Group Talk - Small Group Network

Each of us sets out to be successful but who defines what it means to be successful? How do we get there? The answer may surprise you. In this episode of Reading Lenz we learn from Hall of Fame basketball Coach John Wooden, winner of 10 national championships who would be the first to tell you it wasn’t his championships that determined his success. Tune in as host Nick Lenzi and guest Peter Englert, host of the Why God Why podcast cover the book Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and off the Court by legendary basketball coach John Wooden. Show Notes:The Pyramid of Success - https://www.thewoodeneffect.com/pyramid-of-success/About our guest Peter Englert:Peter Englert serves as the Adult Ministries Director at Browncroft Community Church. He married Robyn and along with their daughter Hayley, they reside in Rochester, NY. Peter graduated from the University of Valley Forge with a B.A. in Pastoral Ministries and an M.A. of Theology. He is the co-host of the hit podcast Why God Why? ★ Sup

Show Notes:The Art of Gathering: How we meet and why it matters by Priya Parker The Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders by Bill SearchWhy does a group get tired? •Leader begins to coast•Meeting becomes routine•Relationships hit a plateau•Purpose is lost#1 Leader Coasting Am I practicing “Generous Authority”? – [Priya Parker] “’Chill’ is selfishness disguised as kindness.” - Priya Parker Generous Authority Serves others by: 1.Protecting group members 2.Equalizing group members 3.Inter-Connecting group members We practice Generous Authority by:1.Practicing good MANNERS in the group 2.Reminding all of the “RULES” 3.Encourage “Sprout” Speeches not “Stump” Speeches Now What?1. Re-affirm Covenant 2. Have tough conversations3. Re-up as the leader or get out 4. Share Leadership #2 Meeting Routine “The room is doing 80% of the job” – Jerry Seinfeld Venue Matters 1.The space should be a symbol of reason for meeting 2.The space should bring out desired behaviors and discourage those you don’t 3.Consider density Form

What are younger generations looking for from churches, small groups, and leaders? What are some unique markers of this generation? What does it look like for them to deconstruct their faith? Join us for this conversation with Saddleback's Development Pastor Dave Alford, who has worked with younger generations for decades both in ministry and higher education to learn how we can better care for, minister to, and engage young adults in our lives, in our churches, on our staffs, and in our communities. Bio: Dave Alford Is Pastor of Leadership Development at Saddleback Church where his team oversees small groups, next steps, interns, and ministries to men, women, and singles. Dave’s background includes experience in business, pastoral ministry, and higher education.  Dave also writes, coaches, and speaks about leadership. Dave has a Bachelors degree from UC Davis, an MBA from USC, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. Show Notes: Contact Dave at  dalford@saddleback.comFor this

When faced with an enviable challenge, how can we best use community to drive us to unity instead defaulting back to our standard of individuality?Join us on this rewind episode we are going back to an impactful book Tribe:On Homecoming and Belonging  by award winning wartime journalist Sebastian Junger. In this episode  modernity is affecting community and how groups are in a prime position to fight for what are heart actually desires.  More About Tommy Carreras:Tommy never had any intention of being in ministry. Jesus found him at 17 and after 6 years figuring out what in the world that meant, he packed everything moved to Ventura CA with his wife, Lauren to work at Mission Church where they served for eight years. Earlier this year they moved to Tennessee to be close to family and work alongside Michael and Cathy Dye implementing and updating The Genesis Process (https://www.genesisprocess.org/). Tommy is also a contributor to the Small Group Network blog and podcast.Tommy's Website → https://tommycarreras

Show Notes:The Art of Gathering: How we meet and why it matters by Priya Parker The Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders by Bill Search Why does a group get tired? •Leader begins to coast •Meeting becomes routine •Relationships hit a plateau •Purpose is lost #1 Leader Coasting Am I practicing “Generous Authority”? – [Priya Parker] “’Chill’ is selfishness disguised as kindness.” - Priya Parker Generous Authority Serves others by: 1.Protecting group members 2.Equalizing group members 3.Inter-Connecting group members We practice Generous Authority by:1.Practicing good MANNERS in the group 2.Reminding all of the “RULES” 3.Encourage “Sprout” Speeches not “Stump” Speeches Now What?1. Re-affirm Covenant 2. Have tough conversations3. Re-up as the leader or get out 4. Share Leadership #2 Meeting Routine “The room is doing 80% of the job” – Jerry Seinfeld Venue Matters 1.The space should be a symbol of reason for meeting 2.The space should bring out desired behaviors and discourage those you don’t 3.Consider density

