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# MarkHowellLive.com

Small Group Ministry for the 21st Century

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## Posts

- [Blog](https://www.markhowelllive.com/blog/)
- [My Small Group Ministry Philosophy for the 21st Century](https://www.markhowelllive.com/my-small-group-ministry-philosophy-for-the-21st-century/) - (NOTE: This is an updated version of an article from 2021.) Disclosure: Depending on your own bias or bent, you might read this rant as either heresy, confirmation that I've lost it, or maybe something worth sharing with your team. To start with, at some level I believe the current discipleship emphasis and the missional
- [Small Group Ministry Philosophy for the 21st Century](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-philosophy-for-the-21st-century/) - Disclosure: Depending on your own bias or bent, you might read this rant as either heresy, confirmation that I've lost it, or maybe something worth sharing with your team. To start with, at some level I believe the missional community strategy and the current discipleship emphasis are both needed and smokescreens at the same time
- [FULL DISCLOSURE: I'm Still Not a Theorist](https://www.markhowelllive.com/full-disclosure-im-still-not-a-theorist/) - For over 35 years of pastoral ministry, usually in paid positions but occasionally a volunteer, I've always maintained that I'm a practitioner, not a theorist. "I'm not a theorist. I am a practitioner." That's been an important truth for me over the years for a number of reasons. Primarily because I've never wanted to be
- [LAUNCH NEW GROUPS WITH A SMALL GROUP CONNECTION + CIRCLE UP (UPDATED)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/launch-new-groups-with-a-small-group-connection-circle-up-updated/) - Backstory A little more than 20 years ago I began leading the small group ministry at Fellowship of the Woodlands (now Woodlands Church). Fellowship was about 6 years old and growing like a weed; attendance was growing faster than volunteers and leaders could be identified. I was a volunteer. I had some previous staff experience
- [What's next for me and MarkHowellLive.com](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-next-for-me-and-markhowelllive-com/) - As many of you know, I left my last active role on a church staff in August of 2021. A set of philosophical differences with an incoming lead pastor just made my brand of small group ministry a poor fit for Canyon Ridge. When that has happened before (two times out of six moves), we
- [Don't Miss One at a Time: A 6-Week Study by Kyle Idleman](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dont-miss-one-at-a-time-a-6-week-study-by-kyle-idleman/) - Did you miss this one? I did. One at a Time is Kyle Idleman's 2022 entry into the church-wide campaign list. Based on a book written by Idleman and published in January, 2022, and a video series (available on RightNow Media and the Southeast Christian Church website), One at a Time offers an outstanding glimpse
- [Don't Miss Creating Community! (The revised and updated version is fantastic!)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dont-miss-creating-community-the-revised-and-updated-version-is-fantastic/) - I reviewed the first version of Creating Community in 2008. That was a very good book that I've had on my recommended list ever since. Definitely one of the top 10 books I'd recommend for small group ministry. The revised and updated version is awesome and packed with timely insights! Creating Community: Five Keys to
- [5 Lies Small Group Pastors Believe](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-lies-small-group-pastors-believe-2/) - What are the lies small group pastors believe? I know. You may think you're above this kind of behavior. But I have to tell you...I've fallen for a couple of these myself. Have you? 5 Lies Small Group Pastors Believe 1. You are the best one to make this announcement. Imagine a loud horn blaring
- [Skill Training: Four Questions Every Coach Should Be Asking](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-four-questions-every-coach-should-be-asking/) - What are you training your coaches to do? Have you trained them? Or have you left what they do and how they do it up to them? Let me suggest that certain things can be left up to your coaches. Since they each have their own personality, experience level, and skill set, it only makes
- [FAQ: How Do You Approach New Groups about Continuing Beyond the Initial Study?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-how-do-you-approach-new-groups-about-continuing-beyond-the-initial-study/) - I get questions. I get a LOT of questions. Here's one that came from a GroupLife Insider member: We are entering week 3 of our campaign and I was wondering how you approach asking groups whether they want to continue? For instance, is it simply continue with an open-ended time frame, or do you specify
- [Frequently Asked Questions about HOW TO. JUMPSTART. JANUARY. '23!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-how-to-jumpstart-january-23/) - I'm very excited about the launch of my newest course: HOW. TO. JUMPSTART. JANUARY. '23!. I launched the initial version in 2014 via a recorded conference call and revised it in 2016 via a video call). I revised the course again in 2019 and 2021. You may have questions and just not had time yet
- [Frequently Asked Questions about HOW. TO. JUMPSTART. JANUARY.](https://www.markhowelllive.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-how-to-jumpstart-january/) - I'm very excited about the launch of my newest mini-course: HOW. TO. JUMPSTART. JANUARY. This updated version is overdue (I launched the initial version in 2014 and revised it in 2016). And already a lot of questions! You may have questions and just not had time yet to ask them. Here are the most frequently
- [FAQ: How to Budget for a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-how-to-budget-for-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - I get questions. A LOT of questions. Some by email. Others embedded in comments here on the blog. And still more when I'm speaking at a conference or workshop. Some version of today's question is a very frequent question: "What do you need to budget for if you want to build a small group ministry?"
- [Bad Idea #2: Use an On-Demand Call Center to Provide Coaching](https://www.markhowelllive.com/bad-idea-2/) - Not long ago my post 5 Stupid Things Churches Need to Stop Doing (in the name of small group ministry) offered a short list of dumb things churches do. It was an incomplete list. Here's another really bad idea that actually happened. "Let's use an on-demand call center to provide coaching!" The essence of the idea Instead
- [5 People Every Small Group Pastor Needs in Their Circle](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-people-every-small-group-pastor-needs-in-their-circle/) - You may feel like the lone inventor, a prophet in your own town, or a sole proprietor desperately trying to keep the business afloat... ...but whatever you feel like there are a few people every small group pastor needs in their circle. Every small group pastor. That's me. That's you. There are no good exceptions
- [Small Group Ministry Myth #4: High Leader Entry Requirements Ensure Safety in the Flock](https://www.markhowelllive.com/high-entry-requirements-ensure-safety-flock/) - Note: This is part 4 of a 5 part series. You can read part 1 right here. I love the Discovery Channel show MythBusters. The show has a simple premise: The MythBusters team "proves and disproves urban legends and popular misconceptions using a signature style of explosive experimentation." The myths and misconceptions that get tested range from
- [Skill Training: Equip Leaders To Help Members Plan To Grow](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-equip-leaders-to-help-members-plan-to-grow/) - When you meet with a personal trainer one of the first things they ask you is what do you wish was different? They may phrase it a lot of different ways, but essentially they're asking, "Where do you see that you need to change in order to be healthy?" What if you taught your leaders
- [How (and Why) to Draw Saddleback's Concentric Circles to Scale](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-and-why-to-draw-concentric-circles-to-scale/) - If you've been along for much of this conversation, you know I love a good diagram. Saddleback's "concentric circles" diagram has tremendous application and I've used it a lot to explain things like crowd to core strategy and engagement pathways. This version of the concentric circles diagram has been used many times to illustrate the
- [6 Keys to Accelerating Small Group Ministry Growth and Impact](https://www.markhowelllive.com/6-keys-to-accelerating-small-group-ministry-growth-and-impact/) - Once you make the decision that small groups will be your primary (or only) delivery system for connection and discipleship it only makes sense to look for ways to accelerate small group ministry growth and impact. 6 keys to accelerating small group ministry growth and impact 1. Your senior pastor must become the primary spokesperson
- [7 Must Have Resources for Training Small Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/training-small-group-leaders/) - A while back I posted an article about resources that equip small group coaches. Last week it dawned on me that I had never put together a similar resource for equipping and training small group leaders. Note: I should point out that just like in my article about resources that equip small group coaches, I
- [7 Practices of an Enduring Small Group Pastor](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-practices-of-an-enduring-small-group-pastor/) - Want to stay the course in ministry? Want to do more than survive? I think most of us begin ministry with a sense of purpose, a desire to make a difference; an aspiration to inspire others to follow Jesus. In 2000 I bought a Passion CD. I was captivated (and still am) by a few
- [5 Easily Overlooked Secrets to Building a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-easily-overlooked-secrets/) - I hear from pastors all the time who are desperate to crack the small group ministry code. Many have tried multiple systems and strategies, only to be disappointed and discouraged. It's not hard to get in touch with their desperation. Often, it comes across as a mix of question and exclamation: What does it take
- [10 Practices I Need to Learn from Jesus the Small Group Leader](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-practices-i-need-to-learn-from-jesus-the-small-group-leader/) - There are many things we can know about Jesus the small group leader just by reading the New Testament, particularly the gospels. And there are at least 10 practices that I need to learn. Suggestion: Read each of the 10 practices as you would a statement or verse you plan to mull over and chew
- [3 Clues That Will Help You Design Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-clues-that-will-help-you-design-your-small-group-ministry/) - All of us have a level of interest in putting our own spin on the design of our small group ministries. Our designs include things like: who can be a group leader (and how they become one) leader expectations how leader development works (i.e., is there training, is there a coach, etc.) how you join
- [5 Daily Reminders for Building an Effective Coaching Structure](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-daily-reminders/) - 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
- [4 Practices of an Effective Small Group Ministry Point Person](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-practices-of-an-effective-small-group-ministry-point-person/) - The small group ministry point person comes in many shapes and sizes. Some are solely small group pastors or directors (it's all they do). Others wear many hats and the role of small group ministry point person is just one of the things they do. Some are on the paid staff while others volunteer their time.
