GroupLife Philosophy: Who Is Your Customer?
Have you ever slowed down long enough to think about the design of your small group ministry? Yesterday we talked about developing an understanding of the business you are really in. Today I want to another very important concept in the design of your small group ministry: an awareness of your customer. Here’s an important…
Read MoreGroupLife Philosophy: Determining Your “Business”
According the Peter Drucker, the first question is “what business are we in?” Before you tune out, here’s how it applies to grouplife. There are several aspects to think about. First of all, let me debug the term “business.” You might not think of [quote]yourself as being in a business…but in the sense that Drucker…
Read MoreThe Greatest GroupLife Delusion
What would you say is the greatest grouplife delusion? Take a moment…and think about it. Got an idea? You may have your own idea. You should have your own idea. But for me, I’m going with a version of what Peter Drucker pointed out about product development: “The greatest self-delusion is the belief that the…
Read MoreReview: Stand Against the Wind (featuring Erwin McManus)
If you’re trying to develop a range of approved resources for your small group ministry, Stand Against the Wind is a 6 session DVD-driven study that might fill an important niche on your recommended small group curriculum list. Developed from the same message series that produced one of Erwin McManus’ most engaging books (Stand Against the…
Read MoreRecalculating: 5 Signs Your GroupLife System Needs an Update
The first time I used a Garmin (GPS) I was driving from Charlotte, NC, to Abingdon, VA. My commuter flight from Charlotte had been cancelled and the next flight would have meant a late start at the church I was to visit the next day. My host said, “Just rent a car and drive over.…
Read MoreFAQ: Shouldn’t Every Group Have a Vision to Multiply?
Where do you stand on the whole birthing issue? Are you pro-birthing? Neutral? Apathetic? Or, maybe you’ve moved on, putting your eggs in the basket of other, more effective strategies? I recently got a great comment on an earlier post (I See Dead Groups) that really begged for a thoughtful response, but as I began…
Read MoreWhat’s the Best Way to Connect the Largest Number of People?
Take a moment and imagine your congregation. Before you get too settled in, think about who comes to your church in the broadest sense. There are the folks you know by name. They’re there almost every time the doors are open. Three or four times a month. Now add in the folks that you know…
Read MoreReview: Rumors of God by Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson
What kinds of conversations will it take to share the Gospel with those who are far from God…in the 21st century? What kind of tone will be heard as authentic (not artificial), relevant (not dated) interested in the needs of others (as opposed to self-interested)? If you’re interested in cultivating the kinds of relationships that…
Read MoreFor the City: New from Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter
Had a chance on a recent round-trip flight to pour through the newest book in Zondervan’s Exponential series. For the City: Proclaiming and Living Out the Gospel by Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter (with Josh A. Lindsey) is a great addition to the series. Written in a very personal and informal style, this is the…
Read MoreWhat Must You Do Differently Next Year…to get closer to your goal?
Albert Einstein famously said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Ever found yourself getting to ready to try something one more time, hoping that this time it would work? If you answered “yes,” you are not alone. I’m betting that’s actually a pretty normal behavior.…
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