Posts by Mark Howell
Add “Drucker and Me” to Your Reading List!
If you’ve benefitted as much from Peter Drucker as I have, you will love Bob Buford’s new book. Drucker & Me: What a Texas Entrepreneur Learned from the Father of Modern Management is both a fascinating read and packed with insight. I very nearly read it in one sitting, could not put it down, and immediately…
Read MoreAre You Aware of a Culture in Search of Belonging?
Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone (published in 1995) offered an eerie first glimpse at a changing America. The title came from a trend noticed by the owner of one of the largest bowling alley chains in America who told Putnam about the declining participation in bowling leagues. At the heart of Putnam’s study? “How we have…
Read More5 Keys to Building Small Group Ministry at the Corner of “Belonging” and “Becoming”
Want to make disciples who make disciples? If you want to develop more than a program for high achievers seeking the most challenging merit badge, making disciples who make disciples must be built into the way ordinary life happens at your church. If you want to develop more than a program for high achievers seeking…
Read More“Growing Up” Is a Must Add Discipleship Resource
I’ve been working my way through a new book from Robby Gallaty this week. You may not recognize the name, but you will definitely recognize the name of Robby’s mentor. David Platt, senior pastor of The Church at Brookhills and author of Radical and Follow Me writes the forward and invited Gallaty, a new follower…
Read MoreWhat Can a Class Do That a Small Group Cannot?
What can a class do that a group cannot? Specifically…what benefits or upsides can a class provide that a small group cannot? Ever have this conversation? I have this one more and more frequently, both in person and via email or blog comment. Long-time advocates of classes have difficulty seeing both the downside and the…
Read MoreFAQ: How Often Should Our Group Meet?
How often should our group meet? This might be one of my most frequently asked questions. And it’s actually a very good question. How often should our small group meet? There are at least three important considerations: First, keep in mind that especially when your group is just starting out, frequency is very important. I…
Read MoreQuotebook: Options and Differentiation
I am a fan of Simon Sinek’s thinking. Start with Why has had a great influence on my thinking in the last several years. I tripped across this line from Sinek last week. Think about what it means for churches that are serving up a buffet of options: “Companies that offer lots of options are…
Read MoreThe First 7 Questions I Ask When Evaluating a Small Group Ministry
I get a steady stream of emails asking for help with small group ministries. I also find myself sitting down with small group pastors and senior pastors when I’m at conferences (or when ministry teams stop in to see me in Vegas). It’s fun and I love the opportunity to help. But I thought it…
Read MoreTop 10 Posts of March, 2014
Miss a day? Here are my top 10 posts of March, 2014. Three Cool Stats: I had visitors from 89 countries! Just as cool, my blog was read in 45 different languages! And, 56.6% of my visitors were new! However you got here and whatever language you use to read…thanks for stopping by! How to…
Read MoreNew from Jennie Allen: Restless: Because You Were Made for More
I’ve been working my way through a new study from Jennie Allen this week. Restless: Because You Were Made for More is an 8 session study of the life of Joseph. More importantly, Restless is a study that “helps you discover a practical plan to identify the threads of your life and how to weave…
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