Posts by Mark Howell
New from Rick Howerton: A Different Kind of Tribe
Had an opportunity over the weekend to work my way through Rick Howerton’s newest book: A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small-Group Dynamic. With a central premise that “the world has changed; the way we do groups has not–but it must,” A Different Kind of Tribe is packed with thought-provoking ideas. You may not…
Read MoreSustaining the Groups You Start: GroupTalk Audio & Notes
Miss my May 31st talk on GroupTalk? You’ll can listen to the recording of Increasing and Sustaining Small Group Participation right here. During the talk I mentioned several keys to sustaining the groups you start. You’ll find additional ideas in the posts below. 5 Keys to Sustaining New Groups Thinking Strategically about the Fall Season Wash, Rinse,…
Read MoreTop 10 Posts of May, 2012
Here are my top 10 posts for May, 2012. Actually, it’s my top 11 posts since #6 was a contest that is over. In a stunning reversal of trend, 4 of the top 10 were written in May of 2012! So much traffic happens in the archives that it’s very common to only have one…
Read MoreQuotebook: Determining The Proper Question
Think about the last time you had a really important decision to make. Remember what it was? What if you discovered that you’ve been going about it the wrong way? It’s interesting to me that really smart people always spend a lot of time figuring out the right questions. Here’s what one really smart guy…
Read MoreFive Clues That Reveal Your Small Group Ministry’s Best Next Step
Apparently Solomon was right. There is nothing new under the sun. The issues and challenges that you face have been faced before by many. Why do they feel like original and unique problems? I’m not sure. I do know this, when I talk with small group ministry point people, I find the same issues and…
Read More5 Steps You Can Take Now to Hear “Well Done” This Fall
Just like the three servants in Jesus’ story in Matthew 25, all of us want to hear “well done.” Strictly speaking, all of us want to hear “well done” and two out of three do something about it! Want to be part of the two out of three? When I coach staff teams on how…
Read MoreThe Explicit Gospel
If you like Matt Chandler, you’re going to want to add The Explicit Gospel Bible Study to your recommended list. If you don’t know him yet, this study will be a great introduction to the lead pastor at The Village Church. one of America’s most dynamic preachers. DVD-driven, Chandler’s delivery will easily capture and hold your group members’…
Read MoreCould a Few Coaching Calls Have a Huge Impact?
Wondering how to take your small group ministry to the next level? I know you’re working on it…because you’re a regular here at MarkHowellLive.com. And that really is the essence of my vision for this blog. To help breakthroughs happen on a regular basis; to do everything I can to help more people get connected…
Read MoreWhat’s My Motivation?
A few weeks ago I found myself in a conversation with several other small group pastors. We were all sharing our strategy for leader recruitment and training. It was a passionate exchange. Not quite no-holds barred…but close. The first guy shared a very detailed, very structured approach designed to recruit and train the highest caliber…
Read MoreFAQ: How Can I Tell My Pastor about This?
This is truly a frequently asked question (FAQ). Usually in response to a post that I’ve written to be passed on to senior pastors, I’ll get a reply that is a little cryptic, but essentially says, “My pastor doesn’t understand this truth about small groups. It’s limiting our small group ministry. How can I tell…
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