Steve Gladen - Leading Small Groups with Purpose: Everything You Need to Lead a Healthy Group

2012 by Steve Gladen

Published by Baker Books

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.bakerbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2011

Ebook corrections 07.15.2015, 01.17.2019

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

ISBN 978-1-4412-3587-9

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations labeled Message are from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.lockman.org

Scripture quotations labeled NCV are from the New Century Version. Copyright 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled NLT are from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled TNIV are from the Holy Bible, Todays New International Version. TNIV. Copyright 2001, 2005 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

When it comes to small groups, Steve is not just a theoretical expert, he is a consummate practitioner. Groups have the power to change lives; this book has the power to change groups.

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 Gods work in community is not in the form (small groups); it is in the function (the purposes) lived out in deep, authentic relationships. Steve Gladens 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 todays 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

Im so glad Steve Gladen wrote this book! Leading Small Groups with Purpose gives us an incredible resource that should be in the hands of every small group leader. Its filled with practical insights and time-tested wisdom on how to lead a group to be effective and balanced. His comprehensive approach gives clear direction on how to achieve health and mission in community. Dont miss it!

Jud Wilhite , senior pastor, Central Christian Church, Las Vegas; author, Torn

More than a how-to manual, Leading Small Groups with Purpose captures the heart of its author, Steve Gladen, and the thriving small group ministry at Saddleback Church. Steves heart has always been for the local church to experience authentic community through healthy small groups. His honest, transparent, and helpful leadership offers life lessons in this book that will encourage you whether you are just starting out on your small group journey, desiring to increase the health of an existing small group, or searching for tools to develop future leaders. You wont be disappointed!

Kerry Shook , senior pastor, Woodlands Church

I have personally watched Steve Gladen tirelessly and meticulously work out small group architecting for the local church. His experience and integrity with the process is unmatched. The body of Christ owes him a BIG thank-you for shortening the process for all who read this book, learning the painful lessons for us, and passing on to us a blueprint for small group community that produces church health.

Kenny Luck , president and founder, Every Man Ministries; pastor of men, Saddleback Church

Leading Small Groups with Purpose will inspire and inform you with fresh ideas and practical information that flow from Steve Gladens wealth of expertise. If you want to see your small group grow, this book is for you. Thanks, Stevefor this book, for your huge heart, and especially for all your help!

Steve Mawston , Connect Groups pastor, Hillsong Church Australia

Healthy people in healthy small groups is a sign of a very healthy church. Fewer people on the planet know more about building healthy small groups than Steve Gladen. Leading Small Groups with Purpose is about intentional small group leadership. Steve brings leaders into a fresh commitment to personal ownership for internal growth, passionate responsibility for outward mission, and intentional apprenticing for reproducing leaders.

Scott Hodge , pastor, The Orchard Community, Aurora, Illinois

Some authors write about small group theory. Steve Gladen writes from the trenches of small group life and leadership. He has lived every word. If youve dreamed of moving from a safe, sanitized group of navel gazers to a strategic group of purposeful disciples, this book is for you.

Gene Appel , senior pastor, Eastside Christian Church, Fullerton, California

God has built something truly remarkable in Southern California. And he has used Steve Gladen and Rick Warren to do it. For the first time in print, Steve lays out what every small group leader needs to know in order to lead a healthy group. This is a truly helpful addition to the small group leaders arsenal!

Bill Search , author, Simple Small Groups

To each of you who lead community, not for the glory, fame, or status, but to play a role in Gods kingdom purpose to see people live out the Great Commission and Great Commandment.