- [The Best Training for Small Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-best-training-for-small-group-leaders/) - In yesterday's post I updated an older article about how we're training new small group leaders these days. The article generated several good comments and questions. Here's a little more thinking on how to provide the best training for small group leaders. First, I want to make it as easy as possible for people to
- [FAQ: How Can We Help Groups that Are Struggling to Add Members?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-how-can-we-help-groups-that-are-struggling-to-add-members/) - I had a series of great questions yesterday from a new reader. Not only were all three questions very good but I could sense the genuine desire to get the answers that would free up his small group ministry from a troubling logjam. The last question he asked was, "How can you grow groups in
- [FAQ: How Do You Train "Launch-Phase Coaches"](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-how-do-you-train-launch-phase-coaches/) - I get questions. A lot of questions. Some come by email and others begin as comments or questions on a blog post. I get a lot of questions, too, when I'm speaking at a conference or giving a workshop. When I get a question I think you'd like to know the answer to...I often simply
- [10 Simple Things You Can Do Today to Begin Building a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-simple-things-you-can-do-today-to-begin-building-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - While there is definitely a list of complicated things you can start doing to build a thriving small group ministry, there is a list of simple things you can start doing. It's important to remember that simple doesn't necessarily mean easy. Easy is the opposite of hard or challenging. Simple things are uncomplicated. They can
- [Making Small Group On-Ramps Easy, Obvious and Strategic](https://www.markhowelllive.com/making-small-group-on-ramps-easy-obvious-and-strategic/) - This is a two-part concept. First, so that we're all on the same page, let's start with a definition: on-ramp: noun [on-ramp, -awn] an entrance lane for traffic from a street to a turnpike or freeway We all know what an on-ramp is when we're driving, right? But when we're talking about small group ministry...it's
- [Think Steps, Not Programs](https://www.markhowelllive.com/think-steps-not-programs/) - When you're designing your grouplife strategy, one of the most important concepts is to think steps, not programs. I picked this practice up from The 7 Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley and Reggie Joiner (a book that everyone ought to read). Think steps, not programs is a simple and at the same time
- [5 Things to Do in August (that will launch more groups in September)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-to-do-in-august-that-will-launch-more-groups-in-september/) - What's there to do in August? You might think it's the dog days of summer, but it's really the calm before the storm! And there are some pretty important things to do that if you do them…you will reap a bigger harvest. 5 THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST First, give your launch sequence a last
- [Language Tweaks that Recruit More Leaders and Connect More Unconnected People](https://www.markhowelllive.com/language-tweaks-that-recruit-more-leaders-and-connect-more-unconnected-people/) - Language. Verbiage. This word over that word. What is the clearest way you can say it? What if you said it THIS way? Would this word be better? When it comes to inviting (or persuading) unconnected people to try a small group or potential leaders to say "yes" to leading a group, I have become
- [Centered: Experiencing a Life in Christ](https://www.markhowelllive.com/centered-experiencing-a-life-in-christ/) - I've spent some time with Centered: Experiencing a Life in Christ, a 9 session study written by Cindy Western and Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City. Centered is used by Crossings Community Church as the study material that anchors a 10 session experience.* "Centered, a ten-week discipleship journey. explores the meaning of a Christ-centered life
- [Would THIS help you launch more new groups this fall?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/would-this-help-you-launch-more-new-groups-this-fall-2/) - If your church is like most churches, the fall ministry season is an important part of your annual strategy. As school begins and summer vacations come to an end there is often an attendance bump. In some communities the end of summer and the beginning of fall is accompanied by the largest number of new
- [5 Assumptions That Set Small Group Coaching Up to #Fail](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-assumptions-that-set-small-group-coaching-up-to-fail/) - "Small group coaching does not work." If I've heard that once, I've heard it a million times. In fact, if I had a dollar for every time I've heard it...I'd be a millionaire! Ever said it yourself? I've discovered there are five assumptions that set small group coaching up to #fail. Wonder if you have
- [Add "Thanks for the Feedback" To Your Must-Read List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-the-feedback/) - If you haven't picked up Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well, now is the time. In my mind, Sheila Heen gave one of the best talks at the most recent Global Leadership Summit, and it was based on the learnings found in this book. As I listened to Heen's
- [Leading Small Groups with Purpose: New from Steve Gladen](https://www.markhowelllive.com/leading-small-groups-with-purpose-new-from-steve-gladen/) - If you've been looking for small group leader training resources, you're going to want to take a look at Leading Small Groups with Purpose. New from Steve Gladen, this is gem of a resource! Packed with real-life illustrations, how-tos, and ideas...this is a must-have for every leader. Gladen's earlier book, Small Groups with Purpose, was an
- [35 Mistakes, Blind Spots and Faulty Assumptions That Neutralize Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/mistakes-blind-spots-faulty-assumptions-neutralize-small-group-ministry/) - I don't know about you...but when I think back on my over 25 years of small group ministry experience, I can spot a truckload of mistakes, blind spots, and faulty assumptions that neutralized a thriving small group ministry. And I've made every one of them. I'm sure there are many, many more, but here are the
- [The Leaders You Need Aren't Already in a Group](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-leaders-you-need-arent-already-in-a-group/) - I've written about insights often over the last 15 years. Sometimes an insight will take a long time to clarify. Like the moment when sugar at the right temperature begins to caramelize. It's been gently warming. Patiently. And then suddenly you notice that the white crystals are turning lightly brown on the edges. Other times
- [Life-Change at the Member Level](https://www.markhowelllive.com/life-change-at-the-member-level/) - We talk a lot about life-change in small group land. We often say that the optimal environment for life-change is a small group. I regularly tell people that the weekend service-even with inspiring worship and practical teaching-is closest in kind to a defibrillator. You know that thing they use on you when you're on the
- [What Do You Need to Change about Your Small Group Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-do-you-need-to-change-about-your-small-group-ministry/) - "What do you need to change about your small group ministry?" That question is at the essence of the problem for many of us. When we stop to think about...if we take the time to think about it...all of us almost always already have a pretty good idea about what needs to change about our
- [4 Problems I'd Rather Have](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-problems-id-rather-have/) - One of the 10 assumptions that shape my small group strategy is that there are no problem-free strategies, systems or models. Instead, every strategy, system and model comes with its own unique set of problems. Wise leaders simply choose the set of problems they'd rather have. And that assumption begs the question, "What problems would I rather
- [6 Questions We Should All Be Asking](https://www.markhowelllive.com/6-questions-we-should-all-be-asking/) - I love a great question. In fact, I collect them! And I try to remember to ask them all the time and especially when I'm seeking to break free from the status quo and business-as-usual. NOTE: Our tendency (even me) is to read the question and then promptly forget it, never to think about it
- [5 Things I Wish I Could Say to Your Senior Pastor](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-i-wish-i-could-say-to-your-senior-pastor/) - Are there conversations you hate to have? How about conversations you love to have? I have to say, one of my favorite conversations is with senior pastors about the role they play in building a thriving small group ministry. I'm having it more and more often...because a growing number of senior pastors realize that life-change
- [Planning to Launch New Groups This Fall?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/planning-to-launch-new-groups-this-fall/) - What's your plan for the fall ministry season? Launching a church-wide campaign? I sure hope so! After all, it is the very best way to launch the largest number of new groups and connect the largest number of unconnected people. Getting ready for the biggest semester launch or the largest small group connection since 2019?
- [5 Secrets that Make Finding More Leaders Easy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-secrets-that-make-finding-more-leaders-easy/) - "I can't find enough leaders!" Have you ever said that? If you have, you're in good company. It's one of the most common complaints of small group ministry point people. I remember saying it myself! Of course, it was almost 20 years ago...before I discovered these 5 secrets. 5 Secrets that Make Finding More Leaders
- [How to Launch New Groups with a Small Group Connection](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-connection-2016/) - Backstory A little more than 20 years ago I began leading the small group ministry at Fellowship of the Woodlands (now Woodlands Church). Fellowship was about 6 years old and growing like a weed; attendance was growing faster than volunteers and leaders could be identified. I was a volunteer. I had some previous staff experience
- [Have you seen GroupLife Insider NEXT?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/have-you-seen-grouplife-insider-next/) - Have you heard about the big changes at GroupLife Insider (my membership site)? Yep...we made it easier to subscribe (and cheaper too!). We also added a some very cool new benefits and features. All this thinking led us to change the name slightly: GLI NEXT. Why a membership site? As much as I enjoy sharing
- [Do you know about GroupLife Insider?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/do-you-know-about-grouplife-insider/) - I launched GroupLife Insider, my membership site, 2 years ago. Why a membership site? As much as I enjoy sharing my insights, strategies, tips and ideas here on MarkHowellLive.com, there has always been a limit to how much I could develop and give away for free. Like you, I have a day job. And like
- [FAQ: What to do when a new "leader" doesn't meet leadership standards?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-what-to-do-when-a-new-leader-doesnt-meet-leadership-standards/) - One of my most popular posts has been FAQ: What If a New "Leader" Doesn't Meet Leadership Standards? The 2016 article was written to answer this question: "What do I do if someone who doesn't meet our leadership standards ends up being chosen as a group leader in a small group connection." Note: You've probably
- [Application: Doing the Right Things (in the right way) TO and FOR (and WITH) Your Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/application-doing-the-right-things-in-the-right-way-to-and-for-and-with-your-leaders/) - As you probably know, I often use the expression, "Whatever you want to happen in the lives of the members of your groups, must happen first in the lives of the leaders of your groups." Another way I say it is that "whatever you want to happen at the member level you have to do
- [5 Signs Your Small Group Ministry Is Due for a Tune Up](https://www.markhowelllive.com/due-for-a-tune-up/) - Most of us quickly recognize the signs that there is something wrong with the way our car's engine sounds or feels. When our car dies at the stop light or backfires as we drop off our teenage daughter at school...we get it. There's something wrong with the engine. We may not know what it is
- [10 Questions that Will Help You Analyze Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-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
- [5 Common Mistakes of Rookie Small Group Pastors](https://www.markhowelllive.com/common-mistakes-rookie-small-group-pastors/) - "That was a rookie mistake." Ever heard that? Ever said it to yourself? Probably all of us have been there and done that. 5 common mistakes of rookie small group pastors: 1. Trying to take care of too many small group leaders. This is a very common mistake and reflects a lack of understanding of
- [4 Types of Unconnected People and How to Connect Them](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-types-of-unconnected-people-and-how-to-connect-them/) - Have you picked up on the fact that unconnected people are different in some ways than connected people? If you have, you are already moving in the right direction. Next, though, you must understand there are four main types of unconnected people and how you might connect them depends on improving your understanding of their
- [Behind the Scenes: Developing a Timeline for Your Church-Wide Campaign](https://www.markhowelllive.com/behind-the-scenes-developing-a-timeline-for-your-church-wide-campaign/) - When you're preparing for a church-wide campaign, developing a timeline is one of the most important early steps. I was looking at an article I wrote in 2009 about how to develop a timeline...and I realized how much has changed! It's time to take another shot at it. Here is the way I develop a
- [What to Do If You Discover You Have a Bad Disciple-Making Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/if-you-have-a-bad-disciple-making-strategy/) - Yesterday I posted 5 Signs You May Have a Bad Disciple-Making Strategy. And of course, I immediately had questions about what to do if you discover that you have a bad disciple-making strategy. Maybe you wondered the same thing! Here's my recommendation: Rethink your design. If you discover that you have a bad disciple-making design (based
- [FREE PREVIEW: Supercharge Your Fall Ministry Season - Session One](https://www.markhowelllive.com/free-preview-supercharge-your-fall-ministry-season-session-one/) - There's a reason so many food vendors offer a free taste of their latest creation. There's a reason mattress companies offer a 100 night risk free trial. And there's a reason automobile dealerships offer free test drives. What's the reason? They're confidant that after you've sampled what they're selling you'll be ready to buy what
- [5 Signs You Are Too Close to See Your Ministry Problems Clearly](https://www.markhowelllive.com/signs-you-are-too-close/) - Do you know the signs that you are too close to the problem to know that you have a problem? I'm betting we all know this experience in life, right? "Do these jeans make me look fat?" "Tell me the truth...would a faux hawk look okay on me?" "My presentation was good, wasn't it?" With
- [Do You Have a Mindset that Builds a Thriving Small Group Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/do-you-have-a-mindset-that-builds-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - Yesterday I wrote that, "Building a thriving small group ministry requires a certain mindset. It also requires the development of a very particular set of practices." I also noted that, "You can have the practices alone and not have what it takes to persevere at building a thriving small group ministry." The truth is without
- [Foundational Teaching: Next Steps for EVERYONE](https://www.markhowelllive.com/foundational-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. This informs an analysis of the menu of available programs, events, classes and studies for every church (noticeable gaps will need to be filled). Another important aspect is
- [Skill Training | Top 10 Ways to Learn to Pray Together](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-top-10-ways-to-learn-to-pray-together/) - Praying together at the end of a small group meeting is one of the real challenges for almost every small group. The very common fear of public speaking (number #1 fear for many) is compounded by the unspoken belief held by many that it's important to speak an unfamiliar dialect when praying (a thee and
- [FAQ: How Can I Increase Sign-Up and Show-Up at My Small Group Connection?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-how-can-i-increase-sign-up-and-show-up-at-my-small-group-connection/) - I get questions. A LOT of questions. Here's a small group connection question that I've answered many, many times. What's the best way to increase sign-up and show-up at my small group connection? It may be worded many different ways, but it gets asked a lot because after all the work of preparing everyone wants
- [Take a Small Group Vacation!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/take-a-small-group-vacation-2/) - You heard me right. Encourage your small groups to take a small group vacation! What's it mean? Probably not what you think! I'm asked all the time what I think about the idea of apprenticing. And honestly, I don't think about it very much anymore. Why? Because the truth is, there are easier ways to
- [The Awesome Potential of the Launch-Phase Coach Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-awesome-potential-of-the-launch-phase-coach-strategy/) - I've written previously about how to identify a potential coach. I've also written about how to recruit a potential coach. In post I want to help you to develop a basic job description for a "launch-phase" coach. But before I get into developing a job description, I want to lay out a little philosophy that will help
- [4 Keys to Connecting People No One Else Is Connecting](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-keys-to-connecting-people/) - "To reach people no one else is reaching we must do things no one else is doing." That was the line I heard from Craig Groeschel at Willow Creek's Leadership Summit in 2008. I remember where I was sitting in the Bayside Community Church auditorium when I heard the line. I can't tell you anything
- [Small Group Ministry Roadblock #2: A Bloated Belong and Become Menu](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-roadblock-2-a-bloated-belong-and-become-menu/) - Yesterday we began a detailed look at what I believe are the top 5 small group ministry roadblocks; the things that stand in the way of a truly thriving small group ministry. We began with a look at roadblock #1: a doubtful or conflicted senior pastor. See also, 10 Powerful Benefits of a Thriving Small Group Ministry.
