Episode 138: The Future of Small Groups with Steve Gladen and Rick Howerton

In this episode of the Georgia Baptist Discipleship Podcast, host Scott Sullivan (Discipleship Catalyst at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board) talks with guests Steve Gladen (lead pastor of Discipleship at Pinelake Church) and Rick Howerton (Central Groups Pastor at Lakepoint Church) about the future of small group ministry. They discuss how churches can move beyond fellowship-focused programs to build relational communities that produce spiritually mature and obedient disciples who share their faith. They also explore the influence that technology, cultural isolation and the everyday believer have on shaping the next generation of group ministry, emphasizing the need to meet people where they are and guide them toward deeper discipleship. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, Steve and Rick challenge churches to measure success by changed lives and spiritual fruit rather than attendance or the size of their group system.