SG² Steve Gladen on Small Groups

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, and ministry that we believe? How are these lies forming or "deforming" our character and life with God? Comer tackles the three sources of lies (devil, flesh, world), challenges us to combat the various lies, and gives some practices to win the battle and live daily in the truth of the Kingdom of God.   No More Lies Book   Lobby Gathering 2022 - Don't forget to use promo code grouptalk to get your $100 off! ★ Support this podcast ★

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   Network Nugget: Lobby Gathering 2022   Our personal look back of the SGN this year Physical Lobby Gathering February 22 to 24, 2022 - 15 Year Anniversary - New Format: Tracks—New, Veterans, church size - 2 challenge talks for groups you aren’t thinking about ATTAIN (for small group leaders)  launching 2022 in DC, Nashville, Dallas and Hawaii SGN Ideas Book   Leadership Learning: 6 questions to survive attackers (within and outside) - What do you do when supporters are your enemies? - 6 questions to ask to survive attackers—2022 will bring tons! - Who am I looking to for support?  - Have I prayed about the problem?  - Have I thanked God for the solution?    Trending Topic: 2 acts of Leadership   2 Duties of Leadership—Clarify Purpose and Saying Thank You - Why Gratitude is important? - How to show Gratitude   Shownotes: 2022 Lobby Gathering   BOTH SCRIPTURE & SCIENTIFIC STUDIES SHOW HAVING A MINDSET OF GRATITUDE YIELDS GREAT BLESSINGS   Gratitude improves your brain and physical health Gratitude creates happiness Gratitude helps you sleep better Gratitude is the antidote to toxic emotions Gratitude improves relationships Gratitude opens the door to people and opportunities Gratitude is the evidence of maturity Gratitude pleases God and brings his blessing   How to show Gratitude Be Specific Using a name says you are important. 48 times Nehemiah uses a personal name. You are important. Focus on the details of what they have done. What you did was important. Be Sensitive Move past the surface and the heart. Recognize the heart when you notice their character. Humility, generosity Be searching Reminder to do it. We get too busy. We think more about how I should be appreciated. If you are unappreciated, appreciate someone. Studies show you get new energy and happiness when you appreciate someone!     ★ Support this podcast ★

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 Hoboken, NJ. One of Sarah’s biggest joy comes from building community and helping people get connected. A North Carolina native, she joined Hoboken Grace in 2011 when she moved to the NY/NJ area and joined staff in 2015. Prior to Hoboken Grace, Sarah worked in Wealth Management and Philanthropic Solutions with US Trust. When she’s not exploring Hoboken with her husband, CJ, and daughter, Lela Rose, you can find her immersed in a great book, planning a party or hosting a friendly gathering. SAMPLE EMAIL Hi NAME, We are so excited you decided to join our small group.  This will be a great opportunity for you to meet others just like you, who are looking for a space to connect, to talk, to listen and to become closer to God. We will come together every WEEK DAY from  ENTER TIME. We'll be meeting SHARE DETAILS. Please feel free to invite others to join our group. Amazing things happen when we come together.   I left my number below if you have any questions.  See you next WEEK DAY! Thanks, YOUR NAME 555-555-5555   SAMPLE TEXT Hey THEIR NAME — This is YOUR NAME. Just sent you an email about our group. If you have need anything don’t be afraid to text.   ★ Support this podcast ★

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 as providing resources through his blog, a free email newsletter, and occasional videos. https://allenwhite.org/   Sign up for Lobby Gathering 2022 today! ★ Support this podcast ★

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 off the charts GROUP Method IBS born CL Launch (Update) 5 modules Module One: Being an Intentional Shepherd Module Two: Intentional Shepherding and Spiritual Presence Module Three: Graceful Conversations Module Four: Asking Insightful and Inspired Questions Module Five: Resources to help you All Day training at the Ranch…starting push to train all 350 CL’s Network Nugget: Growth Spurt Growth Page over 50k, FB Group approaching 10k, UPDATE Virtual Lobby going global in 2022 New course to follow: Leadership Essentials  Physical Lobby February 22 to 24, 2022 15 Year Anniversary—everyone attending gets our commemorative coin New Format: Tracks—New, Veterans, church size 2 challenge talks for groups you aren’t thinking about ATTAIN (for small group leaders)  launching 2022 in DC, Nashville, Dallas and Orlando Leadership Learning: What’s the Path? Leadership Development—follow me to die for me Leaders—Engaging Phase to Equipping Phase to Empowering Phase to Energizing Phase HOST Today Leader Tomorrow Minister Forever CL’s—FRIEND to be a LEADER to be a COACH Staff—Push the Residence thought with Intern Program and course Trending Topic: 3 Must Have Answers Do we have enough groups? How is our customer service? How is the spiritual health of our individuals and groups? The 4 helpful list from Tom Patterson’s Organization. With the pandemic subsiding, now is a good time to get perspective on where your existing and new groups are at regarding health and continuity of where you want to go with groups. Ask their story before you begin What’s healthy in small groups? What’s unhealthy? (needs to change) What’s confusing (needs clarity) What’s missing (needs to be added) Health Assessment  New Leadership Course  Lobby Gathering 2022 Small Group Leadership Training Kit  Small Group Network Internship  Social Justice, CRT article  Small Group Testimony Video Pastor Rick's Request Video ★ Support this podcast ★

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 and Dan Heath and learn why some ideas thrive and others die.  TODAY’S BOOK Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath. SHOW NOTES The Six Principles of Success Simple Unexpected Concrete Credible Emotional Stories ABOUT OUR GUEST Passionate about empowering others to live boldly for Jesus through biblical community, JW serves as a Groups Director at Southside Church in Peachtree City, GA. He enjoys hiking, coffee, good books, and great conversations. He's blessed to serve Jesus through the local church and to share life with his amazing wife Melissa and two awesome sons Cade and Zechariah. ★ Support this podcast ★

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 couples group? Pop in and listen to veteran group leaders Rick (psychologist) and Sheri Blackmon (Bible teacher and pastor), married for 40+ years, share their wisdom and experiences from leading young marrieds to empty nester groups.   Guests: Rick Blackmon, PhD in Clinical Psychology and Sheri Blackmon, MDiv Fuller Theological Seminary Rick Blackmon PhD (Fuller Theological Seminary) is a clinical psychologist in private practice for 35+ years. He specializes in working with adults, marriages, and clergy on their own emotional and spiritual growth. Rick taught a course at Fuller Theological Seminary for 22 years on clergy growth and has led many seminars on marital issues throughout his career.  Sheri Blackmon has BAs in English Literature and Religious Studies from Westmont College and an MDiv degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. She was ordained as pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) where she served for 15 years mainly as Associate Pastor, which included small groups ministry. Sheri moved into Christian education at an independent college preparatory 6-12 school for 19+ years as founding member, chaplain, department chair, and teacher. She blogs about “finding your footing and purpose in a life disrupter” at https://lifeafterwhy.com/    ★ Support this podcast ★