- [The True Measure of "Effective" Ministry Systems, Models and Strategies](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-true-measure-of-effective-ministry-systems-models-and-strategies/) - How do you truly evaluate the effectiveness of ministry system, models or strategies? I have this conversation all the time (and you probably do too). Particularly when a change initiative is in the works and at least a few of the architects or caretakers of a legacy system are still at large. I love a couple
- [7 Biggest Problems Facing Small Group Pastors](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-biggest-problems/) - What are the biggest problems you face as a small group pastor or director? Sometimes it can feel like you are the only one struggling with a particular problem. As it turns out...there is a very common list of problems that pop up over and over. The silver lining? Every one of these problems has
- [Top 5 Post-Easter Studies for New Groups (2018)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-5-post-easter-studies-for-new-groups-2018/) - Update: Here's a link to my newest list: 5 Great Post-Easter Studies (2022) Looking for a way to connect unconnected people right after Easter 2018? This year Easter is almost as early as it can be and that makes it a great opportunity to connect another wave of people before summer. The 5 studies I've
- [5 Great Post-Easter Studies](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-great-post-easter-studies/) - Update: Here's a link to my 2022 list of great post-Easter studies. Looking for a way to connect unconnected people right after Easter? Yesterday I shared how to take full advantage of an early Easter to connect more people in groups. Here's a link to my 2018 list of great post-Easter studies. Here are 5
- [Top 5 Post-Easter Studies for New Groups (2020)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-5-post-easter-studies-for-new-groups-2020/) - Update: Here's a link to my 2022 list. Looking for a way to connect unconnected people right after Easter 2020? This year Easter was almost as early as it can be and that makes it a great opportunity to connect another wave of people before summer. The 5 studies I've chosen to highlight were selected
- [3 Things You Can Do This Week to Connect More People After Easter](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-things-you-can-do-this-week-to-connect-more-people-after-easter-2/) - There are three ideal times to connect unconnected people every year. In most churches, late September/early October has the most potential followed by late January/early February. A couple weeks after Easter presents a third very promising option to connect unconnected people. It's not problem-free, but the reality is every season comes with its own set
- [5 Great Post-Easter Studies (2022)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-great-post-easter-studies-2022/) - Looking for the right study to share with unconnected people after Easter? Of the three best times every year to connect unconnected people into new groups, post-Easter is the third best (in my opinion) but it is still a very time to hold a connecting event and promote in the right ways. After Easter there
- [Life Change at the Member Level Begins with You](https://www.markhowelllive.com/life-change-at-the-member-level-begins-with-you/) - The optimal environment for life change is a small group. We've all heard that line for years. Most of us have said that line so frequently that it is now an automatic response when we hear a counter opinion. And yet…is it really true? And if it is true, is it a given? Or does
- [Top 5 Church-Wide Campaigns for 2022](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-5-church-wide-campaigns-for-2022/) - Planning a church-wide campaign for 2022? If you're thinking about fall '22, you've still got plenty of time. If you're thinking about post Easter…it's time to decide! See also, When Is the Best Time to Launch a Church-Wide Campaign. While choosing the best church-wide campaigns is certainly subjective, I've made these selections with almost 20 years
- [How to Launch Exponentially More Organic Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-launch-exponentially-more-organic-groups-2/) - I don't know about you, but I have ongoing discussions about what kind of groups are easiest to launch, what kind of groups are healthiest for members, and what kinds of groups actually make disciples. What kind of groups are easiest to launch What kind of groups are healthiest for members, and What kinds of
- [5 Signs Your Church Is Designed to Underperform at Connection](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-signs-your-church-is-designed-to-underperform-at-connection/) - You may want to argue with me (and if you do, please use the comment section), but there are 5 easy to spot signs that your church is actually designed to underperform at connection. What I mean by that is that whether your church is growing or not, there are several key factors that predetermine whether people
- [North Point's Small Group System](https://www.markhowelllive.com/north-points-small-group-system/) - Important Note: Every day a few dedicated small group ministry champions (staff and volunteers) find this post. Can I be honest? I hope this blog post (written in 2009) gives you an idea or two. My real hope? I hope you'll subscribe to MarkHowellLive.com so you can get the latest in small group ministry strategies,
- [What Do You Call Your Small Groups?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-do-you-call-your-small-groups/) - Important Note: Every day a few dedicated small group ministry champions (staff and volunteers) find this post. Can I be honest? I hope this blog post (written in 2009) gives you an idea or two. My real hope? I hope you'll subscribe to MarkHowellLive.com so you can get the latest in small group ministry strategies,
- [The Upside of Reluctant Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-upside-of-reluctant-leaders/) - It's almost completely counterintuitive, but the best small group leaders tend to be reluctant leaders. The best coaches or community leaders are almost always reluctant leaders. See also, What Makes People Follow Reluctant Leaders. My first real clue about this was back in a season when (like many small group ministries) I was using a multi-week
- [FAQ: What Does a Good First Step Out of the Auditorium Look Like?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-what-does-a-good-first-step-out-of-the-auditorium-look-like/) - I get questions. A lot of questions. Sometimes they come in a comment here on the blog. Other times a reader will simply reply to one of my blog posts. And still other times questions come at a workshop or conference session I'm leading. Here's a recent version of a frequently asked question about designing
- [7 Signs You Have the Wrong Small Group Ministry System](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-signs-you-have-the-wrong-small-group-ministry-system/) - You know how there are times when something feels off, but you just can't figure out what it is? Something's wrong, but you just can't quite put your finger on it. Like you're driving along and the car just doesn't feel right. Or something's just off kilter in a relationship. Or when your back gets
- [6 Essential Questions about Making Disciples and Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/essential-questions-about-making-disciples-and-small-group-ministry/) - Wrestling with questions like, "Are we really making disciples?" Or maybe, "Where are the mature disciples?" I want to suggest that while those are valid questions, they might not be the most helpful questions. In addition, asking the right questions is essential if you want to discover discover the best solutions. W. Edwards Deming said,
- [5 Simple Small Group Ministry Moves with Exponential Payoffs](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-simple-small-group-ministry-moves-exponential-payoffs/) - Sometimes we know our ministry is plateaued and we need to make changes in our strategy, but we remain stuck because the changes we make are focused on the wrong variable. It's something like a restaurant that needs to increase repeat customers but spends all its energy reimagining the color of the carpet and none
- [5 Reasons Your New Groups Are Short-Lived (i.e., die before their time)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-reasons-your-new-groups-are-short-lived-i-e-die-before-their-time/) - Do you find yourself launching plenty of new groups but watching too many of them die before their time? There are some important reasons why that happens. And there are some steps you can take to make sure it doesn't happen. Here are my 5 reasons new groups are often short-lived: 1. You're not choosing
- [5 ESSENTIAL PRACTICES OF A 21ST CENTURY SMALL GROUP MINISTRY](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-essential-practices/) - "Hey Mark...you do know it's 2022, right? It's been the 21st century for like...over twenty years." Yes, I do know that. I also know that the single most common reason small group ministries struggle is that they are using a design that would have been awesome in the 20th century. Want to build a small
- [Skill Training: Sub-Grouping for Deeper Connection and Wider Disciple-Making](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-sub-grouping-for-deeper-connection-and-wider-disciple-making/) - "My group members don't want to sub-group!" "We'd really rather stay together." "We don't want to miss out on what anyone says." If you've heard any of these lines (or said them yourselves), you're normal. If you've given into the temptation to stay in a circle of 12 (or anything larger than 3 or 4)
- [Skill Training: The Easiest Way to Help Your Members Pray Out Loud](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-the-easiest-way-to-help-your-members-pray-out-loud/) - We have all been there. You come to the end of the meeting. You ask, "How can we pray for you this week?" Most of your group members share a prayer request. You say, "Let's pray." And no one else prays. At least, no one else prays out loud. What can you do? How can
- [The Simplest Way to Help Your Members Pray Out Loud](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-simplest-way-to-help-your-members-pray-out-loud/) - We have all been there. You come to the end of the meeting. You ask, "How can we pray for you this week?" Most of your group members share a prayer request. You say, "Let's pray." And no one else prays. At least, no one else prays out loud. What can you do? How can
- [Are You "Brutally Honest" about Your Small Group Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/are-you-brutally-honest-about-your-small-group-ministry/) - How honest are you about your own small group ministry? You know. About how things are going. Really. Are you brutally honest? In his best-selling book Good to Great, Jim Collins introduced the "discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be." "You absolutely cannot make a series of
- [5 Habits I'd Look for If I Was Hiring a Small Group Pastor](https://www.markhowelllive.com/if-i-was-hiring-a-small-group-pastor/) - I've been asked many times for a small group pastor job description, typically by senior pastors and executive pastors trying to identify the skills and duties of the person they need to hire. And that is certainly one way to look at the situation. If I was a senior pastor though, I'd look at it
- [6 Decisions That Limit Ministry Growth](https://www.markhowelllive.com/6-decisions-that-limit-ministry-growth/) - You know that "your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing (Andy Stanley)." You know the well-worn path never arrives at a new destination. You even know Albert Einstein's definition of insanity: "Doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results." You know all these things. And at
- [What Are You Trying to Produce?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-are-you-trying-to-produce/) - One of the questions I ask all the time is, "What do we want people to do?" Another is, "What do we want people to become?" The correct answers to these questions are not generalizations (i.e., fully devoted followers, disciples, etc.). The correct answers are very specific and defined. Think about these two questions. Can
- [Does One of These Strangleholds Have a Death Grip on Your Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/6-strangleholds-with-a-death-grip-on-your-ministry/) - You know that "your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing (Andy Stanley)." You know the well-worn path never arrives at a new destination. You even know Albert Einstein's definition of insanity: "Doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results." You know all these things. And at
- [4 Small Group Ministry Practices You Should Automate](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-small-group-ministry-practices-you-should-automate/) - Do you have things you intend to do...but don't? You know what I mean, right? Things that you know deep down are important but somehow procrastinate, forget or remember too late every time? I bet you struggle a little with this too. Because I still catch myself from time to time intending to do something
- [How Often Do I Need to Offer Opportunities to Join a Group?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-often-do-i-need-to-offer-opportunities-to-join-a-group/) - COVID-19 Note: This is one of my most frequently asked questions. And this article, written in 2016 still provides a very accurate answer. However, I took some time this morning to revise and amend my four points to reflect my current thinking (circa COVID-19). I get questions...a lot of questions. If I've been asked this
- [Skill Training: How Transparent Should I Be as a Group Leader?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-how-transparent-should-i-be-as-a-group-leader/) - Question: How transparent should you be as a small group leader? Should you share your struggles with the group? Or should you seek to be an example to your group? These good questions, don't you think? They are part of the internal debate that every leader has. In my post, 8 Habits of Life-Changing Small
- [5 MISTAKES THAT CAUSE SMALL GROUP LAUNCHES TO MISFIRE](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-mistakes-that-cause-small-group-launches-to-misfire/) - Counting down the days until your small group launch? Hope you're paying attention to a set of very important details! There are a few that seem to cause a misfire every time. 5 MISTAKES THAT CAUSE SMALL GROUP LAUNCHES TO MISFIRE 1. Ignoring the interests of unconnected people. The very first step in connecting unconnected
- [Top 10 Ways to Find New Members for Your Group](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-ways-to-find-new-members-for-your-group/) - Who makes the best new members for your group? That's easy. Unconnected people with whom you are actively building a relationship. Here are some ideas that will help you find new members: 1. Look for people who are already doing the same things you are. If you have a middle schooler, make it a point to
- [5 Small Group Ministry Dots You Might Not Be Connecting](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-small-group-ministry-dots/) - Do you have small group ministry issues you just can't figure out? Feel like there are just some dots that don't connect to anything? I think most of the time, they actually do connect. We just miss the connection between the way we're doing things and the results we're experiencing. I love this line from
- [5 Things to Do in January (that lead to more groups in 2022)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-to-do-in-january-that-lead-to-more-groups-in-2022/) - 5 Things to Do in January (that lead to more groups in 2022) Want to connect more people in 2022? There are a few things you can do now to exponentially increase the number you connect. Here are 5 things to do: 1. Plan a connecting event in late January or early February. If you
- [Merry Christmas from the Howells](https://www.markhowelllive.com/merry-christmas-from-the-howells-2/) - WISHING YOU THE VERY BEST. MAY GOD BLESS YOU THIS CHRISTMAS AND ALWAYS. Mark and Debbie Howell
