SG² Steve Gladen on Small Groups

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In this episode, Steve Gladen breaks down 5 areas where ministry leaders can re-imagine how they do coaching for their groups ministry. The following is what will specifically be covered in this show:

History of Coaching

• Staff or volunteers
• Serve in one Help in another
• Saddleback’s history—building upon, keeping best of…
  • 1.0 version (1998)
    • 1:5—I could recruit faster than our growth
  • 2.0 version (2005)—why it changed, it was broken
    • 1:25 paid
    • Introduced not equal care, but strategic care
    • 4 Buckets and Reactive/pro active
    • Name changed from Coaches to CL’s because of paradigm shift
    • Care 70% Administration, training, connecting 30%,
    • Get in for right reason, but get out for right reason
    • CL Retreats
  • 3.0 Version (2009)—why it changed, it couldn’t scale financially
    • 1:25 volunteered, above same
    • Introduced any span of care a CL could do
  • 4.0 Version (2014) why it changed, they weren’t sure what to do
    • Introduced the “Starbuck’s” green apron more developmental
    • FRIEND
    • LEADER
    • COACH
    • Hard and Soft data collection
    • Skip Level, Trust but Verify
  • 5.0 Version (2017) why it changed, we discovered other factors not giving maximum alignment
    • Introduced the Village concept
    • Alignment
  • 6.0 Version (2021) why it changed, discovered different types of CL’s
    • HOST to Leader to CL to Minister
    • CL Course
    • Training Modules
    • Track training (next gen beyond Starbuck’s green apron)

 5 Areas to Reimagine Coaching

•  The Ethos (the environment the CL lives in)
  • the family system (w/o parents it is risky)
  • How’s the family (you, coaches and Group leaders)
  • Do you know what you are producing—the end in mind
• The Reason (for the CL)
  • Directive Disciple MAKING—management and guidance, Space flight PSGWP page 201
  • Tom Landry quote
  • Baseline, Know the health metrics HA & GHA
  • How will you give course corrections (ideas, curriculum, encouragement, etc.)
• The Process (finding CL’s)
  • The Group Leader pathway HOST to Leader to CL (P3) to Minister
  • Competency and Capacity
  • Retreats
  • Introductory Course
• The Pathway (growing the CL)
  • The Coach engagement pathway to the HOST; FRIEND—LEADER—COACH
  • The Coach’s pathway of growth for them
    • SGP guidance
    • Modules Training
    • Course(s)
    • Retreats
• The Influences (that help the CL)…what I call the Village
  • Share the Village, who’s in helping? Who surrounds the Small Group speaking health?
  • People (primary)
    • Small Group Point Person
    • CL or Coach
    • Senior Pastor
• Processes (secondary)
  • Training Pathway for the leader
  • Tools (HA and GHA)
  • Training Pathway for the CL
  • Newsletter
  • Small Group Weekend Table connection
  • Small Group Website home page
  • Weekend services
  • Leader Retreats and SGH
  • Streaming content (curriculum and training)
  • Social Media
  • Testimonies
  • FAQ’s

Shownotes:

smallgroupnetwork.com/smallgroup

https://sb-web.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/saddleback.com/connect/smallgroups/9958-SmallGroupsCL-Booklet_Interior_Interactive_092101.pdf

The Small Group Network is celebrating its 15th anniversary! Steve Gladen and James Browning look at the history of the small group network and what things that are currently happening that could make a big difference for you or your ministry.

Check out our Year In Review to find out just how big of an impact members of the network made last year: https://smallgroupnetwork.com/articles/2021-small-group-network-year-in-review/

1. Crawl: Have an small group ministry idea? Share it with us and we will crowd source a ministry ideas book! Not only will you get a copy of the fun and helpful ideas book but you'll also be entered to win an iPad. Now that's a great idea! https://smallgroupnetwork.com/ideasbook/

2. Walk: We are excited to be launching the Group Talk podcast network. What does that mean? First of all, it means the Group Talk podcast is breaking up and everyone is getting their own show. So make sure to subscribe to each show individually:
- Here To There With Carolyn Taketa: https://share.transistor.fm/s/5ec5fb80
- Leadership Journey With Bill Search: https://share.transistor.fm/s/205fa92d
- and our newest member of the network Why God Why? from Peter Englert at Browncroft Church: https://share.transistor.fm/s/4f738575

3. Run: Help us create GROUP Method curriculum! Stay tuned to the small group network website for details on that or join the livestream at 10am Pacific time on April 13th https://fb.me/e/4bLc3Iczt

Our future prediction is that big things are coming from even smaller places. Plus, now is the time to join a huddle. Share your small group predictions for the next 15 years in the reviews section on your favorite podcast app or in our facebook group!

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 and Reflections on and off the Court by legendary basketball coach John Wooden. 

Show Notes:

The Pyramid of Success - https://www.thewoodeneffect.com/pyramid-of-success/

About our guest Peter Englert:

Peter Englert serves as the Adult Ministries Director at Browncroft Community Church. He married Robyn and along with their daughter Hayley, they reside in Rochester, NY. Peter graduated from the University of Valley Forge with a B.A. in Pastoral Ministries and an M.A. of Theology. He is the co-host of the hit podcast Why God Why?

