Bill Donahue on Leading Life-Changing Small Groups (Plus Signed Book Giveaway)Recorded at the Lobby Gathering, Pastor Steve Gladen interviews Dr. Bill Donahue about his updated book, How to Lead Life-Changing Small Groups, and offers a giveaway of six signed copies to the first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, and 11th people who email [email protected] with an address. Donahue shares personal background about his wife Gail, their 38-year marriage, their two adult children, and formative experiences that shaped his views of what is “healthy” and “good.” The conversation highlights key helps for small group leaders: preparation that aims to be personal rather than perfect, shared ownership and participation, and learning to give and receive feedback. Donahue discusses measuring group health beyond attendance and numbers by evaluating relationships, culture, conflict navigation, experiencing Christ’s presence, and the group’s impact outside the circle, including online group considerations, and closes by emphasizing love as the central leadership focus.00:00 Welcome and Giveaway Tease01:09 Meet Bill Donahue02:32 Family and Gail’s Ministry05:59 How They Met and Ministry Beginnings08:10 Early Small Group Failures to Growth10:39 Growing Up and Performance Pressure14:48 Kids, Parenting, and Real Life18:33 New Book Focus and Leader Challenges21:07 Book Tools Overview21:32 Conflict Chapter Deep Dive22:28 Online Groups Pros Cons23:40 Coaching New Leaders23:54 Preparation And Ownership26:31 Measuring Real Progress28:23 Feedback Triggers Explained31:18 Healthy Metrics Inside Outside34:19 Book Giveaway And Thanks35:55 Closing Focus On Love39:12 Final Wrap And Signoff ★ Support this podcast ★

1. Groups that primarily Disciple• Primary engagement is spiritual growth• What their felt need is, Spiritual Void.• Team responsible—Spiritual Formation Team2. Groups that primarily Connect• Primary engagement is Serving.• What their felt need is, Value.• Team responsible—First Impressions or Serving Teams3. Groups that primarily Send• Primary engagement is causation.• What the felt need is, Make a Difference• Team Responsible—Mission Team4. Groups that primarily Care• Primary engagement is support.• What their felt need is, Vitalization.• Team responsible—Care & Recovery Team ★ Support this podcast ★

To see the diagram from today's episode, download it HERE. 10 Building Blocks to Engineer a Dynamic Small Group MinistrySteve Gladen and Derek discuss a summer “diagnostic check” for small group ministries by reviewing 10 building blocks to keep groups healthy, scalable, and disciple-making heading into fall. They emphasize first defining what success is for small group leaders, then aligning ministry structures to that outcome through leader training (for members, leaders, and coaches), providing practical tools (including individual and group health assessments and idea resources), and creating a strategic curriculum pathway that addresses weaknesses rather than simply filling time. They also highlight collecting both hard and soft data to support relational shepherding, building a scalable coaching/community-leader structure (often volunteer-based), and defining a group maturity pathway from early fellowship to balanced engagement with the Great Commission/Great Commandment. Finally, they outline three connection strategies—adult Sunday school alignment, a connection strategy when a pastor isn’t fully on board, and church-wide campaigns when leadership is aligned—encouraging leaders to regularly reassess and shore up guardrails using the show-notes diagram and related books.00:00 Welcome to SG Squared01:22 Why Summer Is Ideal04:16 Building Block One Success06:52 Building Block Two Training09:37 Building Block Three Tools12:52 Building Block Four Curriculum15:44 Building Block Five Data18:41 Building Block Six Coaches21:48 Building Block Seven Pathway24:30 Building Blocks Eight To Ten29:42 Final Encouragement Outro ★ Support this podcast ★

People Over Programs: One-to-One Leadership That Keeps Small Groups RelationalPastor Steve Gladen and Derek Olson discuss how small group ministry can drift from being people-focused to program-focused, and argue the most important question is how to keep relationships central. Steve emphasizes the power of one-to-one connection and offers practical ways to reach people beyond email, including texting, calling (with a heads-up text), being present to connect in person at church, sending notes, and even doing brief “pop-bys” with a small gift to create face-to-face contact. Once connected, he shares the SPEAK acrostic for knowing someone personally:Story, Passions, Encouragement (including love languages and key dates), Abilities (including the Benjamin Franklin effect), and Knowledge. He also introduces the “four helpful lists” for improving ministry: what’s working, what’s wrong, what’s confusing, and what’s missing. They close by promoting the May Lobby Gathering event for small group leaders.https://smallgroupnetwork.com00:00 Welcome to SG Squared01:11 Episode Preview02:05 People Over Programs03:01 Power of One to One05:17 How to Reach People06:29 Lobby Lurker and Pop By10:43 SPEAK Acrostic12:47 Encouragement and Dates14:57 Abilities and Franklin Effect19:23 Four Helpful List23:14 Final Challenge and Wrap25:18 Lobby Gathering Invite26:59 Subscribe and Resources ★ Support this podcast ★

