Posts by Mark Howell
Connecting the Widening 60% (who are unreachable by the attractional model)
In my mind, one of the most important trends to watch (and one that will require our most intentional counter-strategies) is what Tim Stevens calls the shrinking 40% that are still reachable by an attractional model. More to the point, the stats are coming in from many sources that indicate there are serious reasons to…
Read MoreMore from Mindy Caliguire on Spiritual Formation
One of the most current grouplife trends is the integration of spiritual formation practices into small group curriculum. In yesterday’s post we began a conversation with Mindy Caliguire, a leading spiritual formation voice. Here is part two of our conversation: Mark: Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, and maybe John Ortberg (for the everyman in us) are…
Read MoreMindy Caliguire on Spiritual Formation
If you’re following what’s happening in small group ministry, you know that one of the current grouplife trends is the integration of spiritual formation practices into small group curriculum. I’m seeing it as such a big influence that I asked Mindy Caliguire, a leading expert in spiritual formation, to give us some of her insight…
Read MoreCRAVE: An Exploration of the Human Spirit (a 7 Session Study from Lifeway)
Let me start by saying, “Wow!” Although I loved Life’s Toughest Questions (a previous Lifeway title featuring Erwin McManus), this one is even better. CRAVE: An Exploration of the Human Spirit really delivers a great example of story-driven visual media, an important grouplife trend. There are a number of elements to really like about CRAVE.…
Read MoreClue #2 When Designing Your Small Group System
Last week I began a series on important clues when designing your small group system. I really want you to catch this. I believe there is a best system for your church. I don’t mean a problem-free system (see my article on the pursuit of problem-free if you’re unfamiliar with this learning). I mean, there…
Read MoreReview: Scouting the Divine by Margaret Feinberg
If you’ve not found Margaret Feinberg yet…you might want to pick up Scouting the Divine (comes out in paperback on March 1, 2011). Having only read The Organic God, I wasn’t sure what I’d find. I was amazed to find myself 35 pages in before I knew it. Better, I was enchanted by an captivating…
Read MoreMike Breen on Missional Communities, Part 4
Earlier this week I began a 4 part conversation with Mike Breen, one of the most prominent leaders in the grouplife trend known as missional communities. If you missed part 1, you can read it right here. Mark: I know you’ve written a field guide (with Alex Absalom). What can you tell us about this…
Read MoreClue #1 When Designing Your Small Group System
Can I show you what I think ought to be your first clue when designing the right small group system or strategy for your church? This might surprise you, but I really do believe there is a best system for you. How can you figure out what is best? I have three clues. Here’s the first…
Read MoreMike Breen on Missional Communities, Part 3
Earlier this week I began a 4 part conversation with Mike Breen, one of the most prominent leaders in the grouplife trend known as missional communities. If you missed part 1, you can read it right here. Mark: Yesterday you gave us an overview of the idea that every niche in society could have a…
Read MoreMike Breen on Missional Communities, Part 2
Yesterday I began a 4 part interview with Mike Breen, one of the most prominent leaders in the grouplife trend known as missional communities. If you missed part 1, you can read it right here. Mark: Mike, yesterday you laid the groundwork for us and gave us an overview of the missional community concept. How…
Read More