Leading Small Groups with Purpose

Steve Gladen, pastor of small groups at Saddleback Church for more than a decade, takes you step-by-step toward a healthy, dynamic group with focus and purpose. For the new small group leader, the seasoned leader who feels their small group lacks purpose, or the leader who is itching to move their small group to the next level, Leading Small Groups with Purpose is the road map to follow.

Every chapter includes ideas that you can implement immediately, as well as ways to shape your small group over time. With Gladen's expert help, you will define success clearly, develop a personal leadership plan, invite members into your group, and help members fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

Table of contents

Part One Before you begin your group
    1. You are part of God's plan : discovering your purpose
    2. Your role in God's plan : giving your group purpose
    3. It starts with you : your plan and your group's plan
    4. Where two or three are gathered : gathering your friends

Part Two What to do in your group
     5. Fellowship: it all starts with biblical community
     6. Fellowship : practical suggestions - how to build a strong foundation
     7. Discipleship : Encouraging spiritual growth - developing your members
     8. Discipleship : Practical suggestions
     9. Ministry : Guiding members into opportunities to serve - mobilizing
     10. Ministry : Practical suggestions
     11. Evangelism : Reaching beyond your group
     12. Evangelism : Practical suggestions
     13. Worship : Experiencing the presence of God
     14. Worship : Practical suggestions

Part Three Keeping your group focused
15. How to keep your group on track : Obstacles and opportunities for growth
16. It continues with you! : How God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways

Steve Gladen has been pastor of small groups at Saddleback Church since 1998. He oversees more than 3,500 adult small groups at Saddleback and loves seeing a big church become small through true community developed in group life. He is the author of Small Groups with Purpose

Endorsements

"Steve Gladen pours his twenty-plus years of shepherding and shaping small groups into this one-of-a-kind toolbox, designed to equip you and your group for the kind of dynamic growth that can turn ordinary people into water-walking disciples of the living and breathing Word of God. As pastor of more than 3,500 Saddleback Church small groups, Steve has mastered the principles he presents in these pages."--John Ortberg, senior pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church; author, The Me I Want to Be

"Leading Small Groups with Purpose is the one book on small groups that you simply must get into the hands of every one of your small group leaders. Biblical, intentional, and focused, this book is full of real-world advice on the practical matters of running a group. After almost thirty years in ministry, Steve Gladen gives your leaders the information they need not only to guide their groups but also to develop their members toward maturity and health. Want a healthier church? Develop healthier small groups. Start here."--Rick Warren, Saddleback Church

I wish this book was in the hands of every small group leader in America. The power of God's work in community is not in the form (small groups); it is in the function (the purposes) lived out in deep, authentic relationships. Steve Gladen's biblical focus, practical instruction, and game-day experience make this an essential for all of us committed to transformation, not simply transmission of information."--Chip Ingram, senior pastor, Venture Christian Church; president, Living on the Edge

"Healthy small group communities are a key component of today's thriving churches. And healthy leadership is the key to healthy groups. In these pages Steve lays out a step-by-step plan for keeping both groups and their leaders healthy and vibrant. Leading Small Groups with Purpose is a must-read!"--Nelson Searcy, lead pastor, The Journey Church; founder, Church Leader Insights; author, Engage