This podcast discussion focused on the future of small groups in churches, featuring Scott Sullivan hosting Steve Gladen and Rick Howerton, two veteran small group ministry leaders. The conversation explored opportunities for small groups to impact churches and culture over the next 5-10 years, with both guests emphasizing the importance of relationships and discipleship over mere friendship-building. They discussed challenges including the risk of institutionalizing what should be a spiritual movement, the need for clear discipleship outcomes, and the importance of properly trained leaders who can guide groups toward spiritual maturity rather than just social connection. The discussion also covered practical advice for churches transitioning from traditional Sunday school models to small group approaches, including the importance of maintaining both systems under one discipleship umbrella and using technology to meet people where they are before moving them toward deeper spiritual formation.

Next steps

Summary
Scott led a discussion about the future of small groups, noting that Steve and Rick are part of the top leadership who have experience with small groups implementation. Scott indicated there would be a follow-up podcast about Sunday school with Ken Braddy and Allan Taylor.

Scott interviewed Steve Gladen and Rick Howerton about the future of small groups, with the discussion being recorded for both audio podcast and video platforms. Rick explained that after retiring from Lakewood Church, he is now focused on coaching, consulting, training, writing, and leading cohorts, with his latest book being Cracking the Volunteer Code about recruiting and retaining volunteers.

Small Group Ministry Transition
Steve shared his transition from Saddleback Church to joining Pine Lake Church in Mississippi, where he will focus on discipleship and small groups. Both Steve and Rick discussed the future of small groups, emphasizing the importance of relationships and obedience over simply making friends, with Rick highlighting the need for doctrine clarity in groups and Steve stressing the need for proper structure while maintaining relational health. They identified key pitfalls in small group ministry, including over-institutionalization and focusing on system maintenance rather than discipleship, while emphasizing that healthy groups require both proper structure and strong relational connections.

Small Groups Transition Strategy
Rick and Steve discussed the importance of pastors engaging authentically with their small groups and having a captivating vision statement, like Rick's example of seeing biblical small groups within walking distance of everyone. They addressed the challenges of transitioning from traditional Sunday school to small groups, emphasizing that the focus should be on the outcome and discipleship rather than the format. Steve outlined a change management approach involving time, trust, and truth, and discussed the five levels of renewal and innovation diffusion curves to help leaders navigate these transitions effectively. Rick was about to provide practical advice for implementing small groups in churches that currently have Sunday school.

Small Groups and Sunday School Integration
Rick emphasized the importance of maintaining both small groups and Sunday school while ensuring they work together under a unified discipleship umbrella. He recommended starting with an experimental small group and using consistent terminology and training across both ministries to prevent conflict. Rick also highlighted that people from churches with only Sunday school often leave in search of more relational experiences, suggesting that small groups can help address this gap. The discussion ended with an uncompleted question about how traditional small group models might need to evolve to produce multiplying disciples, particularly in light of technology and cultural changes.

Church Small Groups Evolution
Scott and Rick discussed the evolution of small groups in churches, with Rick explaining how the model has shifted from Sunday school-focused education to more relational small groups due to people moving away from their hometowns. Rick emphasized the need to focus on making mature disciples rather than just building community, noting that 70% of high school students leave the church after graduation. Steve highlighted how technology can help provide master teachers in small groups and discussed different types of groups that can help people connect with the church, including online groups, missional groups, fellowship-based groups, and service-oriented groups, while emphasizing the importance of gradually moving people toward deeper discipleship.

Small Groups Future Planning
Scott, Steve, and Rick discussed the future of small groups, focusing on both exciting opportunities and concerns. Steve expressed enthusiasm about seeing lives changed and helping people grow closer to Jesus through community, while Rick highlighted the importance of effective pastor training and groups engaging with the Holy Spirit. Concerns included the church not harnessing its full potential, lead pastors not promoting group ministry, spiritually immature leaders, and group leaders lacking biblical knowledge to address heresy. The discussion emphasized the need for simple, gospel-focused approaches and spiritual maturity in leadership to make a meaningful impact.

You can contact Rick Howerton at rick.pgcc@gmail.com and Steve Gladen at steve@smallgroupnetwork.com.