Posts by Mark Howell
What Have You Designed Your Groups to Make?
What have you designed your small groups to make? This is an ongoing discussion right now…at least in my world. It’s framed differently from one conversation to another and the frame itself manufactures slightly different answers…most of them a little vague. What have you designed your groups to make? Acquaintances? Friends? Fully devoted followers? Disciples?…
Read MoreSoul Keeping: A Important New Study from John Ortberg
Had a chance to preview John Ortberg’s newest DVD-driven study this week. Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You is based on Ortberg’s book by the same title and is an exploration of the soul from “the perspective of someone who has struggled to understand and care for his own soul.” A very…
Read MoreMarketing to Millennials: If You Want to Connect Millennials…a Must Read
Figured out how to connect Millennials yet? If you’re like me, you have way more questions than answers. Determined to begin assembling a better understanding of the Millennial generation I picked up a copy of Marketing to Millennials: Reach the Largest and Most Influential Generation of Consumers Ever, a highly rated 2011 marketing book by Jeff…
Read MoreHave You Implemented These Two Game-Changing Activities?
It turns out that wise leaders do two things on a regular basis. Wise leaders clarify the win in advance and evaluate results after every attempt. A recent Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast provided a reminder that I need to share again with my team. And I need to share it with you too. Wise leaders clarify the…
Read More5 Things I Wish I Had Known about Small Group Coaches
I led my first small group in 1983 and was coaching my first network of small group leaders in 1984. Over the last 30 years I’ve tried just about every system and experimented with so many different ideas I’ve actually been called a “mad scientist.” And while I’m glad I’ve had the experience, there are…
Read More5 Things I Wish I Had Known about Small Group Leaders
I led my first small group in 1983 and was coaching my first network of small group leaders in 1984. Over the last 30 years I’ve tried just about every system and experimented with so many different ideas I’ve actually been called a “mad scientist.” And while I’m glad I’ve had the experience, there…
Read MoreThe Rise of the Nones: A Must Read
Worked my way through The Rise of the Nones this week. New from James Emery White, the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church, this is a must read in my opinion. White is an insightful observer of culture and culture shifts and the implications of this particular shift ought to be a front…
Read MoreConnecting the “Nones”
One of the most important developments in our culture is the dramatic rise in the percentage of people who claim no religion at all. A 2012 Pew Forum study titled “Nones on the Rise” indicates that one in five Americans (19.3%) claim no religious identity at all (up from 15% in 2008 and 8% in 1990). One…
Read MoreWhat Will You Call a “Win” for the Groups in Your Ministry?
I’ve written several times in the past about clarifying the win for your small group ministry. It’s an important concept and it’s an essential strategic step. Peter Drucker referred to this concept in his question, “What are you going to call success.” I listed it as the third thing I’d do if I was starting…
Read MoreGroups of All Kinds and the Essential Ingredients of Life-Change
“A small group provides the optimal environment for the life-change Jesus intends for every believer.” This was one of 5 core assumptions that were embedded in Willow Creek’s small group ministry strategy in the 90s. Was it true? Is it true? I believe it was and is true but I also believe that in order…
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