How to Launch a Small Group Ministry
Planning to launch a small group ministry but not sure what to do first? In my experience there are four key steps to launching a small group ministry. These steps are not hard, but they do require some thinking and decision making. There are also a couple shortcuts if you don’t have the discipline to…
Read MoreDon’t Miss this Inspiring New Study: I Like Giving
A few weeks ago I heard about a small group study that I think you’re going to want to know about. I Like Giving, based on a best-selling book by Brad Formsma, is a powerful four session study that features some of the most memorable video segments I’ve ever seen. “I Like Giving invites you…
Read MoreThinking Thursday: Candy Chang: Before I die I want to…
In her New Orleans neighborhood, artist and TED Fellow Candy Chang turned an abandoned house into a giant chalkboard asking a fill-in-the-blank question: “Before I die I want to ___.” Her neighbors’ answers — surprising, poignant, funny — became an unexpected mirror for the community. (What’s your answer?) Can’t see the video? You can watch…
Read MoreAdd “Small Groups for the Rest of Us” to the Recommended List
I spent some time with a new book from Chris Surratt you are definitely going to want to pick up. Small Groups for the Rest of Us is a great read and is packed with the great insights that only come from a seasoned practitioner accustomed to figuring out how to connect the people you aren’t…
Read More5 Daily Reminders for Building an Effective Coaching Structure
I learn some things over and over again. Just when I think I have it down and can confidently move on to something new, I find myself right back at square one needing a refresher. Can you relate? I’ve found I need a set of reminders that keep me on track. Not a string tied…
Read More6 Steps to Building a Leader Development Process (that Meets Your Congregation’s Needs and Expectations)
I frequently hear from small group pastors that their senior pastors or congregational leaders are uncomfortable with newer strategies for identifying and recruiting leaders. They’ll tell me things like, “I love hearing about the 75 new leaders that were chosen by group members at your life group connections or the 300+ people who said they…
Read MoreDon’t Miss Distinct: Living above the Norm
I spent some time with a new study from LifeWay’s Bible Studies for Life series this week. Distinct: Living above the Norm is the newest addition to a growing line of studies “on topics that are relevant to today’s believers. Studies that help people understand how to apply the Bible to everyday life — their families,…
Read MoreThinking Thursday: Amy Tan: Where does creativity hide?
Novelist Amy Tan digs deep into the creative process, looking for hints of how hers evolved. Can’t see the video? You can watch it right here. Every week I choose a video that I think you need to see and believe will inspire some new thinking. You can find the rest of the collection right…
Read MoreFoundational Teaching: Next Steps for EVERYONE
An important aspect of my philosophy of ministry is the conviction that the most effective churches design next steps for everyone and first steps for their friends. The most effective churches design next steps for everyone and first steps for their friends. Share on X This informs an analysis of the menu of available programs,…
Read MoreNeed to Grow as a Small Group Pastor? Join My 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…
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