Posts by Mark Howell
Ten Ideas That Have Shaped My Philosophy of Ministry
I’ve been thinking about the key ideas and concepts that have shaped my philosophy of ministry. These ideas and concepts serve as a set of mental shortcuts that help me think about strategic and tactical decisions. That said, in no particular order, here are what I think are the ten biggest rocks: 1. Crowd to…
Read MoreMoving from “Come and See” to “Come and Die”
Ever had the conversation where Insider Bob passionately lets you know that he doesn’t think much about your strategy to provide easy first steps for unconnected people? Or maybe Bob gets wind of the study you’ve chosen for the fall church-wide campaign and lets you know that it’s nowhere deep enough or challenging enough for…
Read MoreMy Take on a Recent Comment: “Groups are about ‘Go and make disciples'”
I love a good argument…errr dialogue. Few things are more engaging than a difference of opinion with stakes worth arguing about (for example, See Paul and Barnabus in Acts 15:36-41). A recent post, Three Observations That Made Me a Fan* of North Point’s Closed Group Strategy, inspired two relatively strong dissenters. Both had well thought out objections.…
Read MoreSeed: A Compelling Video Series from Priscilla Shirer
I have to admit, this is the first Priscilla Shirer study I’ve ever seen or reviewed. Different than just about every other DVD-driven study I’ve ever come across, Seed (Pack 1) is a very interesting collection. I think that’s the best way to describe it. It’s a collection of talks that grab your attention from her very…
Read MoreA Minute To Win It: A Funny Take on Choosing New Small Group Leaders
Looking for new ideas on choosing new small group leaders? Here’s one. A little crazy, but hey…we’ll try almost anything. Actually, this video could be used at your next leader training. Take a look! Can’t see the video? You can watch it right here.
Read MoreBed Time, Green Beans and Homework
Bed time, green beans, and homework. Can you see how they fit together? That’s right! They’re all thing that are good for us but not what we want. At least when we’re little and don’t know any better*. How do they relate to small group ministry? Easy. Some things are good for you but not…
Read MoreThe Four Biggest Obstacles Standing in the Way of Starting New Groups*
Recently I was in a room full of some very experienced, very sharp minds when it comes to starting new groups*. Admittedly, they were attempting to use the word groups to characterize both on-campus Sunday school classes and off-campus small groups. At one point, a panel of four experts talked about their own personal experiences in…
Read MoreQuotebook: The Upside of Unreasonable
How are you seen by the members of your team? By your peers? What about senior leadership? Are you seen as someone who keeps the peace? Or more as the one rockin’ the boat? I’ve said for years that my dream job title is The Disruptor of the Status Quo. And that’s why I love…
Read MoreIt’s Not Too Late: An Engaging New Study from Dr. Tony Evans
Had a chance over the weekend to take a look at It’s Not Too Late, a new DVD-driven study by Dr. Tony Evans. A dynamic speaker, he’s the Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship for 36 years and a popular conference speaker. Let me just say right at the top, when I listen in…
Read MoreTop 10 Posts of November, 2012
Here are my top 10 posts for November, 2012. Cool to see I had visitors from 68 countries and 32 languages! New from Beth Moore | The Law of Love: Lessons from the Book of Deuteronomy (August, 2012) How to Launch Groups Using a Small Group Connection (May, 2008) Andy Stanley on Creating a Culture That’s…
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