Steve Gladen is pastor of the Small Group Network at Saddleback Church, where he oversees 2,500 adult small groups. In that capacity, he loves watching a big church become small through true community developed in group life. Steve is the author of several resources, including ...
The love a small group showed for a woman going through cancer is opening her to God's love for her.
by Life Together
In the middle of a frenzied school year, a small group of women gathered week after week to grow in Christ. Marci told the group that her sister-in-law, Meg, was struggling with cancer. None of the other women knew Meg.
Marci's heart was broken over Meg. Meg had never pursued any type of relationship with God, and Marci feared her eternal destiny was hopeless. Also, the cancer was immobilizing her ...
How to keep your small groups from turning into cliques.
by Brett Eastman
You've seen them walk by. The "cooler than thou" group. The group that everyone in the church wants to be a part of and everyone outside of the church blames as the reason why they don't come.
Most of us became aware of cliques in high school: the preps, the jocks, the high-achievers, and the rockers, to name a few. Ancient cliques included groups like the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Hellenists, ...
Just because people are hesitant doesn't mean they're not ready to be small-group leaders.
by Brett Eastman
When it comes to small group ministry, the need for leaders is always great, yet people are often hesitant to take on this role. Being asked may open the gate to a herd of excuses:
"I'm just too busy."
"I don't have enough knowledge of the Bible."
"I'm not the leader type."
But as Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, says, "A small group leader doesn't have to be a spiritual giant, a Bible scholar, ...
Delegate leadership responsibilities and serve together to build group unity.
by Life Together
If you lead a small group study, you have a servant's heart. As a group leader, your desire is to develop this same heart in the members of your group.
How do you build a muscle? You build it by using it. Similarly, you need to build the servant's heart by working it.
One way to do this is by rotating leadership. Think about the gifts and abilities of your group members. At the end of your meeting, ...
The members of a woman's small group show exceptional care during a difficult time.
by Life Together
On an ordinary spring day, Andrea's husband came home with the news that he had lost his job. They had their lives planned for many years: they loved the area, their kids' school, the kids' youth programs, their ministry in the church, and their friendships at church. They'd had no intention of moving, but now they had three months to find something new. Three months! How could anyone find a new job ...
The story of a group that cared for a couple in their small group during the wife's illness.
by Life Together
Five years ago, my wife, Margaret, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Like everyone who hears this news, we were traumatized, but we trusted God for a miracle. After the doctor operated, he said they were able to get all the cancer and there was no need for follow-up treatment. We thanked God, rejoiced in her healing and got back to our "normal" life.
That life would be short-lived, however. A year-and-a-half ...
Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs that can help you listen well
by Kathleen Miller
Jane called just as I was walking out the front door. Juggling my bag, Bible, and car keys, I answered the phone. "Hi," she said. "Have you got a minute?" I said I did, because I had told the members of my Bible study to call me anytime.
Jane was upset because her best friend, Sarah, had decided to leave the church. I knew Sarah's move stemmed from a ministry opportunity elsewhere. So instead of empathizing ...
Truly loving people in the midst of persistent sin is easier said than done.
by Life Together
When Allen first met Steve, they were in high school gym together. Steve was quiet and insecure, with few friends. Then Allen began to include Steve in his social life. At first their mutual love for partying drew them together. But as Allen started to grow spiritually, he lost interest in drinking and wild parties. In college, they drifted apart.
When Allen reconnected with Steve after college, Steve's ...
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