- [Lead Indicators vs Lead Measures (and the Surprising Super Powers Available When You Know What to Look for)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/lead-indicators-vs-lead-measures-and-the-surprising-super-powers-available-when-you-know-what-to-look-for/) - I have written a lot about ideas, practices and tools you might think aren't really about ministry (and in particular, small group ministry). Things like customers, the preferred future, milestones, lead measures, lead indicators, scorecards and job descriptions. The title for this post is important. "Lead Indicators vs Lead Measures (and the Surprising Super Powers
- [Four Essential Qualities of an Effective Small Group Pastor](https://www.markhowelllive.com/four-essential-qualities-of-an-effective-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? These are just a few of the questions I get asked on a regular basis. Want to know what I tell them? The
- [Reimagine and Launch a Powerful Church-Wide Campaign in 2022](https://www.markhowelllive.com/reimagine-and-launch-a-powerful-church-wide-campaign-in-2022/) - There are several reasons that I continue to write about church-wide campaigns*. First, the church-wide campaign strategy continues to be the best way to launch the largest number of new groups and connect the largest number of unconnected people. Second, spiritual growth happens best when a combination of experiences are all working on the same
- [Four GroupLife Urban Legends That Might Be Killing Your Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/grouplife-urban-legends/) - Feel like you're spinning your wheels? Can't ever seem to make real progress in building your small group ministry? It may be that you've fallen for one or more grouplife urban legends. Four GroupLife Urban Legends (that Might Be Killing Your Small Group Ministry) 1. I owe it to my leaders to reinforce the weakest
- [Top 10 Rules to Connect More People in 2022](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-rules-to-connect-more-people-in-2022/) - You know how there are rules or laws that are always true in life? Newton's laws, Moore's law, the Pareto Principle, and Occam's Razor? How about Murphy's Law? You probably know some and always obey them or follow them because they are true (at least most of the time) I want to suggest a set of
- [Top 10 Rules to Connect More People in 2019](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-rules-to-connect-more-people-in-2019/)
- [5 December Keys to Your Best January Small Group Ministry Kickoff Ever](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-december-keys-to-your-best-january-small-group-ministry-kickoff-ever/) - You may already be on top of it…but just to be sure, here are five steps you can take today to make sure January is extra effective in 2022. Set the date for a Small Group Connection. (If you don't know about the Small Group Connection strategy, click here to find out all about it).
- [CYBER MONDAY DEALS](https://www.markhowelllive.com/cyber-monday-deals/) - Sorry you missed my Cyber Monday sale! Check back in late December for the next opportunity to save! Right now you can get any of my most popular mini-courses for $39.00 (48% off). Need to buy three? Buy a one-year membership to GroupLife Insider for $99.99 (save 33%) and get an all access pass to
- [Top 10 Things New Small Group Pastors Need to Know](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-things-new-small-group-pastors/) - There are a few things a new small group pastor needs to know when they begin. There may be many things they do not yet know how to do and must learn to do. But there is a short list of things they will need to know from the beginning. The top 10 things a
- [Four Leading Indicators of Small Group Ministries that Make Disciples](https://www.markhowelllive.com/leading-indicators-of-small-group-ministries-that-make-disciples/) - In the world of economics, leading indicators are "indicators that usually change before the economy as a whole changes. They are therefore useful as short-term predictors of the economy." Stock market returns, building permits, and average weekly jobless claims are all leading indicators. Think there might be a set of leading indicators that are short-term predictors of
- [Use My Signature 10 Point Checklist to Evaluate Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/use-my-signature-10-point-checklist-to-evaluate-your-small-group-ministry/) - Use My Signature 10 Point Checklist to Evaluate Your Small Group Ministry Everyone knows that before you take your car on a road trip…you really should do more than fill up the gas tank. You might check the tire pressure and take it in for an oil change. You might decide it's time for new
- [5 November Actions that Impact January/February](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-november-actions-that-impact-januaryfebruary/) - Let's make this short and sweet. There are certain things I do in November that have a definite impact on January and February results. 5 November Actions that Impact January and February 1. Check our teaching calendar for alignment opportunities. This is a high priority in November. Our teaching team has determined the weekend message
- [5 Ingredients that Build Pervasive Community in Your Church](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-ingredients-that-build-pervasive-community-in-your-church/) - If you believe that unconnected people are always one tough thing away from never being at your church again...you have all the motivation you need to invest in building a pervasive sense of community in your church. So...do you have that motivation? Or is it more of an if it happens it happens kind of
- [FAQ: How Are You Training New Leaders These Days?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-how-are-you-training-new-leaders-these-days/) - I get questions. A lot of questions. Some come in a comment right here on the blog. Others come in an email. And some come when I'm speaking at a conference or workshop. Here's a very frequent question: "How are you training new leaders these days?" Great question! I love it because in the question
- [What If Narrowing Your Focus Is THE Missing Piece?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-if-narrowing-your-focus-is-the-missing-piece/) - I've suggested MANY times that the most important ministry book you could read is Seven Practices of Effective Ministry. In fact, I've suggested it so many times that I'm actually disappointed in you if you haven't read it multiple times. It is the best explanation for the way to do effective ministry. I really do
- [The Team You're Building Determines the Size of Your Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-team-youre-building-determines-the-size-of-your-ministry/) - I am a big believer in the importance of philosophy of ministry. If you've read much here at MarkHowellLive.com you already know that. Still, whether you're a seasoned veteran or brand new to my writing, you may not realize how deeply philosophy of ministry runs in my approach and how adopting this ministry practice could
- [10 Essential Small Group Leader Skills](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-essential-small-group-leader-skills/) - My purpose at MarkHowellLive is to help pastors and small group champions build stronger small group ministries. Most of the articles here are about strategies that will help build what I call boundary-free small group ministries. Within the knowledge base there are some important articles designed to help train small group leaders in key areas.
- [Skill Training: 5 Keys to Becoming a More Caring Group](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-5-keys-to-becoming-a-more-caring-group/) - How deeply do your group members care for and support each other? Are they like the 1st century believers in Jerusalem who were of "one heart and mind" and believed that nothing they had was their own but "held everything in common?" (Acts 4) Are they like the believers in Philippi who "looked not only
- [Skill Training: 5 Practical Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Next Study](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-practical-tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-your-next-study/) - If you don't need to choose your group's next study yet, it's just a matter of time. Eventually, every group finishes what they're studying and begins the next one. 5 practical tips for getting the most out of your next study: 1. How long your group has been meeting determines whether you should seek group
- [Skill Training: Design Your Group Meeting for Life-Change](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-design-your-group-meeting-for-life-change/) - Want to have the kind of group where real life-change happens? Want to know that you're meeting is actually designed to be the "optimal environment for life-change?" The way your meeting is designed makes a difference. Remember, your meeting is perfectly designed to produce the results you're currently experiencing.* Here are the key ingredients for
- [Skill Training: Help Your Life Group Survive the Holidays](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-help-your-life-group-survive-the-holidays/) - As your life group approaches Thanksgiving, there are several things you can do to help your group survive the holidays. Now, you might be thinking, "That sounds pretty serious! Survive the holidays? Isn't that being a little dramatic?" I don't think it's overly dramatic at all. Why? It's just too easy to finish a study
- [Discover an Unlimited Number of Small Group Leaders with These 8 Secrets](https://www.markhowelllive.com/8-secrets/) - Help! I can't find enough small group leaders! One of the most common challenges for small group pastors is finding enough small group leaders. To top it off, just when you think you're getting a little bit of traction you learn that some of your best leaders are moving away or taking a break. Can
- [5 Symptoms of a Healthy Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/symptoms-of-a-healthy-small-group-ministry/) - Is your small group ministry healthy? How can you tell if your small group ministry is healthy? Is there a set of symptoms or indicators of health? I think there is. Just like a doctor can look at your blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse to determine the health of your heart, there are a
- [10 Signs Your Small Group Ministry Needs a Reboot](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-signs-your-small-group-ministry-needs-a-reboot/) - You know the painfully frustrating experience when your computer is just stuck and you can't get it to do what it's supposed to do? You sit there helplessly and watch the little twirly thing spin. Can't get any work done. Can't even shut down correctly. Know the feeling? Sometimes the best solution is to reboot
- [My 5 Step Prescription for Rebooting Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/my-5-step-prescription-for-rebooting-your-small-group-ministry/) - There are times when you just need to reboot your small group ministry. It's hard work. It's not easy. It's a thrill ride. But if your small group ministry is stuck, you need to do it. Just like your computer, it won't get better while you watch it. See also, Top 10 Signs Your Small
- [Small Group Ministry Case Study: Choosing Your Customer](https://www.markhowelllive.com/case-study-choosing-your-customer/) - If it's true that your ministry (or program) is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing, then the design of your ministry is almost everything. There are several key components of ministry design. According to Peter Drucker, three main components are: Identifying the business you are in. See also, If I Was Starting Today and The
- [5 Small Group Ministry Myths that Need Busting](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-myths/) - I love the Discovery Channel show MythBusters. The show has a simple premise: The MythBusters team "proves and disproves urban legends and popular misconceptions using a signature style of explosive experimentation." The myths and misconceptions that get tested range from the absurd (can you herd cats?) to the profound (could Luke Skywalker really swing himself
- [Skill Training: Equip Your Coaches to Develop and Disciple Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/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 to the leader first. Once you acknowledge that basic understanding, it automatically follows that you now know most of what the coaches in your system need to do. This becomes their
- [Is It Time for a Small Group Ministry Checkup?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/is-it-time-for-a-small-group-ministry-checkup/) - Most of us have probably had days when we've woken up feeling a little off. There's that feeling that something is not quite right, but we wouldn't say we feel sick...just not quite right. You know the feeling? Now, sometimes that feeling just goes away. Maybe after a glass of orange juice or a cup
- [Help! We Need Fresh Ideas for Communicating with Unconnected People](https://www.markhowelllive.com/help-we-need-fresh-ideas-for-communicating-with-unconnected-people/) - I get questions. Sometimes I get a lot of questions from readers looking for answers. And sometimes, the best way to answer them is right here with a blog post. Here's a question I got yesterday: We are in need of some fresh ways to communicate to the four types of unconnected people as we discuss
- [How to Help a HOST Become a Small Group Leader](https://www.markhowelllive.com/help-a-host-become-a-small-group-leader/) - If you've been following this conversation at all, you know one of my major themes is I want to make it as easy as possible to take first steps into leading a small group and nearly automatic for a new leader to step onto the leadership development conveyor belt. I've referred to this idea many times
- [5 Commitments That Propel and Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-commitments-that-propel-and-sustain-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - Ever wonder why some small group ministries seem to steadily move to new levels of success and health while others start with a bang and go out with a whimper? Here are 5 commitments that make the difference: 1. Connecting everyone to a small group is a top objective every year. By "everyone" I mean
- [10 Things We Need to Know about Making Disciples](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-things-we-need-to-know-about-making-disciples/) - I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded about certain things on a regular basis. As I think through discipleship, here's my current list of things I need to know...and never forget. Note: An earlier post, 8 Things I Know for Sure about Making Disciples in Groups might be a helpful read on
- [4 Disconnects that Keep Small Group Ministries from Thriving](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-disconnects-that-keep-small-group-ministries-from-thriving/) - Have you picked up on the disconnects that keep small group ministries from thriving? It turns out that where these disconnects exist (and are allowed to continue), your small group ministry has zero chance of thriving. What are the most common disconnects? 4 Disconnects that Keep Small Group Ministries from Thriving 1. The Senior Pastor
- [Does Your Small Group Ministry Need to Grow Exponentially?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-need-to-grow-exponentially/) - Does your small group ministry need to grow exponentially? Or can it grow incrementally and meet the needs of unconnected people? Remember, unconnected people are always one tough thing away from never being in your church again. So, does your small group ministry need to grow exponentially? A very simple calculation can help you determine your
- [The Future of Small Group Ministry (and how to prepare for it)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-future-of-small-group-ministry/) - 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
- [This Little Tweak Will 10X the Impact of Your Coaching Structure](https://www.markhowelllive.com/this-little-tweak/) - I write a lot about building an effective coaching structure. Maybe I should say, I write a LOT about building an effective coaching structure. Building an effective coaching structure is a frequent topic here for two reasons: Coaching plays a very significant role in launching and sustaining new groups. This should not be overlooked or dismissed.
