Skill Training | Using A Small Group Agreement
One of the most important ingredients in group life is a small group agreement or covenant. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be a pre-printed handout (or download) or you can simply offer a set of guidelines and ask each group to write their own. I’ve found an agreement to be very helpful…
Read More5 December Keys to a Great GroupLife January
You may already be on top of it…but just to be sure, here are five steps you can take today to make sure January is extra effective in 2010. Set the date for a Small Group Connection. There are three very good connection opportunities every year. Fall is a great time to launch a church-wide…
Read MoreReminder: When The World Changes “Different Is Required”
What was true when your current system was designed? Stop for just a moment and think about it. When your current system was designed, what was true about your congregation? What was true about the community? What was true about the culture? Okay…it will take you longer than a moment…but you need to see this. …
Read MoreDream Big About What’s Possible
We’ve been talking about building an exponential group system. In my last post we wrestled with the idea that a key early step in the journey to exponential is to have brutal honesty about the present…the way things really are right now. Once you’ve developed a clear and honest understanding of where things really are…
Read MoreDiagnosis: Brutal Honesty About Your Present
Yesterday we talked about the core philosophy that drives an exponential group system. If you missed step one, you can read about having a crowd-to-core philosophy right here. Today I want to talk about step two in the process: Diagnosis: Brutal Honesty About Your Present. Sounds harsh. Brutal even. But without an honest evaluation…
Read MoreHow To Build An Exponential Group System
What makes a group system exponential? What makes a church exponential? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, but my convictions on the matter string together some important concepts acquired over the years. But before we get to the keys to building an exponential group system, let’s define it. In some ways it’s kind…
Read MoreTop 10 Reasons Saddleback Has Connected Over 130% In Groups
Update: I wrote this article in 2009 and have updated it slightly to reflect subtle changes in strategy. _____________ I’m regularly asked how Saddleback can have more adults in groups than they have in worship. People everywhere scoff when they hear the numbers. And I have to admit, it is pretty wild. After all, during…
Read MoreTwitter: What’s to Love
Twitter. Crazy name. Sounds a little goofy. Very odd to tell people you tweeted this or that today. Even stranger to try and explain being re-tweeted. I don’t know if you use Twitter, but I think it’s an important tool and want to give you my take (why I like it and how I use…
Read MoreNeed Help With Your Small Group System? Download Alan Danielson
Alan Danielson was our guest on the Small Group Fraternity call this week. Great stuff! He talked about three keys to building a small group ministry: Pick and stick. Quit changing models every time you read a book or go to a conference. Break the box…but don’t throw it out. While you stick to your…
Read MoreJoin Me for the Alan Danielson Conference Call
Looking for game changing insight that will help you right now with your small group ministry? Listen in to my interview with Alan Danielson at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT, 8:00 a.m. PT). How to join the call: Telephone: 1-616-918-8000 Pin: 1034206# Today’s call features a discussion about three hot topics: Pick and stick.…
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