Posts by Mark Howell
4 Keys to Choosing the Next Study for New Groups
I’ve pointed out that the time to think about what’s next for new groups is before you even begin. Whether you’re starting new groups with a church-wide campaign, a small group connection, or an on-campus strategy with a built-in next step that launches off-campus groups, it is essential to choose the follow-up study before you…
Read MoreHave You Determined Your “Essential Intent”?
Have you clarified the win for your small group ministry? Have you figured out what you’re going to call success? I’m working my way through Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less and in today’s reading I came across an idea that I know is going to help me and I’m pretty sure is going to help…
Read MoreRethinking the Role of the Small Group Pastor
Do you have a job description for a small group pastor? What should we be looking for in a small group pastor? Can you help us find the right small group pastor? See also, Do You Have a Job Description for a Small Group Director? These are just a few of the questions I get…
Read MoreNew from Bill Hybels and John Ortberg: Life Lessons from Jesus
I spent some time this week with a new collection of Bible studies you’re going to want to know about. Life Lessons from Jesus is actually a collection of 5 studies (with a total of 36 lessons), all of which will appeal to your small group leaders and members. While Life Lessons from Jesus is…
Read MoreQuotebook: Trade-Offs and the Pursuit of More
Looking for a way to have it all? Whether we’re talking about ministry or life, many people look for opportunities to have it all or to do everything. Wise leaders, essentialists, understand that “strategy is about making trade-offs.” See also, Could This Strategic Misstep Be Limiting Your Ministry Impact? I loved these lines from Essentialism:…
Read MoreTake a Look at Your Coaching Structure Through 3 Lenses
In a recent conversation with a group of church leaders I pointed out three aspects of small group coaching structures that provide helpful lenses through which to evaluate. There really is very little mystery to building an effective coaching structure. It requires recruiting the right people, to do the right things, with the right people.…
Read MoreFour Decisions Wise Small Group Pastors Make Once
You know the decisions you have to make every time you turn around? The decisions that seem almost forced upon you in moments of weakness? The decisions that catch you off guard and lead you to agree to things you don’t really want to do? I think all of us could make a quick list…
Read More6 Essential Questions about Making Disciples and Small Group Ministry
Wrestling with questions like, “Are we really making disciples?” Or maybe, “Where are the mature disciples?” I want to suggest that while those are valid questions, they might not be the most helpful questions. In addition, asking the right questions is essential if you want to discover discover the best solutions. W. Edwards Deming said,…
Read MoreWin a Life on Mission Church-Wide Campaign – an $1160 Value!
This Contest is Closed! Watch for another new contest soon! I’m excited about this contest! If you’re dreaming of helping your whole church join the mission, you probably already know about the Life on Mission church-wide campaign. I reviewed it back in July and it’s just the ticket if you hope to engage everyone in…
Read MoreRick Warren on Building Great Relationships
If you didn’t catch Rick Warren’s message this last weekend at Saddleback, you missed a truly amazing experience. In a classic example of how to cast vision for the importance of small groups, Rick invited his own small group of 13 years to join him onstage and help deliver the message. There are many, many…
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