- [How Foggy Is What's Next for Your Small Group Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-foggy-is-whats-next-for-your-small-group-ministry/) - Do you know where you're going? Can you see it clearly? Or is the road ahead kind of foggy? I'm often asked, "How do you determine what's next for your small group ministry?" Here's how I think about what's next: First, I begin with a honest evaluation of how it is going right now. I
- [From Here to There: The Preferred Future for Small Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/from-here-to-there-the-preferred-future-for-small-group-leaders/) - Yesterday's post about the 8 Habits of a Life-Changing Small Group Leader prompted some good discussion about how you might help a leader move in the right direction. Makes sense. Especially when you consider how hard we're working to create easy first steps into leadership that lead automatically to next steps. In a sense, the
- [Skill Training: Healthy Groups Integrate Four Components into Every Gathering](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-healthy-groups-integrate-four-components-into-every-gathering/) - How do you answer the question, "What does your group do?" Probably the most common answers would be, "Our group... meets to discuss their pastor's last message works their way through a book of the Bible always has a DVD-driven study eats a meal together twice a month chooses a service project to do together
- [Skill Training: Top 10 Ideas for Your First Meeting](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-top-10-ideas-for-your-first-meeting/) - You know what they say. You only get one chance to make a great first impression. Maybe that's why when a brand new small group begins, its first meeting is so important! We've learned to include the Top 10 Ideas for Your First Meeting I in every New Host kit. Here's an example of our
- [8 Things I Know For Sure about Making Disciples in Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/things-i-know-for-sure-about-making-disciples-in-groups/) - There were several great comments on yesterday's post about the 5 Things I Wish You Knew as You Build Your Small Group Ministry. All of the comments were focused on #5: "You must focus on making disciples as you connect unconnected people." Today I want to tease out a few things about a few things
- [Determining What to Do...and What Not to Do](https://www.markhowelllive.com/determining-what-to-do-and-what-not-to-do/) - How do you determine what to do...and what not to do? How do you determine which next steps in include? And which to eliminate? How do you determine which menu items to add? And which to remove? I have used the term "the preferred future" to describe where we dream of arriving. The preferred future
- [5 Keys to Building Small Group Ministry at the Corner of "Belonging" and "Becoming"](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-keys-building-small-group-ministry-corner-belonging-becoming/) - Want to make disciples who make disciples? If you want to develop more than a program for high achievers seeking the most challenging merit badge, making disciples who make disciples must be built into the way ordinary life happens at your church. This is a very big deal friends. One of the most significant strategic
- [6 Things You Need to Know about Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/things-you-need-to-know/) - Sometimes things seem more complicated than they really are. Small group ministry is truly one of those things. It's just not that complicated. 6 things you need to know about small group ministry: 1. There is no problem-free small group strategy or system. It really doesn't matter what system, strategy or model you choose. Every
- [Reboot Your Small Group Ministry with My 5 Step Prescription](https://www.markhowelllive.com/reboot-your-small-group-ministry/) - As I talked about yesterday, there are times when you just need to reboot your small group ministry. It's hard work. It's not easy. It's a thrill ride. But if your small group ministry is stuck, you need to do it. Just like your computer, it won't get better while you watch it. See also, Top
- [The Coaching Habit Is a Must Read for People Developers](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-coaching-habit-is-a-must-read-for-people-developers/) - Spent some time with a new book from Michael Bungay Stanier this week. The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More and Change the Way You Lead Forever is probably something you ought to be taking a look at. Stanier first caught my attention with Do More Great Work, an engaging book about productivity I discovered a
- [The First 7 Questions I Ask When Evaluating a Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/first-7-questions-ask-evaluating-small-group-ministry/) - I get a steady stream of emails asking for help with small group ministries. I also find myself sitting down with small group pastors and senior pastors when I'm at conferences (or when ministry teams stop in to see me in Vegas). It's fun and I love the opportunity to help. But I thought it
- [Peter Drucker on Planning](https://www.markhowelllive.com/peter-drucker-on-planning/) - “The best plan is only good intentions unless it degenerates into work.” Peter Drucker
- [Has Blind Spot #1 Limited Your Small Group Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/has-blind-spot-1-limited-your-small-group-ministry/) - Blindspots. I think we've all experienced what happens when you're driving, maybe changing lanes, and suddenly a loud horn honking from a car you did not see breaks up what was a perfectly uneventful commute. At a minimum, it's embarrassing! And at its worst...well, it can end up costing you a lot of money. Blindspots.
- [Big News for the Howells, the future is bright](https://www.markhowelllive.com/big-news-for-the-howells-the-future-is-bright/) - After almost 10 years at Canyon Ridge and in Las Vegas, as well as stops in Chicago, northern California, and two in southern California, the Howells are packing up and preparing to relocate (and return) to the great state of Texas. Debbie is a native. Our grandkids are there (and so are their parents). We're
- [10 Principles for Building a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/principles-for-building-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - Want to build a thriving small group ministry in your church? It won't be easy. It will require a commitment to the long haul, major determination, a willingness to commit resources, disappoint the guardians of the status quo, and much, much more. But...if you believe that unconnected people are always one tough thing away from
- [6 Things Not to Say about Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/6-things-not-to-say-about-small-group-ministry/) - Have you learned there are certain things you should never say? For example, "What an idiot! I'd never do that." Or, "Step on it! We can make the light!" Or maybe, "I'm pretty sure I turned off the power." There are just things you should never say. Have you learned there are certain things that
- [5 Clues that Point to a Change in Small Group Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/clues-that-point-to-a-change-in-small-group-strategy/) - There's no doubt that one of the most toxic small group ministry moves is changing small group systems, models or strategies too frequently or flippantly. It is important to make a three year commitment and pursue it with everything you've got when you do decide to change. See also, 5 Toxic Small Group Ministry Moves.
- [5 Simple Mistakes That Sink Small Group Ministries](https://www.markhowelllive.com/mistakes-that-sink-small-group-ministries/) - Figuring out why small group ministries fail is not complicated. There is a short list of simple mistakes that sink small group ministries. 5 Simple Mistakes that Sink Small Group Ministries 1. Allowing the senior pastor to delegate the role of small group champion It may seem logical to delegate the role of small group
- [7 Perplexing Dilemmas of Small Group Pastors and Directors](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-perplexing-dilemmas-of-small-group-pastors-and-directors/) - Call them dilemmas, issues or problems...we all have them. Here are what I've found to be the most common...and some steps you can take to break through the barrier: 1. My senior pastor won't be the champion of small groups. There are several basic reasons for this. Some don't want to play favorites and choose
- [Top 10 Articles on Identifying and Recruiting New Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-articles-on-identifying-and-recruiting-new-group-leaders/) - I've been doing this awhile. I was thinking about this not too long ago and realized that my first try at building a small group system was in 1984. I don't know what you were doing in 1984, but that was the year Apple ran the 1984 commercial during Super Bowl XVIII. Ronald Reagan was
- [Does Your Topic Connect with Your Real Customer?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/does-your-topic-connect-with-your-real-customer/) - Developing a deep understanding of the business you are in is one of the most important things you will ever do. Right on its heels, you must develop an awareness of who your real customer is. Without an accurate understanding of those two certainties your only chance for success will be based on chance (or
- [Does Your Topic Connect with Your True Customer?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/does-your-topic-connect-with-your-true-customer/) - Developing a deep understanding of the business you are in is one of the most important things you will ever do. Right on its heels, you must develop an awareness of who your true customer is. Without an accurate understanding of those two certainties...your only chance for success will be based on chance (or providence,
- [Your Church-Wide Campaign Topic Determines Two Huge Outcomes](https://www.markhowelllive.com/your-church-wide-campaign-topic-determines-two-huge-outcomes/) - Warning: Do not miss this important concept. The topic you choose for your church-wide campaign absolutely determines two very important outcomes: The topic determines who you are able to connect. The topic also determines who will say yes to hosting a group. Here's what I mean: If you choose a campaign that focuses on a
- [Supercharge Your Fall Ministry Season - 2021](https://www.markhowelllive.com/supercharge-your-fall-ministry-season-2021/) - Want to Dramatically Increase the Impact of Your Fall Ministry Season When was the best fall ministry season you've ever had? Probably wasn't 2020! 2019? 3 or 4 years ago? Too long ago to remember the exact date? What did you do? Do you remember what worked? Could you do it again? Would it be enough? What
- [6 Weird Ingredients in Recipes for Stalled Small Group Ministries](https://www.markhowelllive.com/weird-ingredients-in-recipes/) - If you've ever done any cooking, you know that some recipes look good on paper or look good in the picture, but don't turn out to be as good as they look! They're a waste of time and leave a bad taste in your mouth! Sometimes recipes that don't turn out well have mistakes in
- [6 Understandings that Changed the Game for Me](https://www.markhowelllive.com/understandings-that-changed-the-game-for-me/) - Have you ever suddenly noticed something and never looked at it the same way again? You know how sometimes you can get so used to the cracked mirror that you stand in front of it and never notice it...every morning? This is the opposite experience. This is that thing that you've seen a million times
- [Top 5 Keys to Starting New Groups.  Lots of New Groups.](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-5-keys-to-starting-new-groups-lots-of-new-groups/) - If you've been along for any of this conversation, you know that I believe unconnected people are always one tough thing away from not being around. Always. An illness. A difficult marriage or divorce. The loss of a job. A child making bad decisions. One tough thing. One. I know that and you do too.
