Posts by Mark Howell
What To Do Before You Plan Another Church-Wide Campaign
As you might imagine, I talk with church leaders almost every day about church-wide campaigns. Home runs and whiffs. What worked and what didn’t work. What was great and what was absolutely terrible. If you’re planning a church-wide campaign (or even thinking about planning one), can I give you a short list of things to…
Read MoreThe Latest on Church-Wide Campaigns (2014)
CLICK HERE FOR MY 2017 LIST Saddleback released the 40 Days of Purpose church-wide campaign in 2002. Although they had previously launched internal spiritual growth campaigns, this one really was a just-add-water option. Of course, in 2002 it really was just about the only option. Today, there are lots of options and there are more all the time.…
Read MoreSmall Group Ministry Myth #5: Only New Small Group Leaders Need a Coach
Note: This is part 5 of a 5 part series. You can read part 1 right here. —————————————————————————– I love the Discovery Channel show MythBusters. The show has a simple premise: The MythBusters team “proves and disproves urban legends and popular misconceptions using a signature style of explosive experimentation.” The myths and misconceptions that get tested range…
Read MoreQuotebook: When Change Efforts Fail
Have you tried more than once to introduce a new system or strategy to your ministry only to feel resistance? In my pursuit of a better understanding of bringing change (which I end up doing a lot of) I’m reading The Change Monster by Jeannie Daniel Duck. “When a stagnating company attempts one change effort after…
Read MoreSmall Group Ministry Myth #4: High Leader Entry Requirements Ensure Safety in the Flock
Note: This is part 4 of a 5 part series. You can read part 1 right here. I love the Discovery Channel show MythBusters. The show has a simple premise: The MythBusters team “proves and disproves urban legends and popular misconceptions using a signature style of explosive experimentation.” The myths and misconceptions that get tested range from…
Read MoreSmall Group Ministry Myth #3: Leaders and Members Know Best What to Study
Note: This is part 3 of a 5 part series. You can read part 1 right here. —————————————————————————– I love the Discovery Channel show MythBusters. The show has a simple premise: The MythBusters team “proves and disproves urban legends and popular misconceptions using a signature style of explosive experimentation.” The myths and misconceptions that get tested…
Read MoreSmall Group Ministry Myth #2: Effective at Connecting and Ineffective at Discipling
Note: This is part 2 of a 5 part series. You can read part 1 right here. I love the Discovery Channel show MythBusters. The show has a simple premise: The MythBusters team “proves and disproves urban legends and popular misconceptions using a signature style of explosive experimentation.” The myths and misconceptions that get tested range…
Read More5 Small Group Ministry Myths that Need Busting
I love the Discovery Channel show MythBusters. The show has a simple premise: The MythBusters team “proves and disproves urban legends and popular misconceptions using a signature style of explosive experimentation.” The myths and misconceptions that get tested range from the absurd (can you herd cats?) to the profound (could Luke Skywalker really swing himself…
Read MoreDilbert on Leading by Example
Sometimes…the truth hurts and you have to laugh.
Read MoreTwo Things to Know about the Primary Point of Connection in Your Church
What’s the primary point of connection in your church? Is it the weekend service? This is a no-brainer question in most 21st century Western churches. The primary way a person is connected is to the Sunday morning worship service (or Saturday night) of a particular local church. Hear me on this. I’m not suggesting that…
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