Includes bibliographical references (p. 235).

Foreword by Rick Warren -- Acknowledgements -- Introduction : the purpose of this book -- Part 1: What is a healthy and balanced small group? : -- 1. My story : and what it has taught me about ministry -- 2. The saddleback difference : the ten foundations of saddleback's small group ministry -- 3. What did we learn from the book of acts? The paradigm shift -- Part 2: What does this look like? : -- 4. Is your vision blurry? Define success clearly -- 5. It all starts with community : build a foundation for health and balance -- 6. Leading for spiritual formation : how to create a church of disciples, not attendees : 7. Don't lead alone : mobilize your groups from siting to serving -- 8. The church with no walls : opening the doors of your church -- 9. More than music : worship is the life of your groups -- Part 3: Step-by-step, how can I do this? -- 10. Spiritual health assessment : living life on purpose -- 11. Helping groups become healthier : provide a clear pathway for members to follow -- 12. Leadership matters : selecting and recruiting leaders -- 13. The road ahead : developing a simple training pathway -- 14. Laying the foundation : developing an organizational infrastructure that works -- Part 4: What does this mean for overall church strategy? : -- 15. Sunday school and/or small groups : understanding how groups fit into your church -- 16. Making the most of every opportunity : how to increase connection -- 17. Exponential power : unleashing the force of campaign strategy -- Part 5: Do I have what it takes? : -- Things I wish someone had told me : lessons from my journey -- Notes.

"Over the past fifteen years, small groups have become a vital way to build community in large churches. Nowhere has this been more apparent than at Saddleback Church. Now Steve Gladen, pastor of small groups at Saddleback, shares the secrets of that ministry's incredible success in creating small groups with purpose.This practical book walks church leaders through the questions they need to answer to develop their own intentional small group strategy. Built around the most commonly asked questions, Small Groups with Purpose outlines the step-by-step process of creating a successful small group ministry. Because it is built upon principles and not methods, this plan can be implemented in any size church. Each chapter ends with a list of questions for readers to answer to help them assess their current situation and their desires for the future. Personal stories, Scripture, and examples ground the discussion and show the system in action.Pastors and small group leaders will find this book instrumental in making small groups work in their churches" -- Publisher description.