The Purpose Driven Small Group Network is the dream of Steve Gladen,
Pastor of the Small Group Community of Saddleback Church. After
receiving questions from so many Small Group Point People over the
years, many ready to throw in the towel, Steve beg  an to wonder how he
could help all of these people beyond a short phone conversation or
email. As he began to explore possibilities, he realized, beyond an
occasional conference, very few of these leaders had contact with any
other Small Group Point People - even those that lived just a few miles
from each other. At that point, he started to dream of a free Network
that would connect all of these people to each other. It is Steve's goal
that no Small Group Point Person ever stands alone. To this end, he
created the PDSG Network to connect Small Group Point People across
North America so that they might build relationships, encourage one
another, and share resources and ideas.. [ Read full article] |
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by Rick Warren
 For the past few months we have been looking at Principles of
Leadership from Jesus. This month, I will wrap up our discussion with
the principles of Meditation and Relaxation. MeditationMeditation is listening to God. Listening to God continually and
throughout your day. Make listening to God a habit of your life. The Bible tells us in Mark 1:35, "Very
early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the
house, and went off to a solitary place where He prayed "(NIV). We
think prayer is talking to God. But that's only half-right. Prayer is
conversation. And in a conversation you both talk and listen. What if
you had a conversation with a friend and you did all the talking and
they never talked back? Or they did all the talking and you never talked
back? That wouldn't be called a conversation. That's a monologue. [ Read full article]
How to Increase the Health of Your Sunday School
by Steve Gladen
 After the number of responses from last month's article, Small Groups Versus Sunday School, I decided to dedicate the next two
months to this important issue of Sunday School and small groups. This
month I will discuss how you can bring health to your small groups. Next
month, I will be discussing the question, How can I add small groups to
my Sunday School church? Once your church has decided how to define a healthy follower of
Christ (for Saddleback it is someone balancing the Great Commission and
Great Commandment in their heart-fellowship, discipleship, service,
evangelism and worship), then there are some practical steps you can
take to help your Sunday school class maximize health. Here are some
suggestions: [ Read full article]
by Steve Gladen  Are your small groups getting in a rut? Looking for a way to take
their relationships with God and with each other to a new level? Give
them suggestions for incorporating the biblical purposes into their
small groups! FellowshipMeet with another small group either from your church or another
church. A shared Bible study like that can be a tool for Christian
growth as well as an opportunity to establish fellowship with another
group. Discuss with the other group any unique aspects of their meetings
and glean ideas for new ways to approach your own Bible study time.
by Rick Warren
Matthew 11:28-30 tells us, Come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from
me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (NIV). In
this beautiful and short passage Jesus says three things: come, take,
and learn. That's all you need to know about stress management.
1. Come to Jesus
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give
you rest. In the Bible people came to Jesus for many different
reasons. Some people came for forgiveness. Some people came for
answers. Some people came for healing.
Looking for a small group study? We feature new material every month.
Books, websites, and videos of interest to those directing small group ministries. |
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