Guests: Rex & Andrea Minor Intro:  How has your marriage been impacted by working at a church? How are you navigating the unique stressors of vocational ministry and its influence on your marriage? What are some ways we can build and sustain a healthy marriage that helps us thrive in ministry? In honor of the upcoming Valentine’s Day, this episode focuses on how you can maintain and grow a healthy marriage when you work in ministry. Bios: Rex Minor:  Over the last 30 years, Rex has been involved in various pastoral positions in the areas of discipleship, spiritual formation, small groups, support/recovery groups and as an executive pastor. He has served in senior leadership roles in large churches in several states. Rex is currently on staff at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA in the area of care and support ministries, Andrea Minor:  Andrea has been in vocational ministry for over 25 years in large churches in Illinois, Colorado and California. She has led in the areas of children’s ministries, women

In each "Inside Saddleback" Group Talk Podcast episode we feature four unique segments: Saddleback Scoop, Network Nugget, Leadership Learning and the Trending Topic. In this exciting new episode, we cover the following insightful topics:Saddleback Scoop: 3 Keys to Unity1. Success is never a solo entity. You need Mentors, Models, Partners and friends2. The older I get, it’s not so much the place, but the people I am doing life & ministry with.3. Love always wins out. Key Scriptures on unity from Rick Warren's message you can take deeper:YOUR LOVE“My dear friends, we always have good reason to thank God for you, because your faith in God and your love for each otherkeep growing all the time!” 2 Thes. 1:3“ Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.” Col. 3:14YOUR FAITH“We always thank God for you all ... for how you put your faith into practice...” 1 Thess. 1:2-3YOUR GENEROUS SPIRIT“They were extremely generous in their giving ...giving even more than they coul

Why are habits the best way to build consistency inside your groups? Join us for this month's episode of Reading Lenz as host Nick Lenzi is joined by Amber Walker to breakdown the New Times #1 Best Seller Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book has sold over 5 million copies, tune into to hear what you should know about this book and the takeaways we are bringing into our groups. Episode Highlights:Atomic Habits Intro (8:35)Difference between a habit and a goal (12:40)Make it obvious (17:30)Make it attractive (21:50)Make it easy (28:40)Make it satisfying (37:05)Lightning Round (42:00)More About Our Guest Amber Walker:Amber is the Director of Engagement at The Bible Chapel in Pittsburgh, PA where she has been for 2 ½ years. Prior to moving home to Pittsburgh, she was working in New York City doing marketing for American Express. When she's not creating community, you can find her cheering on the Steelers and seeking out good eats around town. About the Host Nick Lenzi:Nick has been helping people belong as the

Do you "want to want to read the Bible?" Do you or your groups struggle to incorporate Bible reading as a regular habit? We talk with Tara-Leigh Cobble, host of the Bible Recap, a short digest of a daily bible reading. With millions of downloads, Tara Leigh has been enormously influential in helping people love to read and understand the Bible. She also believes that the Bible is best understood in the context of community, alongside one another in groups. So Tara-Leigh founded and leads D-Groups to deepen Biblical understanding, community, and accountability, and she shares how these discipleship groups can work in any church or community environment. Links:  https://www.taraleighcobble.com/https://www.thebiblerecap.com/https://www.taraleighcobble.com/d-grouphttps://www.mydgroup.org/church ★ Support this podcast ★

In each "Inside Saddleback" Group Talk Podcast episode we feature four unique segments: Saddleback Scoop, Network Nugget, Leadership Learning and the Trending Topic. In this exciting new episode, we cover the following insightful topics:Saddleback Scoop: Your Vision CastingGetting you ready- The moment we are in doesn’t pause the mission we are on! - Ed Stetzer- Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a KNOWN God. - Corey Ten BoomSGPP Vision—focus TRUST—Truth, resilience, Unity, Stewardship, TeachabilityCL Launch--RetreatYou need to set the tone and set it fast!Network Nugget: Your Ability to TAKE, GIVE and WINWhat are you most excited about for the SGN in 2022?TAKE:Physical Lobby February 22 to 24, 2022 - this event will serve YOU- 15 Year Anniversary—everyone attending gets our commemorative coin- New Format: Tracks—New, Veterans, church size- 2 challenge talks for groups you aren’t thinking aboutATTAIN (for small group leaders)  launching 2022 in DC/Baltimore area, Nashville, Dallas, Hawaii and Orlan

Has your life been changed by a small group? Do you know someone else who has been transformed? Love God Greatly is a ministry that creates and translates Bible studies in 40 different languages. James Browning interviews Viola Bolbas and Angela Perritt about how God has been using their Bible studies and groups to impact women across the globe. Throughout the interview you'll also hear stories from the women in the groups from several different countries.  If you are interested in groups ministry or if you are a seasoned small group point person, hearing the testimonies of those who are impacted will never stop renewing your heart. To find out more about Love God Greatly, just visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/ And to learn more about the Small Group Network, head over to https://smallgroupnetwork.com/ or join our facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/SGNContact #bible-study #smallgroup #womensministry ★ Support this podcast ★

