Posts by Mark Howell
How To Build an Annual GroupLife Calendar
How does calendar planning happen in your world? Maybe the question should be, “does calendar planning happen in your world? Let me tell you, whether you are naturally a planner or you will only plan when it’s done for you or you’re forced…calendar planning is a key to small group ministry effectiveness. Here’s why it’s…
Read MoreQuestion: How Do I Keep All Of Our Groups Viable?
A frequent question is, “How do I keep all of our groups viable?” A little poking around reveals that this usually means one of a several things: I have some leaders whose groups have dwindled down to only a few people. I have some groups where the “leader” moved away, quit, or was disqualified and…
Read MoreTechnology: Tools That Enhance GroupLife
What are you using to communicate with your small group leaders? What are you using to train your leaders? If you’re not yet using a blog or e-newsletter to communicate you’re missing a great opportunity. What about Facebook and Twitter? If you’re still relying on centralized, come-to-the-church meetings for training and encouragement…you’re not in step…
Read MoreDesign a System That Identifies Potential Leaders
“We can’t find enough leaders!” This is one of the most common responses when I ask small group champions around the country what they’re biggest challenges are. If it sounds familiar…read on. The underlying reason that finding enough leaders is a challenge is a design issue. I love Andy Stanley’s line that “your ministry is…
Read MoreSmall Group Ministry in Perpetual Beta
Perpetual beta is an attitude. It’s the attitude that what you’re doing is in development all the time. It’s an attitude that says, “this is working good enough, this is working well for now, but we expect that we’ll figure out how to improve it.” Think Google and you’ve got the right idea. They’re always…
Read MoreSmall Group Philosphy 101
What is the philosophy of your small group ministry? Do you have one? I think that the most fundamental step for every small group ministry is to develop a personalized philosophy of ministry. Developing a personalized philosophy of ministry is critical because you will be the one defining priorities, determining next steps and defending actions. …
Read MoreSkill Training: Top 10 Ways To Find New Group Members
Who makes the best new members for your group? That’s easy. Unconnected people with whom you are actively building a relationship. Here are some ideas that will help you find new members: Look for people who are already doing the same things you are. If your kids are in High School, make it a point…
Read MoreHow To Choose Curriculum That Launches Groups
Choosing the right curriculum is an essential ingredient in launching new groups. Make a great selection and you’ll significantly increase interest in the group. You’ll also increase the likelihood that the group continues beyond the first 6 weeks. Choose poorly and your new groups may not even get off the ground. Here are the four…
Read MoreWho Are You Trying To Connect?
Memo: Approach connecting strategies much like you would if you were launching a new product. Think like a marketer if you want to succeed. There is a connection between effectiveness and design. Now…before you get too concerned, I’m not discounting God’s role in how things happen. Just saying that it is a little crazy to…
Read MoreManaging Expectations (Childcare and Otherwise)
Sometimes a question comes in that has answers…but they’re not simple answers. Take a minute to read the following…and then we’ll talk: In Small Groups, one of the things I face most often is what do we do with our kids? This prevents participation and potential leaders from leading. Our church offers Sunday School, Small…
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