Don’t Miss Creating Community! (The revised and updated version is fantastic!)
I reviewed the first version of Creating Community in 2008. That was a very good book that I’ve had on my recommended list ever since. Definitely one of the top 10 books I’d recommend for small group ministry. The revised and updated version is awesome and packed with timely insights! The revised and updated version…
Read MoreThe Leaders You Need Aren’t Already in a Group
I’ve written about insights often over the last 15 years. Sometimes an insight will take a long time to clarify. Like the moment when sugar at the right temperature begins to caramelize. It’s been gently warming. Patiently. And then suddenly you notice that the white crystals are turning lightly brown on the edges. Other times…
Read MorePlanning to Launch New Groups This Fall?
What’s your plan for the fall ministry season? Launching a church-wide campaign? I sure hope so! After all, it is the very best way to launch the largest number of new groups and connect the largest number of unconnected people. Getting ready for the biggest semester launch or the largest small group connection since 2019?…
Read MoreHave you seen GroupLife Insider NEXT?
Have you heard about the big changes at GroupLife Insider (my membership site)? Yep…we made it easier to subscribe (and cheaper too!). We also added a some very cool new benefits and features. All this thinking led us to change the name slightly: GLI NEXT. Why a membership site? As much as I enjoy sharing…
Read MoreFAQ: What to do when a new “leader” doesn’t meet leadership standards?
One of my most popular posts has been FAQ: What If a New “Leader” Doesn’t Meet Leadership Standards? The 2016 article was written to answer this question: “What do I do if someone who doesn’t meet our leadership standards ends up being chosen as a group leader in a small group connection.” Note: You’ve probably…
Read MoreLAUNCH NEW GROUPS WITH A SMALL GROUP CONNECTION + CIRCLE UP (UPDATED)
Backstory A little more than 20 years ago I began leading the small group ministry at Fellowship of the Woodlands (now Woodlands Church). Fellowship was about 6 years old and growing like a weed; attendance was growing faster than volunteers and leaders could be identified. I was a volunteer. I had some previous staff experience…
Read MoreFREE PREVIEW: Supercharge Your Fall Ministry Season – Session One
There’s a reason so many food vendors offer a free taste of their latest creation. There’s a reason mattress companies offer a 100 night risk free trial. And there’s a reason automobile dealerships offer free test drives. What’s the reason? They’re confidant that after you’ve sampled what they’re selling you’ll be ready to buy what…
Read More5 Great Post-Easter Studies (2022)
Looking for the right study to share with unconnected people after Easter? Of the three best times every year to connect unconnected people into new groups, post-Easter is the third best (in my opinion) but it is still a very time to hold a connecting event and promote in the right ways. After Easter there…
Read More3 Things You Can Do This Week to Connect More People After Easter
There are three ideal times to connect unconnected people every year. In most churches, late September/early October has the most potential followed by late January/early February. A couple weeks after Easter presents a third very promising option to connect unconnected people. It’s not problem-free, but the reality is every season comes with its own set…
Read MoreTop 5 Church-Wide Campaigns for 2022
Planning a church-wide campaign for 2022? If you’re thinking about fall ’22, you’ve still got plenty of time. If you’re thinking about post Easter…it’s time to decide! See also, When Is the Best Time to Launch a Church-Wide Campaign. While choosing the best church-wide campaigns is certainly subjective, I’ve made these selections with almost 20 years…
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