

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 of church communication leaders and how to align small groups ministry with church comms. Our guest on this episode is Shawn Gendall. Shawn was born and raised ...

READING LENZ: The Art of the Gathering

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 ★ Support this podcast ★

LEADERSHIP JOURNEY: Foundations of Leadership

HERE TO THERE: Discipling MS & HS Students Through Small Groups

Guests:  From Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, CA  Britt Vargas, High School Ministry Director - [email protected] Connor Johnson, Middle School Pastor - [email protected]   https://calvarywestlake.org/middle-school/ https://calvarywestlake.org/high-school/    How do we disciple the next generation through small groups?  Why have student small groups?  What do you look for in student group leaders?  How do you train leaders of...