New Discipleship Resource from Greg Laurie: Start to Follow
“When you hear the word disciple, what comes to mind? Maybe you think of the twelve disciples who tramped along behind Jesus through the Judean wilderness and the dusty streets of Jerusalem? Maybe you visualize their faces in a stained glass church window or in some old painting with little halos over their heads? “But…
Read MoreQuotebook: Life-Change, Circles, and Rows
One of many great lines from Andy Stanley at Re:Group: “The real church is not facility dependent. Never has been. Never will be. The real church is not preacher dependent. Never has been. Never will be. Why? Because life-change happens best in circles, not in rows.” Andy Stanley The real church is not facility dependent.…
Read MoreTrue Everywhere: What GroupLife Strategies Are Geographically Agnostic?
In the last year visitors from 160 countries have stopped by MarkHowellLive.com. 160! That is a humbling statistic! It’s also a more than just a little scary! Half the time I’m amazed. The other half of the time I’m terrified at the implications. I’ve often wondered how much of what I’m advocating works beyond the…
Read MoreLearn the 5 Secrets to a Big Start in 2013
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 2013? You’re invited! Join…
Read MoreDilbert on Reporting to Your Supervisor
Due for your next one on one with your supervisor? Here’s a strategy:
Read MoreThe Ability to Say “NO”
Are you so committed to your direction that you’re saying “no” to the things that will take you even slightly off course? One of the most important aspects of your ministry’s trajectory is its determination to say no to the things that will take it in an even slightly different direction. It’s hard to recognize…
Read MoreThe One Thing Every Small Group Pastor Must Do…for Small Group Leaders
Recently my friend Rick Howerton posted an article praising Egli and Marable’s research based, Small Groups Big Impact. Among other principles, Rick referred to a powerful discovery made by Egli and Marable: “The practice that impacts the health and growth of a small group the most is the prayer life of the leader (p. 23).” The practice…
Read MoreThe Relay Race Called “The Ministry Year”
In the fastest growing ministries and churches…everything is connected. Everything is a step in the direction of the preferred future. Everything. There are no one offs. There is no sideways energy. Everything is connected. Here’s what I mean. Step One: Easter at Saddleback, North Point, Woodlands Church, Bayside, etc. will include an opportunity to make…
Read MoreUndaunted: Daring to Do What God Calls You to Do
Had a chance this weekend to review Undaunted, a new DVD-driven study featuring Christine Caine. If you’re unfamiliar with Caine, she’s a popular speaker (her Catalyst sessions have been highly rated) and the co-founder of the A21 Campaign, an organization dedicated to provide help, hope and healing to victims of human trafficking. Designed to be…
Read MoreIngredients of a 21st Century Web Solution for Small Group Ministry
No matter where I go, everyone is asking the same question: where can we find a fully-functioning 21st century web solution for groups? I’ve decided that most web solutions for groups are incomplete. That is, regardless of whether they can be described as a church management software (a bundled solution that handles database, check-in, financials, reports,…
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