Posts by Mark Howell
RightNow Media: A 21st Century Approach to Small Group Curriculum
What if your small group leaders could choose their next study over chips and salsa…and watch a session moments later? What if instead of ordering from Amazon or driving to the Christian bookstore…your small group leaders could stream the video anytime, anywhere, right to any of their devices (computer, iPhone, iPad, Android, etc.)? Need the…
Read MoreNew from Beth Moore | The Law of Love: Lessons from the Pages of Deuteronomy
Desperate for your Beth Moore fix? If you’ve ever wanted to eavesdrop on her Bible study at Houston’s First Baptist Church…here’s your chance. Presented live in early 2012, The Law of Love: Lessons from the Pages of Deuteronomy is a great example of the kind of teaching that’s been happening on Tuesday nights in Houston since…
Read MoreNeed a Funny Video to Promote Small Groups? Check Out The Bible Study
Looking for a humorous way to promote a small group launch? If you’re a small group veteran, you’ll recognize quite a few of the types portrayed here. With the right set-up, this one could be a lot of fun and make the sign-up a good one. Available from Worship House Media, this crazy video could…
Read MoreNew from Heather Zempel: Community Is Messy
One of the books I’ve been anxiously awaiting is Heather Zempel’s Community Is Messy. A talented speaker and writer, Zempel delivered one of the most memorable talks ever at Willow Creek’s grouplife conference. With a title like Community Is Messy: The Perils and Promise of Small Group Ministry, you just know it’s going to be a…
Read MoreCreate Connecting Steps that are Easy, Obvious, and Strategic
Public Service Announcement: If you want to connect unconnected people you’re going to have to create connecting steps that are easy, obvious, and strategic. Ever notice how often we begin with a crystal clear understanding of a genuine need (for example, lots of unconnected people in our congregation) and end up with a strategy that…
Read MoreNeed to Raise Your Leadership Bar? Join My 2012 Fall Coaching Network
Looking for an opportunity to raise your leadership bar? To grow in your ability to connect beyond usual suspects? I want to invite you to join my 2012 Fall Small Group Ministry Coaching Network; an experience designed to give you the tools and strategies you need in order to build a small group ministry that works in…
Read MoreNew from Matt Carter: Creation Restored: The Gospel According to Genesis
Looking for a way to open group members’ eyes to the gospel thread that runs through the Old Testament? You’re going to want to take a look at Creation Restored: The Gospel According to Genesis by Matt Carter and Halim Suh. An examination of Genesis 12-50, this study “explores how the very first book of the…
Read MoreTop 10 Reasons to Give a Failed Strategy One More Chance
Is it time to change direction? Try something new? Admit that old faithful isn’t working anymore? Or would one more try really be the right thing to do? Here are my top 1o reasons to give a failed strategy one more chance: Failure is such a harsh word. You prefer to think of it as…
Read MoreWhat’s Next in GroupLife?
Ever wonder what’s next in grouplife? Have any ideas? In 1996 I heard about an experiment at Willow Creek called a Taste of Community. Knowing only a little bit about it, I held a connecting event and sorted attendees out by the style of music they listened to. Seriously. It actually worked. I remember first…
Read More5 Essential Practices of a 21st Century Small Group System
Want to build a small group ministry for the 21st century? I think there are a few essential practices. In fact, if you want to connect beyond the usual suspects, you need to: Look for leaders who are closer to the edge of your congregation. If you want to connect beyond the usual suspects, you’ve…
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