- [5 Things I Wish You Knew as You Build Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-i-wish-you-knew-as-you-build-your-small-group-ministry/) - In some ways, small group ministry is like a puzzle. A big puzzle with lots and lots of pieces. And in other ways, it is really so simple. It's not complicated. Sure, there are some things that are easy and obvious. And there are other things that might require a coach. Someone who has been
- [FAQ: What If a New "Leader" Doesn't Meet Leadership Standards?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/meet-leadership-standards/) - I get questions. A lot of questions. Sometimes they come in by email. Other times as a comment to a blog post. I try hard to answer them all. When it's a question many are asking, I try to answer them here on the blog. I bet I've answered today's question about a hundred times
- [What in Your Ministry Is Off-Limits for Debate?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-in-your-ministry-is-off-limits-for-debate/) - I love this edition of the Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast. On the topic of introducing change, this is an essential listen! (See below to listen to the podcast) There's a lot to digest in the podcast, but the section I listened to several times had to do with a quote about assumptions included in Andy
- [Skill Training: How to Stimulate Better Discussions](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-how-to-stimulate-better-discussions-2/) - Several of my core assumptions about small group ministry come into play when I share this skill training. Most importantly, I believe the optimal environment for life change is a small group. At the same time, I also believe that in order for any small group to actually be an environment that produces life change,
- [An Openness to New Ideas](https://www.markhowelllive.com/an-openness-to-new-ideas/) - Want to connect people you're not currently connecting? You're going to need to develop an openness to new ideas. If the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results (Einstein)," connecting beyond the usual suspects is about being open to new ideas; trying different things. Two quotes
- [The Four Biggest Obstacles Standing in the Way of Starting New Groups*](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-four-biggest-obstacles-standing-in-the-way-of-starting-new-groups/) - Recently I was in a room full of some very experienced, very sharp minds when it comes to starting new groups*. Admittedly, they were attempting to use the word groups to characterize both on-campus Sunday school classes and off-campus small groups. At one point, a panel of four experts talked about their own personal experiences in
- [5 Things You Can Do NOW that Produce WAY More Groups in September](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-you-can-do-now-that-produce-way-more-groups-in-september/) - 5 Things You Can Do NOW that Produce WAY More NEW Groups in September You may not realize this, but the things you do in April and May often predetermine how it goes in September. Special Note: I am assuming you've already chosen the strategy you will use to launch new groups this fall. Whether you
- [Add These Projects to Your To Do List (Before Summer)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/add-these-projects-to-your-to-do-list-before-summer/) - 2 weeks ago I posted 5 Things You Can Do NOW that Produce WAY More Groups in September. Whether you acted on that list or not, here are the projects you should be starting before summer: 1. Pitch or Plan a Fall Church-Wide Campaign If you haven't pitched or planned a fall church-wide campaign...NOW is the
- [4 Bogeys* That Might Not Be on Your Radar...Yet](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-bogeys-that-might-not-be-on-your-radar-yet/) - Have you ever said, "I'm not sure how I missed that!" Or maybe, "That caught all of us by surprise!" If you've said anything like that, you're in good company. Life has a way of encouraging preoccupation with that which is urgent, often at the expense of those things that are truly important. And sometimes
- [5 Keys to Arriving at Your Preferred Future](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-keys-to-arriving-at-your-preferred-future/) - I have written many times about the preferred future (for small group ministries or otherwise). The first time I remember hearing the term was at a Fuller Church Growth workshop in 1992. In a session on vision I heard that Tom Peters described vision as a "picture of a preferred future." I believe the preferred
- [Don't Miss the Upside of a Good Problem, Crisis, or Constraint](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dont-miss-the-upside-of-a-good-problem-crisis-or-constraint/) - Don't Miss the Upside of a Good Problem, Crisis, or Constraint I've written extensively about there being no problem-free solution, strategy, or model. If you've read much here you know the next line is that wise leaders simply choose the set of problems they'd rather have. Problems I don't talk about it as much, but
- [10 Signs Your Small Group Ministry Is Gaining Ground](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-signs-your-small-group-ministry-is-gaining-ground/) - How can you tell if your small group ministry is gaining ground? What are the signs? Can it be measured quantitatively? Or do you have to know how to measure qualitatively? Obviously, you can measure many things quantitatively. Quantitative measurements like how many groups you have, how many leaders and apprentices you have, and how
- [Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel Is a 2021 Best Campaign](https://www.markhowelllive.com/winning-the-war-in-your-mind-by-craig-groeschel-is-a-2021-best-campaign/) - The first entry to my 2021 list of best church-wide campaigns is Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel and Life.Church. A four week message series combined with weekly Life Group discussion content makes for an easy-to-use campaign idea. In addition, Groeschel's 2021 book by the same name will further enhance the experience.
- [Top 10 Post-COVID Realities and Strategic Adjustments](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-post-covid-realities-and-strategic-adjustments/) - I don't know about you and your church and community, but I can tell you what we're experiencing in Las Vegas. i can also provide an overview of our most important post-COVID adjustments. First, a little background: Canyon Ridge stopped meeting in person in mid-March of 2020 and resumed the first weekend in October of
- [LAUNCH MORE GROUPS + CONNECT MORE PEOPLE IN '21 WITH 5 SIMPLE STRATEGIES](https://www.markhowelllive.com/launch-more-groups-connect-more-people-in-21-with-5-simple-strategies/) - Ready to start new groups and connect more people? After all that happened in 2020, I'd say EVERYONE is ready for something different. But I think we all realize that what's worked in the past might not work the same way in 2021. With me? Here's the thing though. There are some proven strategies that
- [Top 10 Ideas to Help You Build a Thriving Small Group Ministry Post-COVID](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-ideas-to-help-you-build-a-thriving-small-group-ministry-post-covid/) - I hope you already realize that building a thriving small group ministry in 2021 will require some new ideas. Doing the same things you did in 2019 (in the way you did them), will certainly produce a different (and probably lesser) outcome. I like this quote from Peter Drucker: "The enterprise that does not innovate
- [Top 5 Reasons Small Group Leaders Quit](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-5-reasons-small-group-leaders-quit/) - There are a number of reasons that small group leaders quit. While some quit for good reasons, most quit for reasons that are completely avoidable. Here are what I believe are the top 5 reasons small group leaders quit: 1. They aren't being developed and discipled by a coach. This is probably the most common
- [10 Things Every Small Group Leader Needs to Know](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-things-every-small-group-leader-needs-to-know/) - There are a few things every small group needs to know. Battle hardened veterans and wet-behind-the-ears alike, every small group leader needs to know these things. 10 things every small group leader needs to know 1. Their senior pastor appreciates them. This is a very, very important thing for a small group leader to know.
- [How to Make Disciples in Small Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-make-disciples-in-small-groups/) - I don't know about you, but I'm determined to build a thriving small group ministry that makes disciples. That is the light at the end of the tunnel for me. It is the end in mind. It's not just to connect unconnected people. That's important, but only a beginning. My objective is to make disciples.
- [5 Tiny Language Tweaks that Make a Very Big Difference](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-tiny-language-tweaks-that-make-a-very-big-difference/) - Sometimes the smallest adjustments can make the biggest difference. When our Lead Team debriefed the success of Transformed, our fall campaign, one of the observations was that I functioned as the "Transformed Nazi." The person who said this was noting that I was carefully watching all of the language (sermon references, announcements, bulletin promotions, pre-service
- [Design Your Connection Strategy with Unconnected People in Mind](https://www.markhowelllive.com/design-your-connection-strategy-with-unconnected-people-in-mind/) - When you set up your connection strategy, did you stop to think about the folks you were hoping to connect? You need to. And don't make the mistake of expecting the newest or least connected people in your congregation to have your sensibilities or priorities. When you design your connection strategy you need to keep
- [8 Habits of a Life-Changing Small Group Coach](https://www.markhowelllive.com/8-habits-of-a-life-changing-small-group-coach/) - If it's true that "whatever you want to happen at the member level, will have to happen to the leader first," it follows that whatever you want to happen in the lives of the leaders of your groups, will have to happen to your coaches first. With me? It does make sense, doesn't it? I believe
- [Small Group Ministry Myth #2: Effective at Connecting and Ineffective at Discipling](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-myth-2-effective-connecting-ineffective-discipling/) - Note: This is part 2 of a 5 part series. You can read part 1 right here. I love the Discovery Channel show MythBusters. The show has a simple premise: The MythBusters team "proves and disproves urban legends and popular misconceptions using a signature style of explosive experimentation." The myths and misconceptions that get tested range
- [How Discipleship Really Happens](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-discipleship-really-happens/) - Ever buckle down and come up with your firm opinion about how discipleship really happens? Four years ago I put my thoughts together in an article called Top 10 Things I Need to Know about Discipleship. That title wasn't a misprint or a mistake. They really were 10 things I needed to know. In some
- [Problem Solved: We're Only Connecting the "Usual Suspects"](https://www.markhowelllive.com/problem-solved-were-only-connecting-the-usual-suspects/) - Do you have a small group ministry problem? It turns out that there is a relatively simple solution to almost every small group ministry problem. And, the set of problems faced by small group pastors and directors is not extensive. It's a fairly short list of problems. Note: There is a difference between simple and easy. Simple can be
- [5 Signs Your Small Group Ministry Design Is Inadequate](https://www.markhowelllive.com/your-small-group-ministry-design-is-inadequate/) - If it's true that "your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing," it follows that the results you are currently experiencing clearly indicate whether your design is the right one or the wrong one. See where I'm going with this? It makes sense, doesn't it? If you don't like the
- [5 Toxic Small Group Ministry Moves](https://www.markhowelllive.com/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. But they can cause great damage. Here are a 5 toxic small group ministry moves: 1. Switching to a different small group model, system or strategy...again. There are several main
- [5 Key Ingredients that Motivate a First Step Toward Community](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-key-ingredients-motivate-first-step-toward-community/) - Here are today's questions: What are the key ingredients that motivate unconnected people to take a first step toward community? Is there a recipe that helps motivate a toe-in-the-water? What is it? Do you need all of the ingredients? Or do you just need 3 or 4 of the key ingredients? Just like any other
- [Small Group Ministry Roadblock #1](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-roadblock-1/) - I've been thinking lately about the biggest roadblocks to small group ministry; the things that stand in the way of a truly thriving small group ministry. See also, 10 Powerful Benefits of a Thriving Small Group Ministry. Here are what I believe are the top 5 roadblocks: A doubtful or conflicted senior pastor. A bloated
- [5 Ways Your Small Group Ministry Is Being Throttled](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-ways-your-small-group-ministry-is-being-throttled/) - Did you know that a number of factors can throttle your small group ministry? Did you know that there are certain factors that can limit your ministry impact? A Brief Example In some ways it's like what I found out this week from the company that hosts my blog. For several days in a row
- [The Very Best Way to Launch the Largest Number of New Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-very-best-way-to-launch-the-largest-number-of-new-groups/) - I am regularly asked for ideas on the best ways to connect more people in groups. Having been working on the answer to this question for over 20 years, you might think I have a pat answer by now. And you'd be right. I do have a pat answer. A church-wide campaign is the best
- [10 Things Small Group Pastors Should Always Be Thinking](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-things-small-group-pastors-should-always-be-thinking/) - "Albert Einstein said, "If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask… for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes." There are a few things smart
- [Note to Senior Pastors: Authentic Community Begins with You](https://www.markhowelllive.com/note-to-senior-pastors-authentic-community-begins-with-you/) - Senior pastors...you need to know something. If you want authentic community to flourish in your church, it begins with you. It must begin with you. I don't know what has prompted your hope for authentic community to take hold in your church. Maybe you've listened to Rick Warren or Andy Stanley talk about their own
- [Top 10 Articles on Engagement and Belonging](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-articles-on-engagement-and-belonging/) - I don't know about you, but as we step further into 2021 it feels like a mix. The return of something familiar is tempered by the accompaniment of reduced expectations and modified hopes. In the mix are some reminders that COVID-19 heightened awareness that watching online is a more convenient experience for some (maybe even
- [FAQ: What Should We Be Measuring (to build a thriving small group ministry)?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-what-should-we-be-measuring-to-build-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - I'm asked all the time "what we should be measuring in our small group ministries?" Actually, more often than not, when I'm talking with small group pastors they tell me what they're measuring and then ask me what I think. It turns out that most of us are tracking what are called lag measures (i.e.,
- [Customized Leader Requirements and Benefits](https://www.markhowelllive.com/customized-leader-requirements-and-benefits/) - If you've been following the conversation here for very long you know that I am an advocate for lowering the leader bar. In fact, I've found that one of the primary reasons many churches struggle to identify and recruit enough small group leaders to take care of the demand is that they're looking for Jesus
- [5 Main Causes of "Failure to Thrive" in Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-main-causes-of-failure-to-thrive-in-small-group-ministry/) - Failure to thrive is a term used primarily in pediatric medicine "to indicate insufficient weight gain or inappropriate weight loss." Because I write so often about building a thriving small group ministry, failure to thrive seemed like a good term for a small group ministry that struggles or where growth is stunted or blocked. There
- [8 Things You Need to Know about Small Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/things-you-need-to-know-about-small-group-leaders/) - File this list in the category of "things I know now, but haven't always known." You've got this filing system too, right? With experience, we learn what we really wish we had known back then. See also, 5 Things I Wish I Had Known about Small Group Leaders. Can I help you skip a step?
