Posts by Mark Howell
I’m launching a new podcast!
I’m launching a new podcast! Yesterday was a very cool day. I decided over a year ago that I really needed to launch a podcast. Went online. Bought everything I needed to get started. And then got busy with everything else I was doing and left the new equipment unopened in the closet. Until a…
Read MoreFAQ: How Can I Increase Sign-Up and Show-Up at My Small Group Connection?
I get questions. A LOT of questions. Here’s a small group connection question that I’ve answered many, many times. What’s the best way to increase sign-up and show-up at my small group connection? It may be worded many different ways, but it gets asked a lot because after all the work of preparing everyone wants…
Read MoreFAQ: How Do You Lead a Small Group Connection in a Smaller Context?
I get questions. A LOT of questions. This one didn’t come directly to me, but came instead from someone over on the Small Group Network Facebook page. No matter. It was a great question and I wanted to answer it in a way that would help you too! Here’s the question: Has anyone done a…
Read MoreFriday’s List | January 27
Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 7 Ways To Live Out The Gospel In A Post-Truth, Post-Fact Culture by Carey Nieuwhof. As always this is great and a must-read. Top 5 Benefits of the Small Group Network by Judy…
Read MoreSimon Sinek on Discovering Possibilities
“Intelligence looks for what is known to solve problems. Creativity looks for what is unknown to discover possibilities.” Simon Sinek You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Mark Iocchelli
Read More5 Culture Characteristics Small Group Pastors Should Be Striving For
Someone asked me recently what I hoped our small group ministry would be like. Honestly, it’s not hard for me to slip into a vision/faith mode. I just have to make time to do it (i.e., most of the time, I’m running hard to finish what I’ve got on my plate because I know there’s…
Read MoreEvaluate the Connection Potential of Your “First Step out of the Auditorium”
Prior to COVID-19, most churches had already adopted, adapted or developed a “first step out of the auditorium” that was regularly promoted and held on a consistent basis. Your first step may have been Saddleback’s CLASS 101, an adaptation of some other first step class, or a class completely of your own design, but most…
Read MoreJoining Us for GroupLife Southwest? Take Advantage of THIS Price
Joining Us for GroupLife Southwest? Take Advantage of THIS Price So it’s like this. This is the best speaker lineup for a small group ministry conference in 2017. Period. I can say that, because I’ve seen the other lineups. Here is the lineup for GroupLife Southwest ’17: Bill Willits from North Point. Bill has been…
Read MoreFriday’s List | January 20
Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: January Is the Perfect Time to Add More Groups by Rick Warren. 7 Practices for Great Staff Chemistry by Dan Reiland. Beyond the E-Myth: The Evolution of an Enterprise: From a company of…
Read MoreAlbert Einstein on Absurd Ideas
“If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.” Albert Einstein You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Oregon State University
Read More