5 Small Group Strategies for 2026

Welcome to SG Squared with Pastor Steve Gladen, who brings over 25 years of small group ministry experience to provide practical advice and encouragement for leading small groups. In this episode, despite battling the flu, Steve and Derek discuss the importance of leading with purpose, building trust, developing people, celebrating wins, and clarifying roles and next steps. These five key strategies are designed to help you lead small groups more effectively and foster stronger engagement. Whether you're leading in ministry, at work, or at home, these transferable principles will equip you to be a better leader. Don't miss out on this insightful masterclass!

Check out
Small Groups With Purpose by Steve Gladen
and
Planning Small Groups With Purpose by Steve Gladen

00:00 Welcome to SG Squared
00:23 Catching Up and Health Updates
02:21 Five Ways to Lead Effectively
05:00 1. Lead with Purpose
06:35 2. Build Trust
09:10 3. Develop Your People
12:41 4. Celebrate the Wins
15:13 5. Clarify Roles and Next Steps
17:12 Recap and Closing Thoughts
18:02 Subscribe and Stay Connected

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

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 Welcome
00:23 Casual Chat and Health Updates
02:21 Five Ways to Lead Effectively
05:00 1. Lead with Purpose
06:35 2. Build Trust
09:10 3. Develop Your People
12:41 4. Celebrate the Wins
15:13 5. Clarify Roles and Next Steps
17:12 Conclusion and Recap
17:51 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder

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 place
• Listen 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 Squared
00:21 Pre-Show Banter and Game Week Excitement
03:24 Addressing National Tensions and Church Relevance
04:17 Setting Up for Practical Tips
11:04 10 Practical Tips for Handling Upset People
28:07 Bonus Tips and Final Thoughts
33:09 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder

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 & Banter
  • Derek 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 Reps
  • Steve 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 Involved
  • Learn how you can become a state rep, make an impact, and connect with Steve directly.
• [10:55] Why Group Guidelines Matter
  • The 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 Guidelines
  1. Clear Purpose – Define your group’s mission and goals.
  2. Group Attendance – Commit to regular, intentional meetings.
  3. Safe Environment – Foster a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing.
  4. Confidentiality – Build trust by keeping group discussions private (with legal exceptions).
  5. Conflict Resolution – Handle disagreements biblically and directly.
  6. Spiritual Health – Encourage accountability and growth in faith.
  7. Limit Our Freedom – Be sensitive to others’ backgrounds and struggles.
  8. Welcome Newcomers – Keep your group open and inviting.
  9. Building Relationships – Go deeper through authentic community and subgrouping.
  10. Teamwork – Involve everyone in the group’s life and mission.
• [32:56] Final Thoughts & Encouragement
  • Steve 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 Leader
  • Steve outlines the proactive and reactive roles of a state leader and invites passionate listeners to join the mission.
• [37:01] Closing & Call to Action
  • Don’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!

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 Introduction
01:14 Big Announcements from Steve Gladen
02:51 Transitioning to Global Church Work
08:11 Five Tips for Strong Small Groups This Fall
09:23 Tip 1: Clarify the Why
12:08 Tip 2: Check In
15:53 Tip 3: Listen Well
19:37 Tip 4: Say Thank You
23:02 Tip 5: Model Openness
27:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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 Update
00:32 The Power of Small Groups: A Personal Story
01:34 The Birth and Growth of the Small Group Network
02:11 A New Chapter: Full-Time Commitment to the Network
02:39 Future Vision: Core Fundamentals and New Initiatives
03:07 Eradicating Loneliness: A Key Focus
04:07 Strategic Resourcing: Enhancing Bible Engagement
05:29 Impacting Communities: Four Key Areas
05:51 How You Can Support the Small Group Network
08:22 Conclusion and Call to Action

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 Print
CP Olympics

04:29 Tip 1: Send a Card for Coffee or Dinner
07:02 Tip 2: Drop By with a Summer Kit
11:20 Tip 3: Send a Heartfelt Text
14:22 Tip 4: Host a Pool Party or Olympic Games
17:22 Tip 5: Organize a Car Wash
19:23 Tip 6: Mail a Summer T-Shirt
22:42 Tip 7: Plan a Stadium or Museum Tour