My New Resolution: “Family Night” Is In My Future
In late 2010 I received a copy of Gabe Lyon’s The Next Christians in the mail. It arrived unsolicited. It even had a note from Gabe. Very cool. I read it very quickly. Almost didn’t put it down. I can tell you for sure that it helped raise a growing awareness of the arrival of…
Read MoreSmall Group Ministry Roadblock #4: A Myopic Understanding of the Culture
I’ve been thinking lately about the biggest roadblocks to small group ministry; the things that stand in the way of a truly thriving small group ministry. See also, 10 Powerful Benefits of a Thriving Small Group Ministry. Here are what I believe are the top 5 roadblocks: A doubtful or conflicted senior pastor. A bloated…
Read MoreThe Evidence Is In: Rick Warren and Saddleback Are Committed to Small Groups
I’ve written many times about the need for senior pastors to champion small groups. If you’ve been along for any length of time, you know it’s a frequent rant for me. See also, Your Senior Pastor as Small Group Champion Leads to a Church OF Groups. I really believe the #1 reason that Saddleback has…
Read More5 Keys to Taking New Ground in 2014
Want to take new ground in 2014? Don’t we all? You’re probably not spending a lot of time figuring out how to avoid or slow down the rate of losing ground (although this Dilbert cartoon has a very funny take on the idea). No, if you wake up in the middle of the night it’s probably…
Read MoreDon’t Miss This New Study from Verge: Disciple Making: No Plan B
Had an opportunity this week to spend some time with a new resource from Verge Network. Disciple Making: No Plan B is an 8 session study designed to be used by a missional community. A challenging study, it provides just the right combination of push and pull to move groups out of comfort zones and into…
Read MoreSmall Group Ministry Roadblock #3: Indecision about the Best Next Step
Last week we began a detailed look at what I believe are the top 5 small group ministry roadblocks; the things that stand in the way of a truly thriving small group ministry. We began with a look at roadblock #1: a doubtful or conflicted senior pastor and continued with roadblock #2: a bloated belong and become…
Read MoreTwo Spots Left! Still Time to Join My 2014 Coaching Network
I have TWO spots left in my 2014 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network. It’s not too late…but it will be before you know it. I love blogging about how to connect unconnected people and how to build a thriving small group ministry. I’m always excited when I get to speak at a conference, whether it’s live or on a webcast.…
Read MoreReboot Your Small Group Ministry with My 5 Step Prescription
As I talked about yesterday, there are times when you just need to reboot your small group ministry. It’s hard work. It’s not easy. It’s a thrill ride. But if your small group ministry is stuck, you need to do it. Just like your computer, it won’t get better while you watch it. See also, Top…
Read MoreTop 10 Signs Your Small Group Ministry Needs a Reboot
You know the painfully frustrating experience when your computer is just stuck and you can’t get it to do what it’s supposed to do? You sit there helplessly and watch the little twirly thing spin. Can’t get any work done. Can’t even shut down correctly. Know the feeling? Sometimes the best solution is to reboot…
Read MoreAll Pro Dad: 7 Essentials to Be a Hero to Your Kids
Had an opportunity to preview a new study from LifeWay this week. Mark Merrill’s All Pro Dad: Seven Essentials to Be a Hero to Your Kids (featuring Tony Dungy) is an 8 session study for men. Based on Merrill’s 2012 book by the same title, there are some very appealing aspects to this study. First,…
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