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 Handbook
Small Group Guardrails image

Scott Sullivan is the Discipleship Catalyst for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, where he serves hundreds of churches all across the state. Scott and his team take churches through thorough assessments and, focusing on relational disciple-making practices, partner with pastors and leaders to create customized strategies within the context of their churches and communities.

You can connect with Scott over at:
https://gabaptist.org/ministries/discipleship/

Joseph surrendered to full-time vocational ministry in 2010. He currently serves as the Adult Pastor at New Vision in Murfreesboro, TN. In 2022, Joseph began serving as the Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Williamson College in Franklin, TN. Joseph is involved in various networks, including Disciple Leaders Network, where he has served as the Chair of the Board and is now the Co-Executive Director. His passion for growing marriages and strengthening the local church has provided him with opportunities to speak, consult, and write.
Find out more about Disciple Leaders Network at www.discipleleaders.com

Allan Taylor is the Executive Pastor of Ministries at First Baptist Concord in Knoxville, Tennessee. Previously, he served as Director of Sunday School & Church Education Ministries at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN. Allan conducts many Sunday School and Leadership conferences both nationally and internationally and mentors, instructs, and encourages Christian Educators and Sunday School leaders. He has written two Sunday School books: The Six Core Values of Sunday School and Sunday School in HD.