The Power of God’s Names by Dr. Tony Evans
Finally had an opportunity this week to spend some time with a new study from Dr. Tony Evans. The Power of God’s Names was published earlier this year (2014) and is another great offering from one of America’s most dynamic preachers. Evans has been the Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship for close to four decades…
Read MoreHere’s My Reading List for Christmas 2014
Every year I create a list of books I think you should read. Sometimes the books I include are very purely about small group ministry, discipleship or spiritual formation. Other times, the books I include may seem pretty far afield (innovation, design, leadership, or strategy). You’ll just have to trust me. I wouldn’t include a book I…
Read MoreQuotebook: The Job of a Change Agent
I have often joked that I want my title to be The Disruptor of the Status Quo. It’s not really a joke, but so far I’ve not succeeded in getting the title officially. I love this paragraph from a Bill Taylor article on HBR: The job of the change agent is not just to surface…
Read MoreHow to Design Next Steps and First Steps
At Canyon Ridge we want to provide next steps for every Ridger and first steps for their friends. The essence of the idea is that when you think about the various kinds of people who attend your church, each of the various kinds of people would require their own next step. At Canyon Ridge we…
Read More5 Blind Spots that Affect Small Group Ministries Everywhere
I think we all know what a blind spot is…when it’s in our car. It’s that spot that you can’t really see when you’re changing lanes or backing up. If you’ve seen the movie Blind Side you know what it means in football (and you know the role of the left tackle). What you may…
Read MoreThe Best Yes: Lysa TerKeurst’s Newest DVD-Driven Study
Spent some time this week with the newest study by Lysa TerKeurst: The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands. TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has led thousands to make…
Read MoreThankful for So Much
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV We have so much for which to be thankful. That’s one way to say it. I’m not much of a grammarian. We have so much to be thankful for. That’s better. We really…
Read More4 Keys to Choosing the Next Study for New Groups
I’ve pointed out that the time to think about what’s next for new groups is before you even begin. Whether you’re starting new groups with a church-wide campaign, a small group connection, or an on-campus strategy with a built-in next step that launches off-campus groups, it is essential to choose the follow-up study before you…
Read MoreHave You Determined Your “Essential Intent”?
Have you clarified the win for your small group ministry? Have you figured out what you’re going to call success? I’m working my way through Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less and in today’s reading I came across an idea that I know is going to help me and I’m pretty sure is going to help…
Read MoreRethinking the Role of the Small Group Pastor
Do you have a job description for a small group pastor? What should we be looking for in a small group pastor? Can you help us find the right small group pastor? See also, Do You Have a Job Description for a Small Group Director? These are just a few of the questions I get…
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