About this episode

Steve Gladen and Derek Olson discuss maintaining a people-focused approach in small group ministry over program focus.

People Over Programs: One-to-One Leadership That Keeps Small Groups Relational Pastor 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.com 00:00 Welcome to SG Squared 01:11 Episode Preview 02:05 People Over Programs 03:01 Power of One to One 05:17 How to Reach People 06:29 Lobby Lurker and Pop…

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the SG² Steve Gladen on Small Groups podcast page.