Discovering Your True North: Effective Strategies for Small Group Alignment

The Real Question Small Group Leaders Should Be Asking: What Kind of Disciple Are You Producing?

In this episode of SG Squared, Pastor Steve Gladen and Derek discuss how small group point people can get distracted by urgent tasks and connection metrics while missing the most important question: what kind of disciple the church is trying to produce. Steve explains that every small group model includes a connection process, but the strategy must also include a clear discipleship and spiritual formation pathway that goes beyond slogans and cognitive learning to lived obedience. He argues that the small group point person must seek clarity on the church’s discipleship strategy—whether they own it or partner with others—so training, coaching, curriculum, and tools align with the intended outcomes. Listeners are invited to join Small Group Network All Access for resources and updates, including a coaching platform planned for October 2026.

00:00 Welcome to SG Squared
00:28 Weather and Relativity
02:47 The Real Question
04:29 Why Connection Matters
06:13 Seven Group Models
09:32 Discipleship Second Half
11:18 Who Owns Discipleship
14:06 Point Person Responsibility
19:25 Avoid Model Hopping
20:51 Wrap Up and Resources

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