The Real Question Small Group Leaders Should Be Asking: What Kind of Disciple Are You Producing?Join all access at the Small Group Network In this episode of SG Squared, Pastor Steve Gladen and Derek discuss how small group point people can get distracted by urgent tasks and connection metrics while missing the most important question: what kind of disciple the church is trying to produce. Steve explains that every small group model includes a connection process, but the strategy must also include a clear discipleship and spiritual formation pathway that goes beyond slogans and cognitive learning to lived obedience. He argues that the small group point person must seek clarity on the church’s discipleship strategy—whether they own it or partner with others—so training, coaching, curriculum, and tools align with the intended outcomes. Listeners are invited to join Small Group Network All Access for resources and updates, including a coaching platform planned for October 2026.00:00 Welcome to SG Squared00:28 Weather and Relativity02:47 The Real Question04:29 Why Connection Matters06:13 Seven Group Models09:32 Discipleship Second Half11:18 Who Owns Discipleship14:06 Point Person Responsibility19:25 Avoid Model Hopping20:51 Wrap Up and Resources ★ Support this podcast ★

Subscribe and Connect with the Small Group NetworkThank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. For more resources and to join the small group community, visit smallgroupnetwork.com. THE MENDOZA STORY130 schools said no.He led the losingest program in college football history to a national championship anyway.Fernando Mendoza was a 2-star recruit from Miami.He tried to walk on at his hometown school. They passed.So did FIU.So did FAU.So did everyone else.At 17, he was sitting in his bedroom, crying over a silent recruiting inbox—after driving to 18 camps with his dad and sending highlights to more than 100 programs.Not one FBS offer.His only option? Yale. No scholarship. No NFL path.Everyone told him to be “realistic.”“Know your place.”“Be grateful.”He didn’t listen.Because Mendoza understood something most people miss:The worst outcome isn’t failing.It’s never getting the chance to try.Two weeks before signing day in 2022, his phone rang.Cal needed a body. One offer. Out of 134 schools.He took it.He arrived as the third-string quarterback.Spent a year on the scout team.Lost his first four starts.Got sacked 41 times behind a broken offensive line.Still got up. Every time.Then Cal brought in a transfer instead of building around him.So Mendoza left the only school that had ever said yes.He transferred to Indiana—the losingest program in college football history.People laughed.“Career suicide.”“Graveyard program.”“Nobody wins there.”One coach told him something different:“I’m going to make you the best Fernando Mendoza possible.”That was enough.Mendoza wasn’t just playing for football.His mother has battled multiple sclerosis for 18 years.Before every snap, he thought of her.“My mother is my why.”Indiana went 16–0.Beat six Top-10 teams.Won their first Big Ten title since 1945.Mendoza threw 41 touchdowns.Won the Heisman—first in school history.First Cuban-American to ever do it.Then came the title game.Miami. Near his hometown.Fourth-and-4. Season on the line.Quarterback draw.The kid 134 schools rejected spun through defenders and dove into the end zone.Game over.Indiana—national champions.The losingest program became the best team in America.All because a 17-year-old refused to believe “no” was the end.Rankings don’t decide your ceiling.Gatekeepers don’t write your ending.Being overlooked isn’t a verdict—it’s a starting point.Sometimes all you need is one shot…and the courage to bet on yourself when nobody else will.Don’t quit.00:00 Thank You for Listening!18:31 Subscribe for More Content18:35 Join the Small Group Network18:43 See You Next Time! ★ Support this podcast ★

