Posts by Mark Howell
Skill Training: Learn to Celebrate What God is Doing in Your Group
Whether you’re finishing a challenging study, coming to the end of a semester, or completing an outreach or mission project…celebration ought to be part of the culture of your group. It’s important to build a culture of celebration for at least three reasons: First, if the journey your group is on on is about life-change…you’re…
Read More7 Perplexing Dilemmas of Small Group Pastors and Directors
Call them dilemmas, issues or problems…we all have them. Here are what I’ve found to be the most common…and some steps you can take to break through the barrier: 1. My senior pastor won’t be the champion of small groups. There are several basic reasons for this. Some don’t want to play favorites and choose…
Read MoreEven a Lizard Can Respond to Come and See
Before we get into it, the answer is yes…that is a lizard. I think it is a southern aligator lizard. I snapped this picture when it crashed a recent small group ministry event at Saddleback. Seriously, it meandered through the room from front to back, creating a little bit of mayhem every time it got…
Read MoreDon’t Miss This New Study from Jennie Allen – Chase: Chasing after the Heart of God
You might not know this name…but I think you will. If you haven’t checked out Chase: Chasing after the Heart of God, you need to. If you’ve never heard of Jennie Allen…you will. Chase is good stuff. Very good stuff. Chase “explores the events that defined David’s life and the Psalms that flowed out of…
Read MoreSkill Training: Learn How to Apply Scripture As a Group
Whether we realize it or not, there are a number of benefits in doing life together: Because every member has a unique shape or wiring, they bring different spiritual gifts, life passions, abilities, personalities and experiences to the conversation. Because every part of the body is necessary, there are things we miss out on when…
Read MoreBrené Brown on the Power of Vulnerability
Do you know about Brené Brown? What if our small group leaders could learn this? Can’t see the video? You can watch it right here. By the way, if you haven’t read Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, it’s probably what you need to be…
Read More5 Cross-Cultural Church-Wide Campaigns That Ought to Be on Your Radar
Looking for a church-wide campaign that connects with neighbors, friends, co-workers and family members? Maybe one that is on a topic that unchurched people care about and in a language that won’t require a translator? That’s what I call a cross-cultural church-wide campaign. Here are my 5 favorites right now. Soul Detox: Every once in…
Read MoreIn the Company of Brothers (and Sisters)
Sometimes you end up with an unexpectedly rich experience. Last night and today over 120 grouplife practitioners have gathered for a time to refresh, share ideas, and prepare for the next run. So good to see many long time friends. So good to meet so many new friends. Honestly…the passion all of us share, the…
Read MoreMust Have Personal Growth Resource: A Resilient Life by Gordon MacDonald
A couple weeks ago I downloaded a copy of Gordon MacDonald’s A Resilient Life: You Can Move Ahead No Matter What. This morning I was trying to remember how I heard about it. Was it mentioned in an article? Did I hear someone talk about it? Honestly…I haven’t been able to recall how I heard…
Read MoreQuotebook: Dallas Willard on the Meaning of a Mature Disciple
When I heard that Dallas Willard had passed away on Wednesday, I found myself thinking about all the times I’ve written out something he said or wrote on an index card or a post-it note. When I looked back at some of the quotes that have impacted me I found this one: A mature disciple…
Read More