Posts by Mark Howell
Coming Soon: GroupLife Insider
GroupLife Insider Launched in Fall of 2017! To find out more about my membership site, please visit GroupLifeInsider.com. If you’ve ever wished for a coach, someone who could walk you through how to build a thriving small group ministry that really makes disciples…GroupLife Insider might be for you. If you’ve ever wished you could take…
Read MoreReview: Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business
I’ve been working my way through Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive In Life and Business, the newest book from Charles Duhigg. In 2012, If his name sounds familiar, Duhigg’s The Power of Habit spent 60 weeks on the New York Times Best-Seller list. He’s also had a couple of interviews I’ve passed on to you on…
Read MoreNeed Help? Here’s How I Can Help You…
Need help? Here’s how I can help you… With 13 years experience consulting and coaching a wide variety of church clients around the country, my exposure to a wide variety of styles and philosophies (ranging from cutting-edge contemporary to very traditional), in addition to serving on the staff at a number of well-known churches (Woodlands Church,…
Read MoreAre You Preparing for the Future of Small Group Ministry?
As I wrote Monday’s post, I tried very hard to imagine the days ahead. I read the reports Barna is producing (you can sign up for their updates right here). I’m always reading the latest book by David Kinnaman, Gabe Lyons, or James Emery White (see below for some recommendations). I want to be a…
Read MoreQuotebook: Andy Stanley on Emptying Your Leadership Cup
“As leaders, we are never responsible for filling anyone else’s cup. Our responsibility is to empty ours.” Andy Stanley As leaders, we are never responsible for filling anyone else's cup. Our responsibility is to empty ours. —Andy Stanley Share on X This clip from Leadercast 2014 is very helpful in understanding this concept. To see…
Read MoreThe Future of Small Group Ministry (and how to prepare for it)
I don’t know about you, but I’ve long been intrigued by a somewhat obscure Old Testament reference to the men of Issachar. Tucked away into a long list of those who joined David when he was banished by King Saul, we’re told about the men of Issachar “who understood the times and knew what Israel…
Read MoreDilbert on Having an Accurate Worldview
Sometimes you just need to laugh…
Read MoreThis Concept Might Change Your Strategy
Spoiler Alert: The most connected people in your congregation almost always have the fewest connections in the community. The most connected people in your congregation almost always have the fewest connections in the community. Share on X Four Things You Need to Know I use this drawing to illustrate an important concept. There are four…
Read MoreQuotebook: There Are No Problem-Free Systems, Models or Strategies
There are no problem-free systems, models, or strategies. Every system, model and strategy comes with a set of problems. Wise leaders simply choose the set of problems they'd rather have. Share on X I refer to this “quote” in almost every consultation, coaching call, workshop, and seminar I give. I believe this line is a…
Read MoreHow Do You Train New Small Group Coaches?
I’m curious. What are you doing to train new small group coaches? I know many struggle with even getting a coaching structure going. I also know that many have given up on even offering coaching (as a result of ineffectiveness). But…if you have coaches, how do you train them as they begin? Since you’re a…
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