Posts by Mark Howell
Set Aside What You Think Is True to Learn What Is Actually True
I quoted a line from Gary Hamel in a recent post. A great line, very thought-provoking, and one that ought to be downright terrifying for many church leaders. Hamel wrote: “Organizations lose their relevance when the rate of internal change lags the pace of external change. And that’s the problem that besets many churches today (Gary Hamel, Organized…
Read MoreReading List for Christmas, 2013
Every year I create a list of books I think you should read. Sometimes the books I include are very purely about small group ministry, discipleship or spiritual formation. Other times, the books I include may seem pretty far afield (innovation, design, leadership, or strategy). You’ll just have to trust me. I wouldn’t include a…
Read MoreDilbert on Hard Realities
Sometimes you need a laugh. And sometimes the truth hurts…really hurts.
Read MoreJoin Me for a FREE Conference Call: 5 Secrets to a Big Start in 2014
As you probably know, the beginning of the year is the second best opportunity all year to launch more small groups and connect more people. It’s such a good opportunity…but it’s a shame to see it wasted so often! Want to learn the 5 Secrets to a Big (GroupLife) Start in 2014? You’re invited! Join…
Read MoreDon’t Miss Starting Small: A New Book from Ben Reed
Had a chance to preview Starting Small: The Ultimate Small Group Blueprint, a new book from my friend Ben Reed. Ben is the small groups pastor at Long Hollow, a multi-site church in the Nashville, TN area. I call Ben a whippersnapper because for someone his age to know what he knows and have the insights he…
Read More10 Practices I Need to Learn from Jesus the Small Group Leader
There are many things we can know about Jesus the small group leader just by reading the New Testament, particularly the gospels. And there are at least 10 practices that I need to learn. There are many things we can know about Jesus the small group leader just by reading the New Testament, particularly the…
Read MoreDon’t Miss This New Men’s Study: Manhood Restored
Took the opportunity to preview a new men’s study from LifeWay this week. Manhood Restored: How the Gospel Makes Men Whole featuring Eric Mason, the founding and lead pastor of Philadelphia’s Epiphany Fellowship, a “multi-ethnic inner city church dedicated to seeing Jesus Christ’s gospel hit up every area of our lives.” I recently heard Pastor Mason speak…
Read MoreThe Latest from Jerry Bridges: True Community
Downloaded True Community: The Biblical Practice of Koinonia yesterday, the newest book from Jerry Bridges. If you know that name, it may be that you’ve got a 35 year old copy of The Pursuit of Holiness on your bookshelf too! Bridges is a longtime staff member of The Navigators and has written 10 books, speaks internationally, and…
Read More5 Assumptions That Set Small Group Coaching Up to #Fail
“Small group coaching does not work.” If I’ve heard that once, I’ve heard it a million times. In fact, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard it…I’d be a millionaire! Ever said it yourself? I’ve discovered there are five assumptions that set small group coaching up to #fail. Wonder if you have…
Read MoreExternal Change > Internal Change = Irrelevance
Yesterday I was remembering a talk that Gary Hamel gave at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. Knowing his flair for language and keen insights into organizational design, I was anticipating quite a stir. And I was not disappointed. It was a talk that generated a lot of interaction. As many of you know, I am…
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