Introducing: Steve Gladen and SmallGroups.net
Like very few others, Steve Gladen is a name in small group ministry that you probably already know. But you may not know about some of what he’s doing. Here’s my best shot at an overview:
As the Pastor of the Small Group Community at Saddleback, Steve’s given leadership to a small group ministry that’s had a remarkable run over the past decade. With over 4500 groups and 28,000 people participating in last fall’s Life’s Healing Choices, this is a huge ministry.
In addition to his work at Saddleback, Steve’s also been the guiding force behind the Small Group Network (formerly the Purpose Driven Small Group Network). The vision in 2006 was to create a network that would support small group point people. Today there are regional huddles across the United States and Canada. Click here to find a huddle in your area.
One of the best features of the Small Group Network is their monthly newsletter. You can take a look at a recent edition right here or sign up to get it monthly right here.
Looking for training or just a chance to hang out with some other small group point people? Take a look at Saddleback’s Community U series of conferences. Steve speaks at the plenary sessions and there are breakouts offered to meet the needs of several levels of development. There are four remaining 2010 dates in St. Louis, Seattle, Washington-Baltimore, and Miami.
Steve is also the general editor of Small Group Life, an innovative curriculum series in development by Lifeway. It’s the only subscription based curriculum that I know of and offers a 3 year study plan.
You can find out more about Steve’s speaking and consulting ministry at SmallGroups.net. You can also follow him on Twitter and connect on Facebook.
You can catch up on my other GroupLife Introductions right here.
Steve’s a wonderful man of God AND a great resource provider for the group life movement. Be sure to buy his book when its released soon. I’ve visited with him about the content and I can’t wait to read it.
Good stuff coming! Thanks for jumping in Randall!
mark
Steve Gladen is the real deal, without a doubt. After spending a couple of days with him I walked away knowing full well why God is using him. I watched him, when nobody was really around to notice, pick up trash as he gave us a tour of the Saddleback campus. He made a point to say “Hi” and “Thank you” to the guys setting up the chairs in the worship center and other places around the campus. He did things like that the whole time. He’s a brilliant guy, marked by humility, a servant’s heart, an obvious love for God and a big heart for people. When you are with Steve, he makes you feel like you’re the guy/gal with over 3000 small groups, that’s for sure. I’m glad to know him. Do I sound like a fan of Steve’s?? LOL
Thanks for jumping in Adam! That’s the Steve I know too!
mark