Posts by Mark Howell
Dilbert on Values
Ever had the values conversation? I bet you don’t have this one on your list:
Read MoreRaw Material + Process = End Product
It’s been a long time since I actually worked an algebraic equation. I’m guessing it’s the same for you. Still, I’m working on an insight that is helping me form theory and practice for an essential question in grouplife…and a kind of equation is proving helpful for me. Here’s the equation: Raw Material + Process…
Read MoreQuotebook: Easy First Steps
I hear this (or something like it) a lot. “We don’t want to just connect people. We want to help more of our adults become disciples who make disciples. We know what we want to end up with. We’re just finding it hard to get the majority of our adults to answer the call and…
Read MoreGroupLife Agnostics and the Adjacent Possible
This might seem like a stretch today, but I really want you to come along with me for just a few minutes. I want to talk with you about grouplife agnostics and the adjacent possible. With me? Here goes. First a couple definitions: GroupLife Agnostics: I use this term to describe small group ministry practitioners…
Read MoreFaithmapping: A Gospel Atlas for Your Spiritual Journey
Tripped across an interesting new book by Daniel Montgomery and Mike Cosper that I think you’re going to want to know about. Faithmapping: A Gospel Atlas for Your Spiritual Journey takes the fragments of Christian life that most of see in isolation (missions, discipleship, worship, the cross, or the kingdom) and assembles them into “a beautiful,…
Read MorePurposeful Abandonment: A Prerequisite to Innovation
Ever wonder what’s at the heart of true innovation? When you trip across something that’s really good, do you ever wonder how they came up with that? What processes are they using to think up such an elegant solution? Ever think those thoughts and just find yourself stumped when it comes to your own situation?…
Read MoreDo You Really Understand Your Customer?
I had a jaw drop moment while reading an HBR blog post by Bill Taylor, Brand Is Culture, Culture Is Brand. Although the article is about brands and organizational culture, the story he told about the way USAA employees learn to meet the needs of their customers was very compelling and I realized right away that…
Read MoreMeasuring Post-Christianity: How Will It Impact Your Ministry?
There are signs everywhere…that American culture is becoming less Christian. When I study the research and read the reports, I’m immediately an analyst myself, speculating how these trends are already impacting what we do. If you are a ministry practitioner, volunteer or staff, you may already be having the same thoughts. If you’re not there…
Read MoreConnect the Dots: Your Strategy and Post-Christianity
How does your strategy work in an increasingly post-Christian culture? How much thinking are you doing to truly understand the implications of ministry leadership in the 21st century? Are you sensing the connection between a rising degree of ministry difficulty and changes in the spiritual barometer itself? Barna’s most recent report highlights again the shift…
Read MoreSkill Training: 10 Steps to Help New Group Members Connect
So your small group has been together for awhile and you’ve invited a new member or two to your next group meeting. Keep in mind that the longer your group has been together, the more difficult it is for prospective members to truly connect. It’s not impossible, but once your group has been together for…
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