- [3 Small Group Ministry Missing Ingredients that Lead to a Bad Taste](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-small-group-ministry-missing-ingredients-that-lead-to-a-bad-taste/) - Years ago my wife and I came home to find our son cleaning up the kitchen. "I baked a chocolate cake today. Want a piece?" The first bite revealed that something wasn't right, but what was it? The cake was very crumbly and dry. "Did you follow the recipe?" my wife asked with a furrowed
- [3 Reasons Your Old School Small Group Model Is Failing](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-reasons-your-old-school-small-group-model-is-failing/) - Before we even get to the reasons your old school small group ministry model is failing, it makes sense for us to define success. And clearly my definition might not be yours, and that's okay. As long as your small group ministry model is accomplishing your definition of success. For now, here's my definition of
- [5 Obscure but Important Reasons Small Group Ministries Fail](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-obscure-but-important-reasons-small-group-ministries-fail/) - Yesterday I wrote about 5 totally obvious reasons small group ministries fail. Today I want to focus on 5 obscure but critically important reasons small group ministries fail. Not as obvious. Just as real. 5 Obscure but Important Reasons Small Group Ministries Fail 1. Someone other than the senior pastor is operating as the small
- [How to Manage the 5 Tensions of Connection](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-tensions/) - Connection between people is a little bit of mystery smack dab in the middle of a lot of predictability. It is mostly about managing the 5 tensions of connection. The 5 tensions are driven by things that seem true and good to everyone except unconnected people. Here's what I mean: Connection is easiest when
- [5 Best Practices of Thriving Small Group Ministries](https://www.markhowelllive.com/best-practices-of-thriving-small-group-ministries/) - Best Practice: "A procedure that has been shown by research and experience to produce optimal results and that is established or proposed as a standard suitable for widespread adoption." Webster You can learn a lot by studying the best practices of thriving small group ministries. You can improve your results by adopting the best practices
- [Top 10 DNA Markers of Churches with Thriving Small Group Cultures](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-dna-markers-of-churches-with-thriving-small-group-cultures/) - Every organism has DNA. So does every organization. They each have their own DNA. And no two are exactly alike. They share some traits and not others. And when you look carefully at the DNA of any organism or organization you will find a set of markers. The markers are often looked for in the
- [Small Group Ministry Roadblock #4: A Myopic Understanding of the Culture](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-roadblock-4-a-myopic-understanding-of-the-culture/) - I've been thinking lately about the biggest roadblocks to small group ministry; the things that stand in the way of a truly thriving small group ministry. See also, 10 Powerful Benefits of a Thriving Small Group Ministry. Here are what I believe are the top 5 roadblocks: A doubtful or conflicted senior pastor. A bloated
- [Small Group Ministry Roadblock #3: Indecision about the Best Next Step](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-roadblock-3-indecision-about-the-best-next-step/) - Last week we began a detailed look at what I believe are the top 5 small group ministry roadblocks; the things that stand in the way of a truly thriving small group ministry. We began with a look at roadblock #1: a doubtful or conflicted senior pastor and continued with roadblock #2: a bloated belong and become
- [Is an Artificial Barrier Limiting Growth in Your Small Group Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/is-an-artificial-barrier-limiting-growth-in-your-small-group-ministry/) - If you're like many, you've wrestled with the question, "Why can't we break through this barrier?" Here are what I believe are five of the most common artificial barriers that limit small group ministry: Five common artificial barriers that limit small group ministry 1. The impression that the weekend service meets the minimum weekly participation
- [Investing in Your Own Personal Growth](https://www.markhowelllive.com/investing-in-your-own-personal-growth/) - I am convinced that whatever we want to happen in the lives of the members of our groups must happen first in the lives of our leaders. If you've been along for much of this conversation, you've already heard this. I suppose you might even be sick of hearing about it (hopefully not). I'm also
- [Top 5 Advantages of New Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-5-advantages-of-new-groups/) - In an earlier article (What's the Best Way for People to Sign Up and Commit to a Group?) I made the case for providing year-round opportunities to connect to new groups and recommended matchmaking only as an exception or a last resort. Still, the natural pull for many of us seems to be toward finding
- [5 Powerful Myths that Defeat, Delay and Diminish Ministry Impact](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-powerful-myths-that-defeat-delay-and-diminish-ministry-impact/) - They're out there. They're sometimes hard to spot too, so nicely disguised as the truth. And the end of the day, though, these myths are very destructive and impact ministry. 5 Powerful Myths That Defeat, Delay and Diminish Ministry Impact Myth #1: There is a problem-free solution If we keep looking, keep studying, and meet
- [5 Insights that Help Evaluate Your Strategy's Effectiveness (for connecting unconnected people)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-insights/) - You have a strategy for connecting people. You might have more than one (we do). And you might not think of it as a strategy. You might think of it as the semester model or fall groups launch or your annual church-wide campaign, but those are just names for the strategy you've chosen to use
- [Clue #1 When Designing Your Small Group System](https://www.markhowelllive.com/clue-1-when-designing-your-small-group-system/) - Can I show you what I think ought to be your first clue when designing the right small group system or strategy for your church? This might surprise you, but I really do believe there is a best system for you. How can you figure out what is best? I have three clues. Here's the first
- [5 Things I Wish I Had Known about Small Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-wish-known-small-group-leaders/) - I led my first small group in 1983 and was coaching my first network of small group leaders in 1984. Over the last 30 years I've tried just about every system and experimented with so many different ideas I've actually been called a "mad scientist." And while I'm glad I've had the experience, there
- [5 Subtle Differences between Thriving and Struggling Small Group Ministries](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-subtle-differences/) - It turns out that whether you're on the Apollo 13 heading for the moon or Amelia Earhart circumnavigating the globe...you only have to be slightly off course to miss your objective. I've found that there is often only a slight difference between the priorities and objectives of churches with thriving and struggling small group ministries.
- [Life-Change at the Member Level Begins with Me (and you)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/life-change-at-the-member-level-begins-with-me-and-you/) - The optimal environment for life change is a small group. We've all heard that line for years. Most of us have said that line so frequently that it is now an automatic response when we hear a counter opinion. And yet...is it really true? And if it is true, is it a given? Or does
- [5 Problems Only an Experienced Small Group Pastor Recognizes](https://www.markhowelllive.com/problems-only-an-experienced-small-group-pastor-recognizes/) - There are certain problems only an experienced small group pastor recognizes. Without the wisdom produced by multiple rodeos, less experienced small group pastors often operate from a wishful thinking kind of optimism born of naïveté. Don't get me wrong. There are certainly new small group pastors who are quick learners and wiser beyond their years.
- [5 Small Group Ministry Secrets and Shortcuts You Need to Know](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-small-group-ministry-secrets-and-shortcuts-you-need-to-know/) - Ever had this happen? You're doing a repetitive task the same way you've been doing it for years and then someone sees what you're doing and tells you an easier way. Or how about this, you're driving somewhere you've been a million times and someone in the backseat says, "Did you know that there's a much
- [5 Stupid Things Churches Need to Stop Doing (in the Name of Small Group Ministry)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/stupid-things-churches-need-to-stop-doing/) - Last year I wrote 5 Stupid Things Small Group Pastors Need to Stop Doing. What about the stupid things churches need to stop doing (in the name of small group ministry)? 5 Stupid Things Churches Need to Stop Doing (in the name of small group ministry): 1. Calling everything a group. The decision to call
- [Ranking the Most Powerful Strategies for Launching New Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/ranking-the-most-powerful-strategies-for-launching-new-groups/) - Whether I'm buying a TV or choosing between phone plans, I like to see a side by side comparison. Don't you? Or how about a list that ranks products according to their performance? The top 8 ways to launch new groups (according to their performance): Please keep a few things in mind as you look
- [Are You Prioritizing the Launch of New Groups?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/are-you-prioritizing-the-launch-of-new-groups/) - When you think about the last year (or two), how much emphasis have you placed on launching new groups? What percentage of your energy has gone to launching new groups (versus maintaining existing groups)? How much of your time has gone to sustaining the new groups you've launched (versus maintaining existing groups)? You may not
- [How an Effective Small Group Pastor Structures Their Calendar](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-an-effective-small-group-pastor-structures-their-calendar/) - You've made it through the hiring process, unpacked your books, and set up your office. You've even played around with your email signature. Now what? What should you do with your time? How can you structure your calendar, your time, to have the greatest impact? Dr. Steven Covey's famous illustration of doing first things first
- [8 Habits of a Life-Changing Small Group Leader](https://www.markhowelllive.com/habits-of-a-life-changing-small-group-leader/) - I've written many times about the needless search for Jesus Jr. as prerequisite for effective small group leadership. In fact, I've argued that Jesus seems to have chosen his disciples despite the fact that they didn't already seem to be on a leadership track. So if we're to recruit small group leaders in a way
- [The One Thing Every Small Group Pastor Must Do...for Small Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-one-thing-every-small-group-pastor-must-do-for-small-group-leaders/) - Recently my friend Rick Howerton posted an article praising Egli and Marable's research based, Small Groups Big Impact. Among other principles, Rick referred to a powerful discovery made by Egli and Marable: "The practice that impacts the health and growth of a small group the most is the prayer life of the leader (p. 23)." I have
- [The Most Important Contribution of a Small Group Pastor](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-most-important-contribution-of-a-small-group-pastor/) - There are a number of very important ingredients in the role of small group pastor or director. It isn't a job for the faint of heart and wishful thinking won't get it done. There are five things every small group pastor needs to know on day 1 and the very first thing they need to
- [Top 10 Posts on Discipleship and Making Disciples in Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-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
- [Warning: Without This Essential Skill You Can't Build a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/warning-without-this-essential-skill-you-cant-build-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - I believe there is an essential skill that is missing in almost every case where building a thriving small group ministry proves difficult. What is it? I believe it is the ability to speak the truth in love. In his letter to the church at Ephesus the Apostle Paul wrote, "We will speak the truth
- [5 Totally Obvious Reasons Small Group Ministries Fail](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-reasons-small-group-ministries-fail/) - The more I consult with churches around the country, the more obvious it is that there is a very basic set of reasons why small group ministries succeed. There is also a basic set of reasons why small group ministries fail. See also, Top 10 DNA Markers of Churches with Thriving Small Group Cultures. Here
- [5 Great Ways to Blow Up Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-great-ways-to-blow-up-your-small-group-ministry/) - You've worked hard to build your small group ministry. It's humming along; firing on all cylinders. And at just about any moment there are a few things that can blow up most of what you've worked hard to accomplish. Note: All of this was true long before COVID-19 and 2020. None of the above is
- [Do You See What They See?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/do-you-see-what-they-see/) - I suppose I'm known for having a deep passion for connecting unconnected people. And I suspect that some of my friends believe my passion for connecting unconnected people comes at the expense of any serious commitment to genuinely fruitful disciple-making. But I have to tell you, I don't see it that way. Here's how I
- [5 Reasons to Launch New Groups in January/February](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-reasons-to-launch-new-groups-in-januaryfebruary/) - If you want to build a thriving small group ministry it's important to remember that you need to have a year-round approach to launching new groups. While the fall definitely presents the very best opportunity to connect the largest number of unconnected people, there are absolutely several other very good times every year to launch
- [Do you know about my membership site?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/do-you-know-about-my-membership-site/) - I launched GroupLife Insider, my membership site, almost 3 years ago. Why a membership site? As much as I enjoy sharing my insights, strategies, tips and ideas here on MarkHowellLive.com, there has always been a limit to how much I could develop and give away for free. Like you, I have a day job. And
- [Skill Training: How to Identify a Potential Small Group Coach](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-how-to-identify-a-potential-small-group-coach/) - I'm frequently asked how to find potential small group coaches. In fact, it's probably one of my most frequently asked questions. I'm asked about how to find coaches all the time. Probably most often right after I've spoken or written about the fact that without coaching in place it will be next to impossible to
- [Thomas Merton on Love as Its Own Reward](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thomas-merton-on-love-as-its-own-reward/)
- [Tall Tales and Downright Whoppers That Keep Churches from Launching New Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/tall-tales-and-downright-whoppers-that-keep-churches-from-launching-new-groups/) - What keeps you from launching more new groups? A few days ago Thom Rainer posted an article that asked a great question: Why don't more churches have a strategy to start new groups. Good stuff. Can't wait to see his take. I think the answer to the question is actually pretty simple. Most churches don't
- [Find the Gaps in Your Strategy with This Simple Technique](https://www.markhowelllive.com/find-the-gaps-in-your-strategy-with-this-simple-technique/) - I love Rick Warren's concentric circles diagram; a classic illustration of the different segments of people who are associated with your church. The concentric circles also provide a visual representation of Saddleback's crowd-to-core strategy. See also, Crowd-to-Core: An Essential Understanding. The way I talk about crowd-to-core is that I want to design next steps for
- [Can Your Model Make What You Dream of Making?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/can-your-model-make-what-you-dream-of-making/) - Our Groups Team has been on a hunt to identify the activities (lead measures) that predict we will reach our goals (lag measures). Based on what we learned in The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, the hunt is forcing some very good conversations about which activities are actually important, which are merely nice
- [5 Signs You May Have a Bad Disciple-Making Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/signs-you-may-have-a-bad-disciple-making-strategy/) - You may want to argue with me, but I think there are certain signs that indicate clearly whether you have a bad disciple-making strategy. With me? Isn't it obvious that certain results or a lack of results would indicate a bad disciple-making strategy? Remember, "your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you are
- [Check Out My Black Friday + Cyber Monday Deals!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/check-out-my-black-friday-cyber-monday-deals/) - Black Friday + Cyber Monday has ended! That's right! I've cut prices on GroupLife Insider and many of my most popular mini-courses! And right now you can get them for 25 to 40% off my list price...but only thru Monday, December 2nd! Here's a look at what I'm offering: GroupLife Insider is on sale!
