Are Online Small Groups Possible & What Do Online Groups Look Like?

I was featured on "The Groups Matter Podcast" a while back talking about online small groups with Steve Gladen, my boss, the small group guru for churches. In the episode, we talk about how Saddleback Church leverages the controversial practice of online small groups. Steve and I discuss how increasing globalization has led to the opportunity to contact and engage with thousands of people through an online platform. I share how establishing contact with individuals who perhaps feel more comfortable meeting Jesus and the gospel online can lead them to eventually begin meeting regularly with a physical small group in their area and how clusters of these small groups in localized places can even eventually lead to a new church plant. Steve and I also offer some practical advice and inexpensive resources for groups pastors who are considering trying out online small groups in their church.