Join Me for a FREE Conference Call: 5 Secrets to a Big Start in 2014
As you probably know, the beginning of the year is the second best opportunity all year to launch more small groups and connect more people. It’s such a good opportunity…but it’s a shame to see it wasted so often! Want to learn the 5 Secrets to a Big (GroupLife) Start in 2014? You’re invited! Join…
Read MoreDon’t Miss Starting Small: A New Book from Ben Reed
Had a chance to preview Starting Small: The Ultimate Small Group Blueprint, a new book from my friend Ben Reed. Ben is the small groups pastor at Long Hollow, a multi-site church in the Nashville, TN area. I call Ben a whippersnapper because for someone his age to know what he knows and have the insights he…
Read More10 Practices I Need to Learn from Jesus the Small Group Leader
There are many things we can know about Jesus the small group leader just by reading the New Testament, particularly the gospels. And there are at least 10 practices that I need to learn. There are many things we can know about Jesus the small group leader just by reading the New Testament, particularly the…
Read MoreDon’t Miss This New Men’s Study: Manhood Restored
Took the opportunity to preview a new men’s study from LifeWay this week. Manhood Restored: How the Gospel Makes Men Whole featuring Eric Mason, the founding and lead pastor of Philadelphia’s Epiphany Fellowship, a “multi-ethnic inner city church dedicated to seeing Jesus Christ’s gospel hit up every area of our lives.” I recently heard Pastor Mason speak…
Read MoreThe Latest from Jerry Bridges: True Community
Downloaded True Community: The Biblical Practice of Koinonia yesterday, the newest book from Jerry Bridges. If you know that name, it may be that you’ve got a 35 year old copy of The Pursuit of Holiness on your bookshelf too! Bridges is a longtime staff member of The Navigators and has written 10 books, speaks internationally, and…
Read More5 Assumptions That Set Small Group Coaching Up to #Fail
“Small group coaching does not work.” If I’ve heard that once, I’ve heard it a million times. In fact, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard it…I’d be a millionaire! Ever said it yourself? I’ve discovered there are five assumptions that set small group coaching up to #fail. Wonder if you have…
Read MoreExternal Change > Internal Change = Irrelevance
Yesterday I was remembering a talk that Gary Hamel gave at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. Knowing his flair for language and keen insights into organizational design, I was anticipating quite a stir. And I was not disappointed. It was a talk that generated a lot of interaction. As many of you know, I am…
Read More3 Prerequisite Convictions for Senior Pastors Who Experience Authentic Community
Last week I challenged senior pastors with a bold statement. I said, “If you want authentic community to flourish in your church, it begins with you. It must begin with you.” See my post, Note to Senior Pastors: Authentic Community Begins with You. Although I included a simple example of how it could begin with the senior…
Read MoreNew from Beth Moore: Sacred Secrets
I’ve been waiting and I bet you’ve been waiting too. Maybe even impatiently waiting…for the newest Beth Moore study. Well, wait no more! It’s out and it’s just what the doctor ordered. Sacred Secrets is a 5 (or 6) session study and it’s a little different than you might be used to experiencing. With video captured from…
Read More5 Things I Used to Believe about Small Group Ministry
Don’t hate me, but there are at least 5 things I used to believe about small group ministry…that I no longer believe are true. Actually, I no longer believe they are the best way to do what needs to be done. 5 things I used to believe…and what I’ve found to be a better solution:…
Read More