Customized Leader Requirements and Benefits
If you’ve been following the conversation here for very long you know that I am an advocate for lowering the leader bar. In fact, I’ve found that one of the primary reasons many churches struggle to identify and recruit enough small group leaders to take care of the demand is that they’re looking for Jesus…
Read MoreCommunity: Taking Your Small Group Off Life Support
One of the most challenging new books on small group ministry? In my mind it is Community: Taking Your Small Group Off Life Support by Mars Hill’s Brad House. Published by Crossway, this is not your run-of-the-mill book on groups. Although the subtitle suggests that this is a book for small group leaders, it’s really…
Read MoreQuotebook: Ministry Design Determines Results
Wondering why your small group ministry is stuck? Trying to figure out why you can’t connect more people? Why your leader recruitment strategy didn’t work…again? I love this line from Andy Stanley: “Your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you’re currently experiencing.” Here’s my encouragement. As you mull over your stuckness, pay close…
Read MoreMake It Easy to Connect People
I was reminded again tonight about a key ingredient that makes it easy to connect people. Just like In-n-Out, a simple menu makes ordering easy. There are only burgers, fries, soft drinks and shakes. When you walk up to the counter to order, it’s obvious what to do. There aren’t 14 value meal options. There are three.…
Read MoreDilbert on “Ask the Theologian Night at Small Group”
Read MoreGodQuest: Discover the God Your Heart Is Searching For
I had the opportunity to take a look at an interesting new church-wide campaign this weekend. New from Outreach, GodQuest: Discovering the God Your Heart Is Searching For is a 6 week study that just might be something you need to check out. The GodQuest church kit is a very robust resource. In addition to…
Read MoreCheck Out These Small Group Ministry Resources
Looking for grouplife resources? Here are folks that help make MarkHowellLive.com happen: Live Like You Were Dying: a church-wide campaign inspired by the Grammy award winning song. Developed by a team that helped launch the 40 Days of Purpose, the DVD features teaching by Gary Smalley. Churchteams: a pioneer in small group ministry software, Churchteams…
Read MoreFresh Encounter: Experiencing God’s Power for Spiritual Awakening
Based on the 2009 revised and expanded version of Fresh Encounter, written by Henry & Richard Blackaby, this DVD-driven study can be used effectively in off-campus small groups or on-campus Bible studies. Best known for Experiencing God, the Blackabys have a reputation for delivering studies that are both memorable and life-changing. There are 7 sessions…
Read MoreWhere You Look for “What’s Next” Matters
I just want to give you something to chew on today. It may not seem to be a big thing. It certainly doesn’t look like a big thing. Just 14 words. “You cannot look in a new direction by looking harder in the same direction.” Edward de Bono, Lateral Thinking I’ve said more than once…
Read MoreBloodlines: Great Example of Story-Driven Visual Media
I saw this fascinating new documentary featuring John Piper last week (HT @benarment). One of the most compelling examples of story-driven visual media I’ve ever seen. It is well worth the 18 minutes. If you want to see where DVD-driven small group studies could go…take a look! Can’t see the video? You can watch it…
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