5 Things that Keep Me Up at Night
There are things that bother me enough to keep me up at night. Or wake me up in the middle of the night. What kind of things? I have to admit that I’m rarely woken up thinking about things for which I have no responsibility. World peace? The state of the economy? ISIS? Never lay…
Read MoreHearing a Ringing Sound? It May Be the Clue Phone
I remember a memorable John Ortberg story told as an opener in a message. Couldn’t even begin to tell you what the message was about, but I vividly remember the story. Ortberg and Jimmy Mellado, now President and CEO of Compassion, were at Egg Harbor somewhere in Chicagoland. Mellado repeatedly orders waffles. The server says,…
Read MoreGod Dreams: A Great New Playbook for Vision and Execution
I’ve spent some time with the newest book from Will Mancini this week. If you’re involved at all in your church’s leadership team, you’re going to want to know about God Dreams: 12 Vision Templates for Finding and Focusing Your Church’s Future. If you’re not familiar with Will Mancini, he is the founder of Auxano, a…
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions about How to Build an Effective Coaching Structure
I’m excited about my newest mini-course: Building an Effective Coaching Structure – 2019 Edition! Lot’s of interest already. And lot’s of questions! You may have questions and just not had time yet to ask them. Here are the most frequently asked questions (and the answers!): I can’t watch the live sessions. Will they be available…
Read MoreNew and Radically Improved: How to Build an Effective Coaching Structure
This course has been updated. Here’s the new version!
Read MoreI’d Love to Know What You NEED to Know
I’ve been writing here at MarkHowellLive.com since 2008. Tips and ideas. Strategies. Reviews of new small group studies and books I think you need to know about. As of today, I’ve published 1850 blog posts. Think about it! And still, I know it’s hard for someone who’s new to the tribe to know the questions that…
Read MoreTop 10 Posts on Discipleship and Making Disciples in Groups
A fundamental question about small group ministry is, “What have you designed your small groups to do?” or “What have you designed your small groups to make?” I have always believed that small group ministries with the right design (a) make it easy for unconnected people to get connected and (b) nearly automatic that they…
Read MoreH3 Leadership Is the Best Book on Leadership I’ve Read in a Long Time
I don’t know how it will be for you, but H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle is a book I just about couldn’t put down! So good! The newest book from Brad Lomenick, is a great read and one I will come back to again and again. Brad Lomenick is the former Executive Director…
Read MoreGeneral Eric Shinseki on Change and Irrelevance
“If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less.” General Eric Shinseki
Read More4 Lines That Shape My Convictions about the Future of Small Group Ministry
My thinking about small group ministry has always been influenced by the thinking of people a lot smarter than me. While there are definitely other quotes from really smart people that have helped shape my philosophy of ministry, there are four thoughts are forever nearby. My suggestion? These four lines are worth reflecting on. They are worth…
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