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.Equalizing group members 
3.Inter-Connecting group members 

We practice Generous Authority by:
1.Practicing good MANNERS in the group
 2.Reminding all of the “RULES” 
3.Encourage “Sprout” Speeches not “Stump” Speeches 

Now What?
1. Re-affirm Covenant 

2. Have tough conversations
3. Re-up as the leader or get out 
4. Share Leadership 

#2 Meeting Routine 

“The room is doing 80% of the job” – Jerry Seinfeld 

Venue Matters 

1.The space should be a symbol of reason for meeting 

2.The space should bring out desired behaviors and discourage those you don’t 

3.Consider density 

Format Matters 

1.Mix it up
2.Curtail the dull parts 
3.Try different curriculum 

Now What? 
1. Rotate Hosting 

2. Share testimony
3. Serve together
4. Choose an unlikely meeting place 

#3 Relationships Plateaued 

Why does this happen? 

1.We stop being curious about others 
2.We decide how far we will go relationally
3.Potential conflict zones are avoided 
4.We don’t feel safe 

What can you do about it? 

1.Don’t avoid the awkward – embrace it 

2.Utilize GOOD ice-breakers 
3.Encourage people to share what no one in the group would guess/ know about them
4.Talk about the forbidden subjects of politics, sex, and religion 
5.Don’t stop conflict but guide it 
6.Navigate underlying conflicts 

Now What? 
1. Split by gender 

2. Subgroup for prayer
3. Retreat
4. Day trip, local restaurants, or local tourism 

#4 Lost Purpose 

“A good gathering purpose should be ‘disputable’”
 – The Art of Gathering by Parker 

Start by asking “WHY are we meeting?” 

1.First, ask the church leadership 
2.Reverse engineer current meeting 

and compare to stated goal 
3.Who is this for? 

Second ask “Why are WE meeting?” 

1.Is our goal the same as the leadership’s goal? 

2.Do we have a different goal? 

Third, re-state and re-affirm your purpose 

1.Discuss the purpose as a group 
2.Arrive at consensus
3.Everyone has to re-up 

That didn’t work. Now what? 

How to End Your Group 

(Page 87, Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders) 
1.Understand all groups come to a natural end 
2.Get input from group members
3.Ask everyone to make a personal plan 
4.Plan a final meeting and put it on the calendar
5.End the group in a prayer circle
6.Don’t forget to tell your pastor or small group coach that your group has ended 

Recommended Resources: 

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
The Art of Gathering By Parker
Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders by Search Questions? 

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 in our communities. 

Bio: 

Dave Alford Is Pastor of Leadership Development at Saddleback Church where his team oversees small groups, next steps, interns, and ministries to men, women, and singles. Dave’s background includes experience in business, pastoral ministry, and higher education.  Dave also writes, coaches, and speaks about leadership. Dave has a Bachelors degree from UC Davis, an MBA from USC, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. 

Show Notes: 

Contact Dave at  [email protected]

For this topic, Dave recommends: The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt (2018)

Join ALL ACCESS! Are you ready to unlock your ministry's potential? Our ALL ACCESS plan includes 

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 included. PLUS your WHOLE team gets half off the events. Meaning with this plan, your church can SAVE money and get your whole team trained and equipped.

Check it out today at https://smallgroupnetwork.com/allaccess ... your community, unlocked!

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: Year 2022 oof!
SGPP Vision—focus TRUST—Truth, resilience, Unity, Stewardship, Teachability rolled out
CL Launch—Retreat moved to April 8/9, but each campus rolled it out
You—moved to short term goals (100 days)
 
Network Nugget: Year 15 is a wrap
Lobby recap, celebrated our 15th year!
Podcasts 6800 downloads last month/250k since 2015
FB Group 13.4k
FB Page followers 116k
Twitter followers 4.5k
Articles 992
Website visitors 9k unique/month
SGN Ideas Book Link -  /ideasbook
Group Talk Podcast Network launched Link
G.R.O.U.P. Method Bible
ATTAIN (for small group leaders) launched, ALIGN and ACCELERATE! 

Leadership Learning: Yester Year
How are you learning? Read what God has done in History
0 to 1500 AD
Last 500 Years
Last 50 years
Current
All leaders are learners…research, ask those you respect, look into areas you need to stretch

Trending Topic: Year 2040? Remember when 2020 seemed so far off?
This year the Pew Research Center asked innovators, developers, business and policy leaders, researchers, and activists to consider what life will be like in 2025 in the wake of the pandemic and other crises. The broad—and nearly universal—view from more than 915 respondents may not seem all that surprising...

What do we get from this research?
The small group will need to embrace technology…think phone
Groups are the answer to diversity and helping
Great opportunity for groups to help in the social need areas
Volunteers available as work is flexible
Groups need to focus on tech advances to serve community
Now is the time to pray and plan for the future (Acts 13:2—"appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them”) of small groups and how we communicate the good news about Jesus to an increasingly wired (tech) and suspicious world.

