Are You Preparing for the Future of Small Group Ministry?
As I wrote Monday’s post, I tried very hard to imagine the days ahead. I read the reports Barna is producing (you can sign up for their updates right here). I’m always reading the latest book by David Kinnaman, Gabe Lyons, or James Emery White (see below for some recommendations). I want to be a…
Read MoreQuotebook: Andy Stanley on Emptying Your Leadership Cup
“As leaders, we are never responsible for filling anyone else’s cup. Our responsibility is to empty ours.” Andy Stanley As leaders, we are never responsible for filling anyone else's cup. Our responsibility is to empty ours. —Andy Stanley Share on X This clip from Leadercast 2014 is very helpful in understanding this concept. To see…
Read MoreThe Future of Small Group Ministry (and how to prepare for it)
I don’t know about you, but I’ve long been intrigued by a somewhat obscure Old Testament reference to the men of Issachar. Tucked away into a long list of those who joined David when he was banished by King Saul, we’re told about the men of Issachar “who understood the times and knew what Israel…
Read MoreDilbert on Having an Accurate Worldview
Sometimes you just need to laugh…
Read MoreThis Concept Might Change Your Strategy
Spoiler Alert: The most connected people in your congregation almost always have the fewest connections in the community. The most connected people in your congregation almost always have the fewest connections in the community. Share on X Four Things You Need to Know I use this drawing to illustrate an important concept. There are four…
Read MoreQuotebook: There Are No Problem-Free Systems, Models or Strategies
There are no problem-free systems, models, or strategies. Every system, model and strategy comes with a set of problems. Wise leaders simply choose the set of problems they'd rather have. Share on X I refer to this “quote” in almost every consultation, coaching call, workshop, and seminar I give. I believe this line is a…
Read MoreHow Do You Train New Small Group Coaches?
I’m curious. What are you doing to train new small group coaches? I know many struggle with even getting a coaching structure going. I also know that many have given up on even offering coaching (as a result of ineffectiveness). But…if you have coaches, how do you train them as they begin? Since you’re a…
Read More5 Ideas You Ought to Be Testing This Fall
5 Ideas You Ought to Be Testing This Fall I have never been more proud than when my prospective boss at Parkview was told, “If you’re okay with a mad scientist, Mark will be a good hire.” And no other statement has rocked my imagination like this one from Craig Groeschel: “If you want to…
Read MoreTake a Fresh Look at LifeGuide Bible Studies
Looking for some easy-to-use Bible studies you can recommend to your small group leaders? You might want to take a fresh look at IVP Connect’s LifeGuide Bible Study series. Although the LifeGuide Bible Study series is not new, it will be to many small group leaders and group members. While more than 15 million LifeGuide…
Read MoreHow Keen Is Your Cross-Cultural Awareness?
If you’ve been following the conversation here for very long you know that I believe all signs point to a rapidly shifting culture, quickly moving to a post-Christian America. Hopefully, that is not breaking news for you. Clearly, there have already been massive shifts in culture with more to come. And that leads me to…
Read More