Diagnosis: Senior Pastor Buy-In
There is a reason that an annual physical is recommended. Although we may show up for the physical with some concerns, a thorough physical examination will sometimes identify developments that we did not sense already. In much the same way, an annual diagnosis of your small group ministry is a good idea. I’ve already identified…
Read MoreResource: A Convergence of Small Group Experts
If you missed The Summit: A Convergence of Small Group Experts you missed a great 90 minutes. But it’s not too late! They filmed it and you can watch it right here. What a great conversation! Bill Donahue, Steve Gladen, Carl George, Lyman Coleman, Bill Search, Reid Smith, Rick Howerton, Randall Neighbour, Eddie Mosely, and…
Read MoreDiagnosis: The Coaches in Your System
One of the most important steps in diagnosing your small group ministry is to accurately assess the health of your coaching system. Much like your physical body, having a respiratory system is essential…but it has to be a working respiratory system. Here are what I think are the most important diagnosis questions about coaches: Have…
Read MoreDiagnosis: The Leaders in Your System
Once you’ve gathered the basic information about the groups in your system, it’s time to find out a little more, to look more closely at the leaders themselves. And as I mentioned in the first article in this series, there is a purpose to this step. From your diagnosis you’ll learn a lot about how…
Read MoreHow To Diagnose the Groups in Your System
As I mentioned yesterday, the first step in the diagnosis of your small group ministry is a thorough examination of your existing groups. Depending on the number of groups in your system (and whether you’re new on the scene), this may be an easy job or may take you some time. It’s important though, because…
Read MoreDiagnosing a Small Group Ministry
When you step into the exam room at your doctor’s office, what happens is determined by the reason for your visit. Could be an annual checkup. You may have some symptoms that are troubling. Or you may just feel awful and want to get better. The reason for your visit determines what your doctor does.…
Read MoreThis Is Moving Week!
Hey everybody! Just wanted to keep you posted about what’s coming here at MarkHowellLive.com. I’ve accepted a position at Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park, IL and will begin my new role there on Sunday, February 21. So…we’re moving this week. As you can imagine…internet access will be a little hit and miss this week. …
Read MoreHow To Develop Leaders
Developing and equipping leaders is one of the key challenges in small group ministry. That is true for all of us, regardless of the system or strategy that you’ve chosen. You may have an occasional leader who arrives fully formed…but for the most part, we all need to be in the development business. There are…
Read MoreLeader Recruitment Nuts and Bolts
Finding enough leaders is a challenge. With the strategies I mentioned in Small Group Leaders: Finding, Recruiting, Developing, you’ll find the leaders you need. What you do with them next is very important. Here are some of the most important nuts and bolts of successful leader recruitment: Determine your leadership requirements in advance. It may…
Read MoreHow To Use Social Media To Resource Your Leaders
How do you get the word out about recommended resources and upcoming events? How do you stay connected with the small group leaders and coaches in your ministry? Where do your small group leaders go to get information about next steps? The answers to these questions say a lot about whether you’re living in the…
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