5 Things to Do in January to Connect More in 2016
Want to connect more people in 2016? There are a few things you can do now to exponentially increase the number you connect. Here are 5 things to do: Plan a connecting event in late January. If you run the event on January 31st, you’ll have several weeks to promote it. Use a strategy like…
Read MoreThe Latest on Church-Wide Campaigns – 2016
CLICK HERE FOR MY 2017 LIST Saddleback released the 40 Days of Purpose church-wide campaign in 2002. Although they had previously launched internal spiritual growth campaigns, this one really was a just-add-water option. Of course, in 2002 it really was just about the only option. Today, there are lots of options and there are more all the…
Read More5 Commitments for This Small Group Pastor
Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? I’ve made a set of resolutions. I’ve also renewed a set of 5 commitments as a small group pastor. Here are the 5 commitments I’ve made as a small group pastor: 1. I will make my own daily, living connection with Jesus Christ a priority—being in community with…
Read MoreTop 10 Posts of 2015 at MarkHowellLive.com (part two)
Another great year at MarkHowellLive.com! Thanks for coming along! Here are my top 10 most popular posts for 2015 (#6 to #10): #6 – 5 Toxic Small Group Ministry Moves I’ve noticed that there is a short list of small group ministry moves that can be toxic. They often seem harmless. They don’t look dangerous.…
Read MoreTop 10 Posts of 2015 at MarkHowellLive.com (part one)
Another great year at MarkHowellLive.com! Thanks for coming along! Here are the top 10 posts of 2015 (#1 to #5): #1 – Skill Training: Equip Your Coaches to Develop and Disciple Leaders A core understanding in my philosophy of small group ministry is that whatever you want to happen at the member level, will have to happen…
Read More5 Decisions Delayed at Great Expense
There may be some things that can be put off until later, but there are a number of decisions that are delayed only at great expense. What expense? Oh, first impressions missed, connection misplayed, leadership engagement squandering, etc. 5 decisions that are delayed only at great expense: 1. Launching a good enough first-step-out-of-the-auditorium. What does delay…
Read MoreGood Intentions + Bad Decisions = Bad Results
Good intentions are not enough. Wishful thinking may bring feelings of warmth and hope, but good decisions are essential. I love this line from Jim Collins: Bad decisions taken with good intentions…are still bad decisions. —Jim Collins Share on X Image by Michael Ransburg
Read MoreThinking Strategically about the New Year
Over the next few weeks all of us have an opportunity to connect unconnected people. The holiday season prompts a series of activities and the activities lead to a set of feelings (depression and sadness, hopes and dreams). These feelings are almost culture-wide. Few people begin the new year as just another day. Most people…
Read MorePlease Don’t Miss My 2016 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network
Every year I block off six days and several hours a week for six months to personally invest in a very limited group of small group pastors. My Winter/Spring 2016 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network experience is designed to give you the tools and strategies you need in order to build a small group ministry…
Read More10 Questions that Will Help You Analyze Your Small Group Ministry
I reviewed Transformational Groups back in early 2014. It was a very helpful read and my copy ended up very marked up, starred, underlined, and dog-eared. At the time of the review I noted, “Whether you’re new to groups ministry or you’re a seasoned veteran, you’re going to want to digest the information and ideas…
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