Posts by Mark Howell
Insight: Repositioning Affinity Ministries Helps Create Alignment
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is, “How do we grow both our small group ministry and our affinity ministries (women, men, couples, singles)?” A variation is, “How can we focus everyone’s attention on a church-wide campaign when our fall ministry launch happens at the exact same time?” Ever feel stuck at that…
Read MoreChoose Sides. Which Side Are You On?
It happens every once in a while. Disagreement and dialogue here in the comment section. Most of the time the interaction is healthy. Sometimes the conversation is so good it generates other posts. And every once in a while I consider using my editorial privilege to delete a comment and block a reader. I had…
Read MoreSkill Training: 10 Keys to a Great 1st Meeting
Whether you’re a brand new leader or a seasoned veteran starting a new group, it’s natural to feel a little nervous about your first meeting. Here are 10 keys that I’ve found very helpful as I get ready to launch a new group: Make it a point to call all of your members the week…
Read MoreNew from People of the Second Chance: Freeway: A Not So Perfect Guide to Freedom
Finally had a chance yesterday to dig into the newest resource from the folks at People of the Second Chance. Freeway: A Not So Perfect Guide to Freedom is a powerful seven session study by Mike Foster and Garry Poole. Built on God’s amazing grace, honest conversations with friends, and finding freedom from deepest pain and struggles, Freeway…
Read MoreLaunch Your Church-Wide Campaign with the End in Mind
Launching a church-wide campaign this fall? You may have your hands full already, but right now is the perfect time to prepare for what’s next! In fact, what you do right now has a lot to do with whether your campaign is a success…or not. Here are two keys to sustaining your newest groups: First,…
Read MoreIt’s Not the Right Time: Connecting the Fifth Dot
Yesterday I wrote that most of us have small group ministry issues we just can’t figure out; that most of us feel like there are just some dots that don’t connect to anything. Still, my contention is that most of the time, they actually do connect. We just miss the connection between the way we’re doing…
Read MoreFive GroupLife Dots You May Not Be Connecting
Do you have small group ministry issues you just can’t figure out? Feel like there are just some dots that don’t connect to anything? I think most of the time, they actually do connect. We just miss the connection between the way we’re doing things and the results we’re experiencing. I love this line from…
Read MoreTop 10 Posts of August, 2013
Miss a day? For the first time in recent memory, 4 of my top 10 posts were from the last month and 6 were from this year! With over 1100 articles in the archives, that’s no easy thing. I had visitors from 80 countries. Thanks for stopping by! Here are my top 10 posts of…
Read MoreDilbert on Providing Great High Touch Ministry
Too many voicemails and emails to follow up on? Maybe this is a viable solution!
Read MoreFAQ: How Do You Get Those on the Fringe to Lead Groups?
I get questions…a lot of questions. And some of them are just too good to pass up. In response to my post, I Dreamed I Was at the Southern Baptist Convention…, I got this question: I have always appreciated your thinking on these subjects, however I have some questions for you. How do you get…
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