On this final episode of the year we pause to reflect on our learnings and takeaways from the 12 episodes we did this year. Below you can find all episodes from this past year:   January - Creativity Inc. - https://bit.ly/3qfRpeJ February - Never Split the Difference - https://bit.ly/3yLVXxa March - E-Myth - https://bit.ly/3edS7Ud April - How to Lead When Your Not in Charge - https://bit.ly/3mpOfnt May - Silos Politics and Turf Wars - https://bit.ly/3H2gfp7 June - Art of the Gathering - https://bit.ly/32rpVe0 July - Ted Lasso - https://bit.ly/32oREvI August - Hero Maker - https://bit.ly/32s2IIk September - The Other Half of The Church - https://bit.ly/3mow2Xk October - Made to Stick - https://bit.ly/3H0XAdp November - Hospitality - https://bit.ly/3Fj3AxL December - Live No Lies - https://bit.ly/3qjtefm ★ Support this podcast ★

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Join us for an honest and engaging conversation about NY Times bestseller, "Live No Lies, Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies that Sabotage Your Peace."  Author and pastor John Mark Comer says "the problem isn't that we've been told lies, it's that we end up believing them."  So what are some lies about God, ourselves, other people, church, and ministry that we believe? How are these lies forming or "deforming" our character and life with God? Comer tackles the three sources of lies (devil, flesh, world), challenges us to combat the various lies, and gives some practices to win the battle and live daily in the truth of the Kingdom of God.   No More Lies Book   Lobby Gathering 2022 - Don't forget to use promo code grouptalk to get your $100 off! ★ Support this podcast ★

In each "Inside Saddleback" Group Talk Podcast episode, we feature 4 unique segments:  Saddleback Scoop, Network Nugget, Leadership Learning and the Trending Topic. In this exciting new episode, we cover the following insightful topics:   Saddleback Scoop: Get ready for 2022--DiscipleMAKING   Group Launch (onramp)—DiscipleMAKING - Is it small group or discipleship? - Cost of DiscipleMaking CL Launch--Retreat SGPP Vision—focus TRUST—Truth, resilience, Unity, Stewardship, Teachability   Network Nugget: Lobby Gathering 2022   Our personal look back of the SGN this year Physical Lobby Gathering February 22 to 24, 2022 - 15 Year Anniversary - New Format: Tracks—New, Veterans, church size - 2 challenge talks for groups you aren’t thinking about ATTAIN (for small group leaders)  launching 2022 in DC, Nashville, Dallas and Hawaii SGN Ideas Book   Leadership Learning: 6 questions to survive attackers (within and outside) - What do you do when supporters are your enemies? - 6 questions to ask to survive attackers—2022

Do you remember your first night at group? Do you remember the message you talked about? Or do you remember how they made you feel?  We often overlook how we are intentionally welcoming those new to our community and into our groups. On this episode we are joined by hospitality expert, Sarah Neral, who will share with us practical ways we can impact our groups through biblical hospitality. ABOUT OUR GUEST Sarah Neral is the Associate Director of Community at Hoboken Grace in Hoboken, NJ. One of Sarah’s biggest joy comes from building community and helping people get connected. A North Carolina native, she joined Hoboken Grace in 2011 when she moved to the NY/NJ area and joined staff in 2015. Prior to Hoboken Grace, Sarah worked in Wealth Management and Philanthropic Solutions with US Trust. When she’s not exploring Hoboken with her husband, CJ, and daughter, Lela Rose, you can find her immersed in a great book, planning a party or hosting a friendly gathering. SAMPLE EMAIL Hi NAME, We are so excited you decid

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Guest: Allen White    Bio: Allen White has led small group and discipleship ministries for over 30 years. He has coached over 1,500 churches and is the author of four books including his latest book, Leading Online Small Groups: Embracing the Church's Digital Future. He works with churches through individual coaching, online courses, consultations as well as providing resources through his blog, a free email newsletter, and occasional videos. https://allenwhite.org/   Sign up for Lobby Gathering 2022 today! ★ Support this podcast ★

In each "inside Saddleback" Group Talk Podcast episode, we feature four unique segments:  Saddleback Scoop, Network Nugget, Leadership Learning and the Trending Topic. In this exciting new episode, we cover the following insightful topics: Saddleback Scoop: Fall Learnings Update Group Launch (Update) Rick video and small group testimony Customizing Campuses Learnings Sharpen communication Stop distractions Empower the campus creativity…kind of  Picture Innovation was off the charts GROUP Method IBS born CL Launch (Update) 5 modules Module One: Being an Intentional Shepherd Module Two: Intentional Shepherding and Spiritual Presence Module Three: Graceful Conversations Module Four: Asking Insightful and Inspired Questions Module Five: Resources to help you All Day training at the Ranch…starting push to train all 350 CL’s Network Nugget: Growth Spurt Growth Page over 50k, FB Group approaching 10k, UPDATE Virtual Lobby going global in 2022 New course to follow: Leadership Essentials  Physic