How to Build an Effective Coaching Structure, Part Three
Building an effective coaching structure is a huge challenge. In fact, it’s so tough that you’ll hear many small group pastors from around the country admit that they’ve given up on the idea. Oh, there are plenty that are still chipping away at making it work. But it’s no picnic. If it was, you probably…
Read MoreHOST: What Does It Mean?
You’ve probably heard of “hosting” a group. But what does it mean to be a host? Is there a difference between a host and a leader? Is it just another name for a leader? If I’m a host, will you provide the teacher? These are questions that are asked all the time. ALL the time. …
Read MoreBut We Have Adult Sunday School!
I’m frequently asked what should be done to launch small groups in churches where there is an existing adult Sunday school program. Is it an issue? Yes. Does it complicate the project? Only slightly. Is there a solution? Absolutely! Here is my prescription: First, you’ll need to gather some important information. Three questions will provide…
Read MoreConcentric Circles
I’ve found Saddleback’s concentric circle idea to be very helpful in explaining a number of small group related concepts. Here’s my version. Basic idea? The largest circle represents the community you’re in. They are who you’re trying to reach. The crowd represents the group that considers your church to be their church. They may not…
Read MoreHow Important is the Senior Pastor?
One of the most frequent questions about small group ministry is “How important is the Senior Pastor?” Translation: What if my senior pastor offers encouragement, cheerleads from the sideline, even holds me accountable for the success of the small group ministry…but won’t lead from the pulpit? Ever ask that question? It’s a simple answer really. …
Read MoreNot Just a Holy Huddle
What does a healthy small group look like in your small group system? One that meets regularly? Maybe a small group that invites new people? Or how about one that practices the "one-anothers"…on one another? What does a small group need to be like to be an example of a healthy group? This is a…
Read MoreWhat’s the Best Way to Launch New Small Groups?
What’s the best way to launch new small groups? Ever asked that one? I get asked that question a lot…probably more than any other question. And for good reason, after all, who isn’t trying to increase the number of groups (and the number of people in groups) in their church? So what’s the answer? It’s…
Read MoreHow to Build an Effective Coaching Structure, Part Two
If the first principle in building an effective coaching structure is First “What,” Then “Who,” the second is Open Your Eyes to What Doesn’t Work. Although it may seem negative, this is an important step. In the same way that a doctor needs to be able to recognize the symptoms of common medical problems, you…
Read MoreThe 10 Worst Small Group Study Guides
Ok…Carter is crazy…but this is too good to ignore. Looking for your next small group study? Don’t pick from the 10 Worst Small Group Study Guides.
Read MoreWalking the Small Group Tightrope
One of the challenges in small group ministry is coming up with practical leader training. There’s just not a lot out there…and what is out there is not always the nuts and bolts of becoming a better small group leader. One exception? Walking the Small Group Tightrope by Bill Donahue and Russ Robinson. The first…
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