5 Major Trends for Small Group Ministries in 2017
“What do you see trending in small group ministry?” Might be one my most frequently asked questions. Probably because everyone wants to be in on what’s working and no one wants to be left out, still driving their daddy’s model. So what’s trending? Here’s what I’m seeing: A more intentional discipleship pathway What at least…
Read MoreFriday’s List | February 10
Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 7 Things Christians Should Give Up to Reach Unchurched People by Carey Nieuwhof. Would be a great discussion to have with your team. Andy Stanley — The Agile Apologetic, Part One Wow! Just…
Read MoreDon’t Miss Exponential Groups! (New from Allen White)
There’s a new book on the small group scene you should know about. Allen White’s, Exponential Groups: Unleashing Your Church’s Potential is a great addition to my recommended list for both small group pastors and senior pastors trying to figure out small group ministry. Although I always include a disclosure when I review a book, Exponential Groups…
Read MoreWhat Would You Say to Your First Year in Small Group Ministry Self?
Maybe you’ve been asked a version of this question. Probably you’ve heard a version of it asked of a guest on a talk show or a podcast. Usually it’s something like, “What would you say to the 25 year-old you?” Or, “What advice would you give the 21 year-old you?” I can tell you this,…
Read More4 Tell-Tale Signs Your Small Group System Is Broken
You know how certain things in life are tell-tale signs something is wrong? For example, when your car’s bouncing down the road and the tires are wearing unevenly…it’s a tell-tale sign that your car’s wheels need to be aligned. Or when your thermostat is set on 72 but it’s 82 in the house and the…
Read MoreFAQ: What Does a Good First Step Out of the Auditorium Look Like?
I get questions. A lot of questions. Sometimes they come in a comment here on the blog. Other times a reader will simply reply to one of my blog posts. And still other times questions come at a workshop or conference session I’m leading. Here’s a recent version of a frequently asked question about designing…
Read MoreFriday’s List | February 3
Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: How To (Finally) Stop Giving In To The Pressure To Add More Ministries In Your Church by Carey Nieuwhof. Take this and call me in the morning. Meet Generation Z: Understanding and…
Read MoreMUST-Read: Meet Generation Z: Understanding and Reaching the New Post-Christian World
Got my hands on a copy of Meet Generation Z: Understanding and Reaching the New Post-Christian World a couple days ago. Honestly…couldn’t put it down. The newest book by James Emery White, the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church, Meet Generation Z takes an important look at the generation that follows the Millennials (born approximately…
Read MoreI’m launching a new podcast!
I’m launching a new podcast! Yesterday was a very cool day. I decided over a year ago that I really needed to launch a podcast. Went online. Bought everything I needed to get started. And then got busy with everything else I was doing and left the new equipment unopened in the closet. Until a…
Read MoreFAQ: How Can I Increase Sign-Up and Show-Up at My Small Group Connection?
I get questions. A LOT of questions. Here’s a small group connection question that I’ve answered many, many times. What’s the best way to increase sign-up and show-up at my small group connection? It may be worded many different ways, but it gets asked a lot because after all the work of preparing everyone wants…
Read More