5 Small Group Strategies for 2026Welcome to SG Squared with Pastor Steve Gladen, who brings over 25 years of small group ministry experience to provide practical advice and encouragement for leading small groups. In this episode, despite battling the flu, Steve and Derek discuss the importance of leading with purpose, building trust, developing people, celebrating wins, and clarifying roles and next steps. These five key strategies are designed to help you lead small groups more effectively and foster stronger engagement. Whether you're leading in ministry, at work, or at home, these transferable principles will equip you to be a better leader. Don't miss out on this insightful masterclass!Check outSmall Groups With Purpose by Steve GladenandPlanning Small Groups With Purpose by Steve Gladen00:00 Welcome to SG Squared00:23 Catching Up and Health Updates02:21 Five Ways to Lead Effectively05:00 1. Lead with Purpose06:35 2. Build Trust09:10 3. Develop Your People12:41 4. Celebrate the Wins15:13 5. Clarify Roles and Next Steps17:12 Recap and Closing Thoughts18:02 Subscribe and Stay Connected ★ Support this podcast ★

Steve Gladen, Global Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Church, pulls from his 20+ years of small group ministry experience to encourage and equip listeners to lead healthier, growing and more effective small group ministries. In this episode, Steve & co-host Derek talk about Evangelism Made Easy for Small Groups.The 6 Fs ★ Support this podcast ★

Join Pastor Steve Gladen and Derek as they discuss five essential ways to lead effectively in small group ministry, drawing from Steve's 25+ years of experience. They share practical tips on leading with purpose, building trust, developing your people, celebrating wins, and clarifying roles and next steps. Despite battling colds, Steve and Derek share their insights to help small group pastors navigate leadership challenges and improve group dynamics.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:23 Casual Chat and Health Updates02:21 Five Ways to Lead Effectively05:00 1. Lead with Purpose06:35 2. Build Trust09:10 3. Develop Your People12:41 4. Celebrate the Wins15:13 5. Clarify Roles and Next Steps17:12 Conclusion and Recap17:51 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder ★ Support this podcast ★

10 Practical Steps for Handling Upset Individuals in Small Group MinistryIn this episode of SG Squared, Pastor Steve Gladen, with over 25 years of small group ministry experience, and his co-host Derek discuss valuable advice on managing upset individuals within small group ministry. The conversation includes light-hearted pre-show banter about their college football teams, but focuses deeply on equipping listeners with 10 practical tips for dealing with conflict. Key points discussed include listening actively, validating feelings, offering practical support, and much more. The episode concludes with the importance of patience and understanding that not all conflict situations will be resolved immediately. Listen in to gain essential tools to foster peaceful and empathetic conversations within your ministry.10 Tips For Tough Conversations (and to download the full notes click HERE)Start the time in prayer.Make the meeting in a quiet public placeListen actively and empathetically: Allow the member to express their feelings without interruption or judgment. Show that you are truly hearing them by nodding, making eye contact, and offering verbal affirmations like "I understand" or "That sounds really tough."Validate their feelings: Let them know that their feelings are understandable given the situation. You can say something like, "It makes sense that you feel [upset emotion] about this" or "I can see why you'd be frustrated." Get to a place where you can express that "feelings" aren't "facts".Offer practical support (if appropriate): Ask if there's anything they are looking for to be done. This could help you know how extreme they are coming from or they just may want to be heard. You can help them brainstorm solutions, or simply pray with them.Suggest a distraction or activity: Sometimes a change of scenery or a fun activity can help shift their mood. This could be going for a walk, watching a movie, or doing something they enjoy. However, be sensitive to their readiness for this and don't push it if they prefer to talk. A prayer meditation time may bring another perspective.  BBasically focus on Jesus versus the situation.Remind them of your support: Reassure them that you care about them and are there for them. A simple "I'm here for you" or "You're not alone in this" can be very powerful.Encourage self-care: Suggest activities that might help them relax and de-stress, like taking a quiet time, listening to music, or getting some rest.Avoid minimizing their feelings: Don't say things like "It's not that big of a deal" or "You're overreacting." Even if the issue seems small to you, it's significant to them.Don't offer unsolicited advice: Unless they specifically ask for your opinion or solutions, focus on listening and validating. Sometimes people just need to vent.Share a relevant experience (briefly and cautiously): If you've gone through something similar, you might briefly share your experience to show solidarity, but avoid making the conversation about you.Be patient: It can take time for someone to process their emotions. Continue to check in with them and offer support as they navigate their feelings.00:00 Welcome to SG Squared00:21 Pre-Show Banter and Game Week Excitement03:24 Addressing National Tensions and Church Relevance04:17 Setting Up for Practical Tips11:04 10 Practical Tips for Handling Upset People28:07 Bonus Tips and Final Thoughts33:09 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder ★ Support this podcast ★