When we first planted Saddleback Church, I understood that it wasn’t about a physical structure. It was about transformed lives. People connected to God and each other, working together to minister to others in our community and around the world. And the one thing that has mobilized our congregation to step forward and meet need after need is our small group ministry.
In fact, Saddleback is an example of how just one small group can have a significant and powerful impact. When my wife, Kay, and I started the church, it was simply a small group that met in the living room of our rented apartment, and now forty years later, there are over 7,000 small groups within our congregation.
This has allowed us to grow larger as a congregation while also becoming smaller. How is that possible? Through the intimate fellowship in our small groups that connects people to each other at the heart level. We consistently have more people engaged in our small groups than attending our weekly worship services.
So much of this is due to the leadership of Steve Gladen, a pastor with a deep passion for Jesus and people. Steve has expanded and fine-tuned Saddleback’s small group ministry for decades. He’s learned what works, and he’s learned what doesn’t. That’s valuable experience to tap into. And Steve has generously shared what he’s learned with thousands of church leaders who have started small group ministries.
The book you hold in your hands offers these same lessons from Steve, and I believe God can use it to radically change your small group ministry while creating greater intimacy among the people in your congregation. It will help increase outreach and service to your community and encourage small group members to work together to share the hope of Christ throughout the world.
Here’s the thing. You may be overflowing with vision for your small group ministry, but there is a point where you have to stop thinking about it and talking about it and start doing something about it. There’s a time to put your vision into action. I’ve met thousands of pastors with incredible vision for ministry, but sadly, they never got past the thinking stage. What good is a vision when it stays stuck in your head? Steve will take you past the thinking stage and show you how to take practical steps to turn your vision into faithful action.
I am convinced that small groups are the most effective way to harness the energy of millions of Christians. They equip and encourage believers to work together in order to fulfill the call of the Great Commission and the great commandment!
God bless you!
Rick Warren, Saddleback Church