Posts by Mark Howell
Quotebook: Thoroughly Conscious Ignorance
As you know, I’ve long been an advocate of being a learner. Reading broadly, stoking curiosity, exploring stacks of seemingly unrelated material and curating collections of great questions are all part and parcel of the journey. Watching Stuart Firestein’s TED video on the pursuit of ignorance was just one of my most recent excursions. I came…
Read MoreYou Know You Have the Right Small Group System When…
How do you know you have chosen the right small group system? Can you know? I think you probably can. While there are at least half a dozen different small group systems, none of them are problem-free. Wise leaders simply choose the set of problems they’d rather have. See also, How to Choose a Small…
Read MoreHere’s Where I’ll Be This Summer
What are your summer plans? I’ve got a few dates that I thought you might like to know about. I’m going to presenting a free workshop, How to Build a Thriving Small Group Ministry, in 4 west coast* cities in August. Seattle: Monday, August 4th from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. at Calvary Renton Baptist, 1032 Edmonds Ave NE,…
Read MoreWin a Freeway Church Wide Campaign Kit and Group Kit!
This contest is closed! Stay tuned for more opportunities to win! I am so excited about the one of the best give-aways I’ve ever offered! Freeway is one of the freshest studies I’ve ever reviewed. New from Mike Foster and People of a Second Chance, Freeway: A Not So Perfect Guide to Freedom is a powerful seven…
Read MoreThe Most Important Contribution of a Small Group Pastor
There are a number of very important ingredients in the role of small group pastor or director. It isn’t a job for the faint of heart and wishful thinking won’t get it done. See also, FAQ: Do You Have a Job Description for a Small Group Director? There are five things every small group pastor…
Read More“They Just Don’t Know What’s Good for Them” #irrationality
“They just don’t know what’s good for them.” “If they knew what was good for them, they’d sign up for a small group.” “If they knew what was good for them, they’d attend worship and stay for Sunday school.” “If they knew what was good for them, they’d be leading a small group.” Ever said…
Read More5 Small Group Ministry Secrets and Shortcuts You Need to Know
Ever had this happen? You’re doing a repetitive task the same way you’ve been doing it for years and then someone sees what you’re doing and tells you an easier way. Or how about this, you’re driving somewhere you’ve been a million times and someone in the backseat says, “Did you know that there’s a much…
Read MoreDon’t Miss This New Study for Women: Hebrews: The Nearness of King Jesus
Spent some time with a new study from Lisa Harper this week. Hebrews: The Nearness of King Jesus is a 7 session study that takes an engaging look at “two contrasting realities: Jesus is supreme, yet Jesus is approachable.” I reviewed Malachi: A Love that Never Give Up, an earlier study by Harper, about 18…
Read MoreAvoid These 4 Realities at Your Own Peril
I know there are some who object to references to customers and products and marketing…but some things are made so clear by shifting the vocabulary from church to business. Alan Kay, the computer scientist, said “Point of view is worth 80 IQ points.” His famous quote is also recorded as “Perspective is worth 80 IQ…
Read More6 Things Not to Say about Small Group Ministry
Have you learned there are certain things you should never say? For example, “What an idiot! I’d never do that.” Or, “Step on it! We can make the light!” Or maybe, “I’m pretty sure I turned off the power.” There are just things you should never say. Have you learned there are certain things that…
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