Posts by Mark Howell
Thinking Thursday: Brené Brown: Listening to shame
Shame is an unspoken epidemic, the secret behind many forms of broken behavior. Brené Brown, whose earlier talk on vulnerability became a viral hit, explores what can happen when people confront their shame head-on. Her own humor, humanity and vulnerability shine through every word. Can’t see the video? You can watch it right here. Every…
Read More5 Toxic Small Group Ministry Moves
I’ve noticed that there is a short list of small group ministry moves that can be toxic. They often seem harmless. They don’t look dangerous. But they can cause great damage. Here are a 5 toxic small group ministry moves: 1. Switching to a different small group model, system or strategy…again. There are several main…
Read MoreFind the Gaps in Your Strategy with This Simple Technique
I love Rick Warren’s concentric circles diagram; a classic illustration of the different segments of people who are associated with your church. The concentric circles also provide a visual representation of Saddleback’s crowd-to-core strategy. See also, Crowd-to-Core: An Essential Understanding. The way I talk about crowd-to-core is that I want to design next steps for…
Read MoreQuotebook: The Essence of Discipleship
What is a disciple and how is a disciple made? When does it begin? What does it look like to begin? All good questions and should be driving our thinking as we set out to build a thriving small group ministry. After all, if you don’t know what you’re trying to make, how will you…
Read MoreWanted: Men’s Pastor/Director at Canyon Ridge
Are you the man for the job? Do you know the man for the job? We’re looking for the right player to join our team at Canyon Ridge and lead our Men’s “ministry.” It’s a groups position and the best fit will be someone with a minimum of 5 years experience in groups ministry and…
Read MoreThinking Thursday: Choice, happiness and spaghetti sauce
“Tipping Point” author Malcolm Gladwell gets inside the food industry’s pursuit of the perfect spaghetti sauce — and makes a larger argument about the nature of choice and happiness. Why is this important for us? Think about your menu of next steps. Can’t see the video? You can watch it right here.
Read MoreWhat’s on Your Small Group Ministry’s Stop Doing List?
Researcher and management guru Jim Collins is the author or co-author of Built to Last, Good to Great, Great by Choice and How the Mighty Fall (and a number of other books). One of Jim Collins’ most profound insights is that as important as a to-do list might be, organizations also need to “create a “stop…
Read MoreSkill Training: How to Use a “Test Drive” to Screen for Ideal Coaches
I’m very particular about the kind of men and women I want on my coaching team. If they don’t have the 6 characteristics I’m looking for, I don’t want them on the team. And you shouldn’t either. We should all have the opinion that anything other than the right kind of men and women will…
Read More5 Quick Ideas that Will Connect More People This Fall
You might be thinking, “We don’t have time for anything complicated, but we really need to help a new wave of people get connected!” If that’s you…here’s some help! 5 Quick Ideas that Will Connect More People This Fall Plan a small group connection. Pick an appealing small group study. Pick a convenient day and…
Read MoreDon’t Miss Saddleback’s Powerful New Campaign: Daring Faith
Spent some time this week with the newest spiritual growth emphasis from Rick Warren and Saddleback. Daring Faith: The Key to Miracles is a church-wide campaign you are going to want to know about. What is it about? I love this paragraph from the study guide: “Daring Faith is all about taking a bold risks. It…
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