Many thanks to:
The senior pastors who have played a huge role in my life before Saddleback Church: Gene Speich, Paul Currie, George Smith, Charles Blair, Jason Garcia, and Larry DeWitt. Thanks for your role in shaping me for kingdom service.
Rick and Kay Warren, who have poured into me since 1983 without even knowing it. Your constant dedication to ministry, pastoral families, and the health of the church are overwhelming. You are the same in person as you are on the platform. Your sacrifice makes this book possible and the small group ministry of Saddleback Church what it is. I wish everyone could get a glimpse of the pastor I know day in and day out. You are my pastor. Thanks for leading!
Christi Hamilton, your passion for writing and making sense of my senseless thoughts has been the salvation for this book. You read my mind and brought this book to life! Christi, you and your family are a godsend to the Gladen family.
Brian Smith, editor extraordinaire. You encouraged, pushed, challenged, and made this book better! Thanks for all your time and passion and love for small groups.
Chad Allen, boy you put up with a lot from me! Thanks to you and Baker Publishing for believing in me and going on this journey . . . again!
Gina Rikimaru, who has lived this journey more than most by being next to me, making my ministry more effective for his kingdom. Your unseen hours devoted to Saddleback Church, the Small Group Team, and my family are appreciated more than you know.
The Small Group Pastors at all our campuses: Dave Alford, Aaron Amaya, Brandon Bathauer, Corrie Bowman, Larry Cherrison, Julie Chung, Laura Copeland, Jeff Feld, Eduardo Garcia, Jeff Gonzalez, Matt Graybill, Will Guzman, Ryan Hacker, Tom Kang, Jay Kranda, Karo Ku, Kevin Lee, Reagan Miura, Chris Reed, Glenn Reynolds, Aaron Roberts, Beth Schwartz, Brannon Shortt, John Simons, Jim Sonnenburg, Clay Stokes, Santosh Swamidass, Jason Williams, Jacob Wilson, Chris Yi, Sam Yoon, and Steve Yu.
The Small Group Network leadership: Eric Falcinella, Ron Wilbur, Gina Abbas, Jason Banzhoff, Brian Beall, Danny Bias, JT Black, Ryan Brammer, Philip Byers, Andrew Camp, Vinnie Cappetta, Tommy Carreras, Cynthia Considine, Steve Curran, Dennis Funk, Michael Grayston, Manie Groenewald, JW Hilliard, Mark Kendall, Nick Lenzi, Paul Lewis, Andrew Mason, Mark Mehlig, Jon Noto, Derek Olson, Greg Robins, Josh Rose, Carolyn Taketa, Kiersten Telzerow, Daniel Thomas, Dan Tupps, Tracey Ware, Joe Windham, Adam Workman, Matthew Wray, and Ron Youtsey, who make the SGN strong so we are better together!
Those who read the manuscript and gave suggestions that made this book better: Jason Williams, Carolyn Taketa, Barnaby and Alyssa Riedel, and Michael Gerber.
My small group, who has lived this crazy journey with Lisa and me: Dave and Molly Alford, Berto and Ruby Guzman, Todd and Tracy Jones, and Gina and Tyra Rikimaru. Our families are forever knit together.
My parents, Bill and Fern Gladen, who took a risk in their fifties to follow Christ and who are waiting for us in heaven—party on! To my brothers Kurt (in heaven), Greig, Todd (in heaven), Mark, and my brave sister Nita; I love life with you and wish geography wasn’t between us. Thank the Lord for video calls!
Lisa, Erika, and Ethan, who I would die for and who are the reason I get up in the morning. Lisa, you cheer me on and give me grace, more than I deserve. Since 1988 you have believed in me and my ministry. You sacrifice more than anyone knows; you are an amazing mother and wife! I love you! Erika and Ethan, you bring a smile and a glimpse into the future. You are both turning into amazing young adults. I pray for your growth in the Lord, calling, and impact for his kingdom. Live strong for him!
To Jesus Christ who strengthens me and makes this whole work possible.