Posts by Mark Howell
10 Things Every Small Group Leader Needs to Know
There are a few things every small group needs to know. Battle hardened veterans and wet-behind-the-ears alike, every small group leader needs to know these things. 10 things every small group leader needs to know 1. Their senior pastor appreciates them. This is a very, very important thing for a small group leader to know.…
Read MoreTop 10 Posts of August, 2014
Miss a day? Here are my top 10 posts of August, 2014. Can you spot the theme? How to Launch Small Groups Using a Small Group Connection New to Small Group Ministry? Start Here How to Build an Effective Coaching Structure Habits of a Life-Changing Small Group Leader HOST: What Does It Mean? How to…
Read MoreSkill Training: 5 Simple Steps to Starting a New Group
You’ve been thinking about starting a new small group. Whether you’re a veteran small group leader or this is your very first group, there are a few things to keep in mind. What you do first determines so much about how things end up. Want to get your new group off to a great start? Here…
Read More7 Signs Your Small Group Ministry Has a Bad Design
If it’s true that “your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing (Andy Stanley),” the corollary is that if you don’t like the results you are currently experiencing, you need to acknowledge that you have a bad design and change it. After all, the definition of insanity is “doing the same…
Read MoreQuotebook: Self-Awareness
How aware are you of your own tendencies? Are you aware of those times when your own preconceived ideas and certainties serve as a blockade to anything unfamiliar or different? I love this line from Ed Catmull, current president of Pixar. “There is nothing quite as effective, when it comes to shutting down alternative viewpoints,…
Read MoreCould My New Short Course Help Connect the Rest of Your Adults?
What percentage of your average weekend adult attendance have you connected? 30%? 50%? 80% What if I could give you an idea that would help you add another 10 or 20%? What if I could give 4 or 5 ideas that would help you connect the rest of your adults? You’re Invited! I want to…
Read MoreThe 7 Biggest Problems Facing Small Group Pastors
What are the problems you face? I’ve been at this a long time. I’ve pretty much seen it all. Here’s my list: The 7 biggest problems facing small group pastors: A senior pastor who is reluctant or ineffective as small group champion. This may be the most under-the-radar problem facing small group pastors. After all,…
Read MoreRick Warren: My Small Group Pulled Me Through Dark Days
I’ve written many times about the role of the senior pastor as small group champion. I’ve also pointed you to what I believe is the real reason that Saddleback has so many in groups. Can’t see the video? You can watch it right here. You’ll find a great collection of Saddleback small group videos on…
Read MoreSteve Gladen on Aligning “Affinities” with Small Groups
Do you have gender-based ministries or programs? For example, do you have a Beth Moore Bible study for women? And maybe a monthly men’s breakfast and Men’s Fraternity? How about a couples’ date night? Singles’ events? Do you have ministries or programs designed to minister to these affinities? How are they organized? Do you have…
Read MoreTop 10 Articles for Senior Pastors (or Small Group Pastors Who Support Them)
Over the years I’ve emphasized the role of senior pastor as small group champion a million times. Somehow it made sense to gather up my top 10 articles for senior pastors (or small group pastors who support them) all in one place. Here are my top 10 articles for senior pastors: Your Senior Pastor as…
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