Posts by Mark Howell
May Decisions Bring Exponential Septembers
We’ve all heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” And no one questions that practical, Farmer’s Almanac kind of wisdom. Did you know that May decisions bring exponential Septembers? It’s true. When you have the right conversations and make the right decisions in May, you dramatically increase the exponential power of your fall ministry…
Read MoreMy Main Takeaway from Exponential
First of all, I should say the Exponential Conference was great. Loved it in 2010. 2011 was even better. The main sessions were very good. Francis Chan. The usual assortment of representatives from Australia and the UK (Alan Hirsch, Michael Frost, Mike Breen, etc.). Matt Chandler closing. Got to hear TWO Eric Bramlett introductions (this…
Read MoreTop 10 Posts of April, 2011
Here are my top 10 posts for April, 2011. As is often the case, not all of my top posts were from April. There was even an article from 2008! I included two additional posts because a couple of my top 10 posts in April were my About and Subscribe pages. It was also interesting…
Read MoreMissional Communities? Who’s In?
I’m wondering what you’re thinking about the missional community trend? Are you giving some thought to how it works in your context? As you know, I tagged it as one of the most important current grouplife trends earlier this year. I’d love some feedback. If you need some insight into the concept, you can take…
Read MoreA Road Map to Crowd’s Edge
Wondering what I’m talking about when I use the term crowd’s edge? You probably already have most of it, but just in case, here’s my definition. Crowd’s Edge isn’t really a place. It has more to do with the kind of folks that you find there. It has to do with their mindset, their struggles,…
Read MoreKeys to GroupLife at Crowd’s Edge
Want to reach people no one else is reaching? According to Craig Groeschel, you’ll need “to do things no one else is doing.” If you want to reach people no one else is reaching, you need to do things no one else is doing. Craig Groeschel That makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it? After…
Read MoreAn “In” But Not “Of” M.O.
While there are many keys to grouplife at crowd’s edge, there might not be anything more important than the ability to be “in the world, but not of the world.” And let me add right at the beginning, I know this is a challenging issue for many. But…I am convinced that we’ll participate in connecting…
Read MoreFortresses and Hospices, Hospitals and Training Camps
How would you describe your church? If you had to choose a primary metaphor…what would it be? I don’t want to be prescriptive in any way. I want you to fill in the blank. I only include the following to start your thinking. But how would you describe your church? If you had to pick…
Read MoreA Willingness to Set Aside Your Own Interests
Don’t I ever get a vote? Why do we always have to do what the newbies want to do? Ever get an earful when you suggest a more inclusive church-wide campaign? Or hear about it when you announce at the small group connection that the new groups will be studying something pretty basic? What’s your…
Read MoreSimplicity: A Spiritual Formation Resource from Mindy Caliguire
The integration of spiritual formation practices into small group curriculum is one of the most important current grouplife trends. This is easily spotted in many mainstream studies like Lifetogether’s Doing Life Together series or Zondervan’s Pursuing Spiritual Transformation. There is a related trend in the increased publication of materials that are specifically designed to be…
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