Posts by Mark Howell
How To Build An Exponential Group System
What makes a group system exponential? What makes a church exponential? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, but my convictions on the matter string together some important concepts acquired over the years. But before we get to the keys to building an exponential group system, let’s define it. In some ways it’s kind…
Read MoreTop 10 Reasons Saddleback Has Connected Over 130% In Groups
Update: I wrote this article in 2009 and have updated it slightly to reflect subtle changes in strategy. _____________ I’m regularly asked how Saddleback can have more adults in groups than they have in worship. People everywhere scoff when they hear the numbers. And I have to admit, it is pretty wild. After all, during…
Read MoreTwitter: What’s to Love
Twitter. Crazy name. Sounds a little goofy. Very odd to tell people you tweeted this or that today. Even stranger to try and explain being re-tweeted. I don’t know if you use Twitter, but I think it’s an important tool and want to give you my take (why I like it and how I use…
Read MoreNeed Help With Your Small Group System? Download Alan Danielson
Alan Danielson was our guest on the Small Group Fraternity call this week. Great stuff! He talked about three keys to building a small group ministry: Pick and stick. Quit changing models every time you read a book or go to a conference. Break the box…but don’t throw it out. While you stick to your…
Read MoreJoin Me for the Alan Danielson Conference Call
Looking for game changing insight that will help you right now with your small group ministry? Listen in to my interview with Alan Danielson at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT, 8:00 a.m. PT). How to join the call: Telephone: 1-616-918-8000 Pin: 1034206# Today’s call features a discussion about three hot topics: Pick and stick.…
Read MoreG12: A Cautionary Tale?
I’m asked about G12 a few times a year…not near as much as free market, semester based, or sermon based…but often enough to have had many conversations over the past few years. Here’s what I know about the G12 small group philosophy: First, at it’s essence G12 works like this: the key leader forms a…
Read MoreFinding the Flow: A Guide for Leading Small Groups and Gatherings
Looking for a leader training resource? Finding the Flow: A Guide for Leading Small Groups and Gatherings, by Tara Miller and Jenn Peppers, is one you should take a look at. New from IVP, it’s full of great leader training ideas, practices, and philosophy. This is a book length training guide. At over 240 pages…
Read MoreOpen or Closed Groups?
I’m often asked whether groups should be open or closed? It’s one of those questions that kind of defines you as a grouplifer. Open or closed? It’s kind of like Coke or Pepsi…but not very much. There are those that are a little wild-eyed about one perspective or the other. And then there are those…
Read MoreFormation: Building a Reliable Foundation
My review copy of Formation: Building a Reliable Foundation arrived a couple days ago. New from LifeWay, the Small Group Life series was launched recently. Formation is the first release of a four study series (the others to follow over the next few months). Thumbing through the pages, reading the introduction, even diving into the…
Read MoreTop 10 Reasons I’m a Fan of Open Groups
In terms of small groups philosophy of ministry, the open or closed group question is very big. Both sides have some good arguments. Like every other argument there is no problem-free solution. Although I believe there are times when it is both appropriate and beneficial to “close” a group, for the most part I am…
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