Posts by Mark Howell
4 Secrets of Connecting People
Want to connect unconnected people? Want to connect beyond the usual suspects? Way beyond? Here are the 4 Secrets of Connecting People: First, make sure that being connected is always presented as playing an essential role in growing spiritually. Don’t miss this. I believe being connected is essential to spiritual growth. When this truth is clearly…
Read More5 Things to Do in August to Prepare for Your Church-Wide Campaign
Ready for your church-wide campaign to begin? Depending on your launch date, you’re probably approaching some of the most important weeks. Although the launch of the actual campaign (the sermon series alignment) is still almost two months away, what you do in August has a lot to do with whether your campaign is a win…
Read MoreTop 10 DNA Markers of Churches with Thriving Small Group Cultures
Every organism has DNA. So does every organization. They each have their own DNA. And no two are exactly alike. They share some traits and not others. And when you look carefully at the DNA of any organism or organization you will find a set of markers. The markers are often looked for in the…
Read MoreThe Intersection of My Two Greatest Concerns
If you’ve been along for much of this conversation…very little of this will be new to you. If you’re new, you might just be wondering what exactly I’m talking about. No matter where you are in the mix…I think we all still need to hear this. I know I need the reminder every day. It’s…
Read MoreJoel Comiskey’s Newest: Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church
I’ve been working my way through Joel Comiskey’s Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church this week. A very helpful work by one of the leading voices in the cell church movement. I actually picked up a copy of the book several months ago hoping to gain some new insights into the cell group philosophy. I wanted to…
Read MoreA Small Group Pastor, a Discipleship Pastor and a Minister of Education Walk into a Bar
A small group pastor, a discipleship pastor and a minister of education walk into a bar. The bartender says, “What is this, a joke?” Actually…I don’t have a joke here. I’m sure there is one. It probably has to do with circles and rows or the shallowness of DVD-driven curriculum. Or possibly it has to…
Read MoreDesign Your Connection Strategy with Unconnected People in Mind
When you set up your connection strategy, did you stop to think about the folks you were hoping to connect? You need to. And don’t make the mistake of expecting the newest or least connected people in your congregation to have your sensibilities or priorities. When you design your connection strategy you need to keep…
Read MoreWin a “Pressure Points” Church-Wide Campaign Package!
I’m so excited about a great give-away! Pressure Points, a six session study based on the book of James, is a true church-wide campaign. With curriculum available for adults, teens and kids, it will generate one conversation and leverage one of the real keys to a great church-wide experience. New from Chip Henderson and published by LifeWay,…
Read More4 Keys to Sustaining New Groups
Last week we talked about the 5 keys to starting new groups. Today I want to focus on how to sustain the new groups you start. Very important stuff. After all…if you expend the energy it takes to get these new groups going, you want to keep them going! There are 3 things you need…
Read MoreNew DVD-Driven Study from Lisa Chan: Not of This World
Had a look at the latest installment to Lisa Chan’s True Beauty series over the weekend. Not of This World, the 3rd film in the series, is itself a thing of beauty. Produced by Flannel, the non-profit behind the NOOMA, Basic, and Ed’s Story films, Not of This World is another great example of a…
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