In this introductory episode of the 'Dream Now' podcast series, co-hosts James Browning and Bradley Soendlin, the engagement pastor at Saddleback Irvine South, welcome small group hosts to a journey of pursuing God-sized dreams. Bradley shares his fun, long-time dream of starting a diner that could serve as a community gathering place, while James emphasizes the importance of shared dreams in Christian life. The episode discusses the framework for the series, which includes weekly sermons, video discussions, and daily devotionals designed to equip and inspire small group hosts. Listeners are encouraged to integrate this material into their daily lives and share their feedback and stories of life change.

And don't forget to share your story, suggestions, or even questions to us at smallgroups@saddleback.com

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:51 Bradley's Dream: Starting a Diner
02:02 The Importance of Shared Dreams
03:03 Biblical Examples of Dreaming Together
03:47 Saddleback's Dream and Small Groups
04:24 DreamNow Series Overview
05:37 Encouragement and Resources for Small Group Hosts
06:52 Conclusion and Weekly Podcast Announcement

In the first episode of the 'Help for Hosts' podcast for the Dream Now series, hosts James Browning and Bradley introduce the concept of 'dreaming now' and discuss practical ways small group hosts can facilitate engaging and meaningful discussions. The conversation touches on Biblical dreamers like Joseph, practical tips for running both online and on-campus groups, and emphasizes the importance of creating a comfortable environment for participants. They also stress the significance of prayer and being prepared with thoughtful questions rather than answers. Throughout the podcast, group hosts are encouraged to make people feel heard and appreciated, and to respect the diverse comfort levels and participation styles of their group members.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:38 Dreaming Now for Your Life
02:05 Practical Tips for Group Hosts
03:55 Creating a Comfortable Environment
06:50 Engaging Group Discussions
08:29 Praying and Supporting Dreams
11:39 Tips for Online and On-Campus Groups
13:17 Sharing Your Stories and Dreams
14:29 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode, Early Childhood Pastor Hannah from Lake Forest campus joins us to discuss how families can dream together as part of the 'Dream Now' series at Saddleback Church. She shares her excitement for week two, highlighting the importance of family involvement in small groups. Hannah and her husband provide practical tips for hosting small groups with children, emphasizing the value of preparation, patience, and adaptability. They also share a heartwarming story of legacy through volunteering, featuring the Reedy family’s long-term dedication to serving in the kindergarten classroom. The episode serves as a guide to integrating kids into small groups, fostering a collaborative family environment, and dreaming for future generations.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:20 Dream Now for Your Family
01:13 Tips for Hosting Small Groups with Kids
04:09 The Importance of Snacks and Preparation
05:12 Patience, Forgiveness, and Time Management
07:02 Legacy and Stronger Homes Initiative
08:47 Conclusion and Call for Stories

In this week's episode of the Help for Host podcast for the Dream Now initiative, hosted by James, the focus is on Dreaming Now for your church. Special guest Steve Gladen, pastor of Dream Now Groups and an elder at Saddleback Church, joins the discussion to offer advice and resources for hosts as they move into the second half of the series. Key topics include curricula recommendations for both new and existing small groups, strategies for effective small group meetings, and tips for staying connected between sessions. Steve and James also touch on the importance of prayer and celebrating group milestones. Additionally, the episode emphasizes the powerful impact of small group interaction on personal and community growth.

00:00 Welcome to Week Three of Help for Host Podcast
00:13 Special Guest: Pastor Steve Gladen
00:21 Halfway Point Reflections
01:50 Curriculum Recommendations for Small Groups
02:54 Tips for New and Existing Groups
05:46 Preparing for Your Meetings
07:41 During the Meeting: Best Practices
10:43 Subgrouping and Prayer Time
12:15 Staying Connected Between Meetings
14:00 Conclusion and Encouragement

In this episode of the Help for Host Podcast, James Browning and German Perez discuss week four of the Dream Now series. The focus is on how small groups can dream for their communities. The episode covers tips on concluding the series successfully, such as planning celebrations and preparing for future studies. German Perez, a small groups expert from Saddleback, shares practical advice on previewing content, praying for group members, and engaging with the community through events like book clubs. The episode also highlights the importance of reviewing previous weeks' discussions and ends with actionable steps for hosts to pray over their neighborhoods.

00:00 Introduction to Week Four
00:14 Meet German Perez
01:10 Tips for Wrapping Up the Series
02:41 Planning Your Next Study
03:40 Preparing for Your Group Meeting
06:22 Dreaming for Your Community
07:29 Closing Your Group Effectively
09:11 Final Thoughts and Contact Information