Posts by Mark Howell
The Relay Race Called “The Ministry Year”
In the fastest growing ministries and churches…everything is connected. Everything is a step in the direction of the preferred future. Everything. There are no one offs. There is no sideways energy. Everything is connected. Here’s what I mean. Step One: Easter at Saddleback, North Point, Woodlands Church, Bayside, etc. will include an opportunity to make…
Read MoreUndaunted: Daring to Do What God Calls You to Do
Had a chance this weekend to review Undaunted, a new DVD-driven study featuring Christine Caine. If you’re unfamiliar with Caine, she’s a popular speaker (her Catalyst sessions have been highly rated) and the co-founder of the A21 Campaign, an organization dedicated to provide help, hope and healing to victims of human trafficking. Designed to be…
Read MoreIngredients of a 21st Century Web Solution for Small Group Ministry
No matter where I go, everyone is asking the same question: where can we find a fully-functioning 21st century web solution for groups? I’ve decided that most web solutions for groups are incomplete. That is, regardless of whether they can be described as a church management software (a bundled solution that handles database, check-in, financials, reports,…
Read MoreTop 10 Posts of October, 2012
Did you miss a day or two? Here are my top 10 posts of October, 2012. Actually, I included the Opportunities page, a new feature here on the blog which lists the available positions I know of around the country. New from Beth Moore: The Law of Love: Lessons from the Pages of Deuteronomy (August, 2012)…
Read MoreBudgeting for the Preferred Future
I’ve written about arriving at the preferred future a number of times. My most requested talk features this concept. The essence of the concept? The present can be explained by an understanding of Andy Stanley’s insightful one-liner: “Your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you’re currently experiencing.” The probable future can be anticipated. As…
Read MoreGroupLife in the 23rd Century
Can’t see the video? You can watch it right here.
Read MoreNew from Lisa Harper: Malachi: A Love That Never Lets Up
Had an opportunity to preview Malachi: A Love That Never Fails, a new study from Lisa Harper and LifeWay. If you’re unfamiliar with Harper, she’s been called “one of the best Bible tour guides around” by Max Lucado. Priscilla Evans Shirer said, “If anyone can help us to hear, understand and receive the truth of…
Read MoreDon’t Miss Shallow Small Group 2: Asking the Right Questions
He’s back! It’s the Shallow Small Group guy! Whether you’re looking for a video to kick off a leaders’ meeting or a way to raise the value of community…you’re can’t go wrong. Can’t see the video? You can preview it right here.
Read MoreBest Book I’ve Read This Year: Deep and Wide by Andy Stanley
If you only read one book this year, hands down it’s got to be Andy Stanley’s newest, Deep and Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend. My copy is marked up, underlined, starred, and dog-eared. I laughed out loud (Seriously. And I was on a plane!). I got choked up several times. There’s a lot…
Read MoreUnexamined Expectations about Priorities and Commitments
Warning: What you are about to read is still baking. In fact, I’m not sure it ever is fully baked. What ministry opportunities are you going to prioritize? What commitments will you challenge your members to make? Have you ever carefully examined expectations about priorities and commitments in your congregation? How recently? The way you…
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