Shownotes:
http://www.smallgroupnetwork.com/IdeasBook

http://www.smallgroupnetwork.com/lobbywelcome 

https://www.smallgroupnetwork.com/events 

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/02/18/experts-say-the-new-normal-in-2025-will-be-far-more-tech-driven-presenting-more-big-challenges

ALIGN + ACCELERATE July 11-13, 2023

ALIGN is the small groups ministry essentials workshop. Perfect for people new to groups or who are considering launching groups at their church.

ACCELERATE is a 2 day intensive workshop for a small group point person who wants to develop an 18 month strategic plan for growth or revitalization.

Your team can attend ALIGN or ACCELERATE or get a discounted rate for attending both. For those attending all 3, lodging and lunches are included in the price! And don't forget, ALL ACCESS members always get 50% off all events.

We'll see you there! https://smallgroupnetwork.com/conferences/

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 had any intention of being in ministry. Jesus found him at 17 and after 6 years figuring out what in the world that meant, he packed everything moved to Ventura CA with his wife, Lauren to work at Mission Church where they served for eight years. Earlier this year they moved to Tennessee to be close to family and work alongside Michael and Cathy Dye implementing and updating The Genesis Process (https://www.genesisprocess.org/). 

Tommy is also a contributor to the Small Group Network blog and podcast.

Tommy's Website → https://tommycarreras.com

Former Shows Referenced:

Extreme Ownership ►►https://grouptalksgn.libsyn.com/reading-lenz-extreme-ownership

Canoeing the Mountain ►►https://grouptalksgn.libsyn.com/reading-lenz-canoeing-the-mountain-w-kiersten-telzerow

Lighting Round References:

Mission's Change Workshop (Michael Dye's recovery content) 

► missionventura.com/changeworkshop

Unhindered: Aligning the Story of Your Heart

► https://www.amazon.com/Unhindered-Aligning-Story-Your-Heart/dp/1950718743

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.Equalizing group members 
3.Inter-Connecting group members 

We practice Generous Authority by:
1.Practicing good MANNERS in the group
 2.Reminding all of the “RULES” 
3.Encourage “Sprout” Speeches not “Stump” Speeches 

Now What?
1. Re-affirm Covenant 

2. Have tough conversations
3. Re-up as the leader or get out 
4. Share Leadership 

#2 Meeting Routine 

“The room is doing 80% of the job” – Jerry Seinfeld 

Venue Matters 

1.The space should be a symbol of reason for meeting 

2.The space should bring out desired behaviors and discourage those you don’t 

3.Consider density 

Format Matters 

1.Mix it up
2.Curtail the dull parts 
3.Try different curriculum 

Now What? 
1. Rotate Hosting 

2. Share testimony
3. Serve together
4. Choose an unlikely meeting place 

#3 Relationships Plateaued 

Why does this happen? 

1.We stop being curious about others 
2.We decide how far we will go relationally
3.Potential conflict zones are avoided 
4.We don’t feel safe 

What can you do about it? 

1.Don’t avoid the awkward – embrace it 

2.Utilize GOOD ice-breakers 
3.Encourage people to share what no one in the group would guess/ know about them
4.Talk about the forbidden subjects of politics, sex, and religion 
5.Don’t stop conflict but guide it 
6.Navigate underlying conflicts 

Now What? 
1. Split by gender 

2. Subgroup for prayer
3. Retreat
4. Day trip, local restaurants, or local tourism 

#4 Lost Purpose 

“A good gathering purpose should be ‘disputable’”
 – The Art of Gathering by Parker 

Start by asking “WHY are we meeting?” 

1.First, ask the church leadership 
2.Reverse engineer current meeting 

and compare to stated goal 
3.Who is this for? 

Second ask “Why are WE meeting?” 

1.Is our goal the same as the leadership’s goal? 

2.Do we have a different goal? 

Third, re-state and re-affirm your purpose 

1.Discuss the purpose as a group 
2.Arrive at consensus
3.Everyone has to re-up 

That didn’t work. Now what? 

How to End Your Group 

(Page 87, Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders) 
1.Understand all groups come to a natural end 
2.Get input from group members
3.Ask everyone to make a personal plan 
4.Plan a final meeting and put it on the calendar
5.End the group in a prayer circle
6.Don’t forget to tell your pastor or small group coach that your group has ended 

Recommended Resources: 

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
The Art of Gathering By Parker
Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders by Search Questions? 

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, Rex has been involved in various pastoral positions in the areas of discipleship, spiritual formation, small groups, support/recovery groups and as an executive pastor. He has served in senior leadership roles in large churches in several states. Rex is currently on staff at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA in the area of care and support ministries, 

Andrea Minor:  Andrea has been in vocational ministry for over 25 years in large churches in Illinois, Colorado and California. She has led in the areas of children’s ministries, women’s ministries, creative arts, weekend experiences, and also served as a small groups pastor. Currently she is a minister on the 301 team at Saddleback Church, helping others find and use their spiritual gifts in the life of the church.   

Rex and Andrea have been married for 40 lovely years and have three married grown children and four adorable grandchildren.