Posts by Mark Howell
Fresh Encounter: Experiencing God’s Power for Spiritual Awakening
Based on the 2009 revised and expanded version of Fresh Encounter, written by Henry & Richard Blackaby, this DVD-driven study can be used effectively in off-campus small groups or on-campus Bible studies. Best known for Experiencing God, the Blackabys have a reputation for delivering studies that are both memorable and life-changing. There are 7 sessions…
Read MoreWhere You Look for “What’s Next” Matters
I just want to give you something to chew on today. It may not seem to be a big thing. It certainly doesn’t look like a big thing. Just 14 words. “You cannot look in a new direction by looking harder in the same direction.” Edward de Bono, Lateral Thinking I’ve said more than once…
Read MoreBloodlines: Great Example of Story-Driven Visual Media
I saw this fascinating new documentary featuring John Piper last week (HT @benarment). One of the most compelling examples of story-driven visual media I’ve ever seen. It is well worth the 18 minutes. If you want to see where DVD-driven small group studies could go…take a look! Can’t see the video? You can watch it…
Read MoreTop 5 Signs Your Church is Designed to Underperform at Connection
You may want to argue with me (and if you do, please use the comment section), but there are 5 easy to spot signs that your church is actually designed to underperform at connection. What I mean by that is that whether your church is growing or not (doesn’t matter), there are several key factors…
Read MoreReview: Small Groups, Big Impact
In late 2010 I had the opportunity to read the final draft of Small Groups, Big Impact by Jim Egli and Dwight Marable. Based on research involving over 3,000 small groups and more than 200 churches in 21 21 countries, the authors looked “at the dynamics that make small groups and small group ministries healthy…
Read More101 Great Ideas to Create a Caring Group: A Classic Resource
Looking for an idea source that will help your small group leaders develop caring groups? You might want to take a look at 101 Great Ideas to Create a Caring Group by Thom Corrigan. A classic resource, first published in 1997, this little gem ought to be on every small group champion’s recommended list. Assembled…
Read MoreGod’s Chisel
God’s Chisel is a very creative video and could easily set up a great small group experience. Produced by The Skit Guys, it could be embedded on a small group blog and then viewed on a computer monitor or laptop. (HT Collide Magazine and their Videos of the Week segment) Can’t see the video? Click…
Read MoreFAQ: Do You Have a Job Description for a Small Group Director?
I get asked certain questions on a regular basis. One of the most frequent is “What does a job description for a small group director (or pastor) look like? Today I want to give you the basics, but I want to be sure and qualify it by acknowledging that this is by no means complete…
Read MoreDifferent, Not Better, Will Connect the Widening 60%
At the heart of everything I’m thinking is an all-the-time awareness of the widening 60% that is unreachable by the attractional model. It pops into my head constantly…and although I’m not yet sure what the full answer is, I am beginning to know a few things. And one thing I’m sure of is that different,…
Read MoreReview | Gospel Revolution: A New DVD-Driven Study from J D Greear
Looking for a study that will take your groups deep into a better understanding of the gospel? You’ll want to take a look at Gospel Revolution: Recovering the Power of Christianity by J.D. Greear, the dynamic senior pastor of The Summit Church, one of the 20 fastest growing churches in the United States. Based on…
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