Show notes
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 ★
