“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…
Read MoreQuotebook: The Only Thing We Have to Bring to Community
“The only thing we have to bring to community is ourselves, so the contemplative process of recovering our true selves in solitude is never selfish. It is ultimately the best thing we can give to others.” Parker Palmer, The Active Life, p. 29
Read MoreYou’re Invited! Join My Fall 2014 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network
Looking for an opportunity to grow in your ability to connect beyond usual suspects? I want to invite you to join my Fall 2014 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network; an experience designed to give you the tools and strategies you need in order to build a small group ministry that works in the 21st century. The…
Read MoreFive Keys to Getting Everyone to Join a Group
I get questions…a lot of questions! When they apply to lots of people, I try to answer them here on the blog! This is one of those times. Here’s a question from a reader: How do you motivate people in the pews & leadership to join a group? What are the keys to get everyone…
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