At the Atlanta Saddleback Small Group Conference

Hundreds of pastors and small group point leaders gathered for this year’s Saddleback small group conference April 24 and 25 in Atlanta. It was clear that God was going to do something at this event because Steve Gladen’s trip to Atlanta was marred by two successive plane cancellations just to get out of Dallas. Then, the first day of the conference, Steve came down with laryngitis. By the fourth session, his voice was a frog, and he ended up using the video from the same session in 2008. On Saturday there were almost a hundred more small group hosts (leaders) that came for inspiration and training. Steve had the help of a few stand-ins for his main sessions, but he gathered what was left of his voice and wrapped up the day with a dramatic closing time of recommitment.

 This year, the conference structure was changed in order to help churches that have been affected by the economy. Instead of three days, with over 50 workshops, starting at $259 for early registration, the Atlanta conference was two days, with two tracks and three workshops, at just $39/day for early registration. Some churches took advantage of the group rates and paid only $25/day for their team. As one registrant said on their evaluation sheet, “The price for this conference is unheard of.  Hope you can keep it that way.”

 New at this conference was the Leadership Think Tank session. This forum is for seasoned leaders who are already implementing the principles taught in the general sessions and wanting to grow their ministry to the next step. Reid Smith moderated the Think Tank session in Atlanta in which a roomful of leaders tackled some of the thorniest challenges to their ministries. This was a dynamic and highly rated session.

Go visit the NEXT Conference Website by clicking here.

Small Group Study Suggestions

REFUEL

As a Christian, you know you need to have devotions. You’ve heard it from your pastor; you’ve seen the study guides; you may have even made a dent in the One Year Bible. Some of you have valiantly set your alarm clocks back an hour for morning quiet time, only to find that life creeps back in to steal your resolve. It isn’t because you don’t love God. You quit because you “bought into” someone’s unsustainable habit at an unreasonable pace.

But you don’t have to keep running on empty. Bestselling author Doug Fields offers an uncomplicated, practical plan that you can carry out. This book won’t teach you how to “cram God” into your already-full schedule. Instead, Doug will show you a practical, doable way of setting God first, and then letting everything else in your life fall into place. You will experience the fullness God has for you-just take some time to refuel.

Buy Refuel Here: http://www.saddlebackresources.com/en-US/Resources/ProductDetail.htm?sku=PB301800

FOUNDATIONS

Until recently, this study was not available in a small group format outside of Saddleback Church.  I am thrilled to announce that small group studies are now available!  These eleven wonderful studies are DVD based and each four week study covers a different topic.  Topics include: God, The Bible, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Creation, Salvation, Good and Evil, Sanctification, The Afterlife, The Church, and The Second Coming.

Have a hard time getting your people into traditional classes? This is the answer! Give them the opportunity to learn and explore these issues in a group environment.

Get Foundations Here: www.saddlebackresources.com/en-US/SmallGroups/Foundations/FoundationsSmallGroupStudy.htm