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Small Groups with Purpose: How to Create Healthy Communities
Over the past fifteen years, small groups have become a vital way to build community in large churches. Nowhere has this been more apparent than at Saddleback Church. Now Steve Gladen, pastor of small groups at Saddleback, shares the secrets of that ministry's incredible success in creating small groups with purpose.This practical book walks church leaders through the questions they need to answer to develop their own intentional small group strategy. Built around the most commonly asked questions, Small Groups with Purpose outlines the step-by-step process of creating a successful small group ministry. Because it is built upon principles and not methods, this plan can be implemented in any size church. Each chapter ends with a list of questions for readers to answer to help them assess their current situation and their desires for the future. Personal stories, Scripture, and examples ground the discussion and show the system in action.Pastors and small group lea
235 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 28, 2016
Helpful for some of the shape we are trying to create in a Groups Ministry I have been brought into with the hopes of retooling it with purpose. Systems are a big barrier when you're in a position like this, and Gladen gives a lot of insight into what has worked (and hasn't in their structuring.) I was most encouraged by their HOST model creating an accessible entry point for people who might have the capacity to lead a group but don't feel the confidence to venture into that endeavor.
A little more exposition into the Biblical foundation for pursuing groups is what I'm looking for in a book like this that offers so many other things. Overall, good and helpful read from some faithful brothers and sisters in the Church.
A little more exposition into the Biblical foundation for pursuing groups is what I'm looking for in a book like this that offers so many other things. Overall, good and helpful read from some faithful brothers and sisters in the Church.
March 27, 2021
I will preface this by saying that in general, I am not a fan of “purpose driven� ideas that too closely resemble the business world.
I didn’t find this book to be helpful. It was rather cheesy, full of a lot of little stories and jokes... and not so big on the practical advice. It kind of felt like a waste of time for me. I bought this book to read before I dove into the red book that goes with it (Planning Small Groups with Purpose), but I thought I should read this white book first and not rush ahead. I realize now that I would’ve been okay to have jumped right into that red book, but I wanted to be wise about it. For anyone who is trying to decide which book they should buy/read and they would rather have practical advice on small groups versus a casual conversation, I recommend skipping this book.
I read Sticky Church by Larry Osborne before this, and it was a much better book in my opinion.
I didn’t find this book to be helpful. It was rather cheesy, full of a lot of little stories and jokes... and not so big on the practical advice. It kind of felt like a waste of time for me. I bought this book to read before I dove into the red book that goes with it (Planning Small Groups with Purpose), but I thought I should read this white book first and not rush ahead. I realize now that I would’ve been okay to have jumped right into that red book, but I wanted to be wise about it. For anyone who is trying to decide which book they should buy/read and they would rather have practical advice on small groups versus a casual conversation, I recommend skipping this book.
I read Sticky Church by Larry Osborne before this, and it was a much better book in my opinion.
March 24, 2021
This book is incredible. I am overseeing a small group ministry in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I found it so helpful, as I was able to gather knowledge and wisdom from Steve’s years of small group ministry. It is not just testimonies of what has worked, but more about tried methods that have worked, and can work in your church too.
If you lead a small group ministry, or run a group it is a very worthwhile read.
If you lead a small group ministry, or run a group it is a very worthwhile read.
April 26, 2019
Very good and well thought out. If you've read purpose driven church it's really more of a companion to that. Great ideas in here, but once again, you have to ask what is right for your church to do rather than simply trying to repeat. Also, you have to decide what role you want your small groups to play (assuming you even want to have a small group) and, more importantly, WHY.
February 23, 2018
3.5* A good book for churches that are starting or revamping their small groups. Lots of great big picture information with suggestions for setting your vision and implementing it.
February 26, 2012
...another try at finding a book that could stimulate some encouragement, some direction for planting a small group ministry at my church. At the time I read it, I devoured it, scouring for insights and a helpful twelve-step process.
All I found was Purpose Driven rhetoric and that the goal was to make purpose driven people and purpose driven groups rather than a people who have their hearts and souls buried in the Gospel pages and asking one another, "What does it mean to carry your cross?" (far beyond, "what purpose to we talk about tonight?").
With that critical note aside, the book was still helpful and encouraging. If, however, you're looking for a clever outline to follow to actually start groups at your church, this isn't your book.
All I found was Purpose Driven rhetoric and that the goal was to make purpose driven people and purpose driven groups rather than a people who have their hearts and souls buried in the Gospel pages and asking one another, "What does it mean to carry your cross?" (far beyond, "what purpose to we talk about tonight?").
With that critical note aside, the book was still helpful and encouraging. If, however, you're looking for a clever outline to follow to actually start groups at your church, this isn't your book.
October 26, 2015
Small Groups with Purpose by Steve Gladen is exactly the practical how-to guide I was looking for. Easy to implement tactics with a strong sense of purpose anchoring small groups and lots of arrows driving them towards whole spiritual health, this reader highlighted alot and will be referencing as time goes on. Without getting bogged down in too many faqs, Gladen provides plans for recruiting leaders, sharing leadership within a group, launching new groups and more. Our groups will be implementing his vision for shared leadership this fall. A great tool for any small group ministry.
April 6, 2016
Overall, a very insightful books - speaks a lot to faith itself and growth within a community.
Only downside - there's a lot of acronyms that result in a more corporate sales type feel that takes away from all the personal testimonies and such. However, does make the concepts easy to remember and understand.
Only downside - there's a lot of acronyms that result in a more corporate sales type feel that takes away from all the personal testimonies and such. However, does make the concepts easy to remember and understand.
March 11, 2016
Gladen knows small groups like the back of his hand. Anyone looking to learn more about implementing small groups should give this book a thorough run through.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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