{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"GA Baptist Discipleship","title":"Episode 138: The Future of Small Groups with Steve Gladen, lead pastor of Discipleship at Pinelake Church, and Rick Howerton, Central Groups Pastor at Lakepoint Church","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":4324,"description":"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.\nNext steps\nPromote and support hybrid models (small groups and Sunday School) within Georgia Baptist churches, encouraging equal weight and shared terminology for both models to foster unity and discipleship.\nShare and promote resources (e.g., Rick's “Cracking the Volunteer Code”, Steve's Small Group Network, Scott's cohorts) to equip pastors and group leaders for effective, multiplying discipleship.\nHighlight stories and models of successful hybrid (small group/Sunday School) ministries within the Georgia Baptist network to encourage other churches to consider similar approaches.\nContinue developing strategies to move various types of church groups (fellowship, mission, service, etc.) toward deeper discipleship, helping group members progress from assimilation to spiritual growth.\nUtilize the \"three Ts\" (Time, Trust, Truth) change management approach when guiding legacy Sunday school classes or traditional groups toward small group/discipleship models, investing in...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/zNKX3icnJ47p9LBPU6AxotTfzrzOS3CL0lQn3dy79Aw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzEyOTY2LzE2Njgx/MDIxODMtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}