- [What Do You Need to Abandon?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-do-you-need-to-abandon/) - "This program has meant so much for so long to all these people!" "How can you even think of getting rid of the program that helped all of us start following Jesus?" "Old Mrs. Jones would roll over in her grave if she knew that the class named after her was being cancelled!" Who hasn't
- [5 Compromises That Derail Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-compromises-that-derail-small-group-ministry/) - I wrote last week about the 5 Commitments that Propel and Sustain Small Group Ministry. Hopefully, that helped confirm that you're on the right track or set your sights on a modified course. Today I want to walk you through what I believe are the 5 main compromises that derail small group ministry. Here they
- [5 Culture Characteristics Small Group Pastors Should Be Striving For](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-culture-characteristics-small-group-pastors-should-be-striving-for/) - Someone asked me recently what I hoped our small group ministry would be like. Honestly, it's not hard for me to slip into a vision/faith mode. I just have to make time to do it (i.e., most of the time, I'm running hard to finish what I've got on my plate because I know there's
- [7 Skills Every Small Group Pastor Must Develop](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-skills-every-small-group-pastor-must-develop/) - What skills must every small group pastor have in their skill set? I've written about the 5 habits I'd look for if I was hiring a small group pastor. This is really a different thing. A habit predicts behavior (good or bad). The right habits predict motivated behaviors in line with the mission of their
- [7 Skills Every Small Group Pastor Needs](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-skills-every-small-group-pastor-needs/) - What skills must every small group pastor have in their skill set? I've written about the 5 habits I'd look for if I was hiring a small group pastor. This is really a different thing. There is a set of skills every small group pastor must have in their skill set. 7 Skills Every Small
- [5 Ways to Blow Up Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-ways-to-blow-up-your-small-group-ministry/) - You've worked hard to build your small group ministry. It's humming along; firing on all cylinders. And at just about any moment there are a few things that can blow up most of what you've worked hard to accomplish. What are they? 5 Ways to Blow Up Your Small Group Ministry 1. Changing your small
- [Will You Take Advantage of Jumpstart January '21?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/will-you-take-advantage-of-jumpstart-january-21/) - I think you'll agree that these are challenging times. In fact, everything about 2020 makes it one of the most challenging seasons ever. And yet, I believe there is an unprecedented opportunity in early 2021 to connect more unconnected people than ever before. I also believe that if we connect unconnected people in the right
- [5 Reasons January-February Is Prime Time for Launching New Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-reasons-january-february-is-prime-time-for-launching-new-groups/) - If you want to build a thriving small group ministry it's important to remember that you need to have a year-round approach to launching new groups. While the fall definitely presents the very best opportunity to connect the largest number of unconnected people, there are absolutely several other very good times every year to launch
- [Now Is the Time to Plan January and February Launches](https://www.markhowelllive.com/now-is-the-time-to-plan-january-and-february-launches/) - Second only to September/October, the very best time to launch new groups and connect unconnected people is January/February. There are four key elements that make this true everywhere: The struggles, challenges and difficulties of the old year are front of mind. A new year is always perceived as the best chance for new beginnings.
- [Groups of All Kinds and the Essential Ingredients of Life-Change](https://www.markhowelllive.com/groups-kinds-essential-ingredients-life-change/) - "A small group provides the optimal environment for the life-change Jesus intends for every believer." This was one of 5 core assumptions that were embedded in Willow Creek's small group ministry strategy in the 90s. Was it true? Is it true? I believe it was and is true but I also believe that in order
- [4 Steps that Build an Effective Small Group Coaching Structure](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-steps-that-build-an-effective-small-group-coaching-structure/) - Who are you looking for when you are trying to find another coach? How do you recruit small group coaches? Do you have a tried and true system for building an effective small group coaching structure? I was talking with one of the members of my small group ministry coaching network and I realized that
- [Four Keys to Recruiting Coaches for New Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/four-keys-to-recruiting-coaches-for-new-groups/) - Planning to launch some new groups this fall or next spring? Don't miss an important step in helping keep your new groups going! Increase their sustainability by assigning coaches to help new leaders start well and make it through the critical first 8 to 10 weeks. Like a rocket launch, launching new groups well requires
- [7 Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-deadly-sins-of-small-group-ministry/) - The 7 deadly sins is a familiar idea. And originally, the 7 sins referred to were actual sins and supposedly unforgivable. So are there 7 deadly sins of small group ministry? And are they unforgivable? I believe there are at least 7 deadly sins of small group ministry. I also believe they are forgivable, but there is a
- [IS THIS PRACTICE PART OF YOUR POST-COVID STRATEGY?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/is-this-practice-part-of-your-post-covid-strategy/) - Think about this statement: "Every next step that is designed and offered should lead only in the direction of the "individual" preferred future to which you want everyone to go." Here are three things you should notice about the statement: It assumes you have already developed a clear understanding of your "individual" preferred future. Most
- [HAVE YOU EVALUATED WHAT YOU'RE OFFERING POST-COVID-19?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/have-you-evaluated-what-youre-offering-post-covid-19/) - One of the practices I wrote about in 10 Practices You Need to Adopt Going Forward (post-COVID-19), is a thorough evaluation of your existing belong and become menu. Note: When you read "belong" think connection or fellowship. When you read "become" think growth or discipleship. Every church already has a menu of fellowship (belong) and
- [5 Lightbulb Insights that Clarified Small Group Ministry for Me](https://www.markhowelllive.com/lightbulb-insights-that-clarified-small-group-ministry-for-me/) - Have you ever suddenly noticed something so obvious and then wondered how in the world you could have missed it before? Call it what you want, when you see (and understand) certain things for the first time it really is like a 100-watt lightbulb suddenly illuminating the room. And some lightbulb moments—insights—are such game-changers you
- [Evaluate Your Small Group Ministry with My Signature 10 Point Checklist](https://www.markhowelllive.com/evaluate-your-small-group-ministry-with-my-signature-10-point-checklist/) - Everyone knows that before you take your car on a road trip...you really should do more than fill up the gas tank. You might check the tire pressure and take it in for an oil change. You might decide it's time for new windshield wipers or even a new set of tires. Getting ready for
- [Are You Working on the Right Things (to build a thriving small group ministry)?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/working-on-the-right-things/) - A short and simple question: Are you working on the right things (to build a thriving small group ministry)? I've been reading a great book. 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals by Chris McChesney. A fantastic book. I highly recommend it. The thing is, McChesney does a very good job of explaining that
- [OFFER BELONGING (AND CONNECTION) BEFORE BEING ASKED](https://www.markhowelllive.com/offer-belonging-and-connection-before-being-asked/) - Have you ever come up with an idea that turned out to genius? I call it a genius innovation when you find yourself experiencing something and thinking, "This is so cool! Why didn't I think of this?!!" We've all experienced genius innovation. But sometimes a genius innovation has its day and then fades away. Maybe
- [5 Keys to a More Dynamic Group Experience](https://www.markhowelllive.com/keys-to-a-more-dynamic-group-experience/) - What makes for a dynamic small group experience? Most of us know it when we see it. While most of us have been in groups that were just painful to attend, we've also been in groups that had a different quality and went well beyond the ordinary. The groups we've been in that went well
- [5 New Assumptions As I Step Further into the 21st Century](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-new-assumptions-step-21st-century/) - I asked you recently if it was time for you to take a fresh look at your assumptions. I really do believe we are irresponsible when we just continue down a well-worn path expecting to arrive at a new destination. And yet, that is what many of us do. Because I am more and more
- [5 Essential Practices of Thriving Small Group Ministries](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-essential-practices-of-thriving-small-group-ministries/) - Building a thriving small group ministry requires a certain mindset. It also requires the development of a very particular set of practices. You must have both. You can have the mindset (the worldview, the belief system, the assumptions, the attitudes) alone and not be able to build a thriving small group ministry. You can have
- [TWO  PRACTICES THAT WILL INCREASE ENGAGEMENT](https://www.markhowelllive.com/two-practices-that-will-increase-engagement/) - In 10 Practices You Need to Adopt Going Forward (post-COVID-19), I pointed out the obvious: "As churches step into what's next, some are recognizing that the world changed in 2020 and preexisting engagement pathways were built for a time and place that no longer exists." If you read that line and said, "Thank you Captain
- [Which Customer Is Your Ministry Designed to Connect?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/which-customer-is-your-ministry-designed-to-connect/) - I know what you're thinking. When you read my question, you really want to say, "This is a business question or a marketing question." Or maybe you're thinking, "Our ministry is designed to connect everyone." Believe me...I get that. I do. In fact, one of my proudest ministry moments is the development of our ministry
- [5 Strategic Flaws that Cripple Ministry Impact](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-strategic-flaws-cripple-ministry-impact/) - There are recognizable strategic flaws in the culture of churches that are stuck. Fresh eyes can almost always reveal strategic flaws in an honest conversation, a website review, or an onsite visit. Sometimes it can be just one strategic flaw. Other times it is the whole set. Does your church struggle with any of these?
- [5 Blatantly Obvious Truths about Starting New Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/blatantly-obvious-truths-starting-new-groups/) - You know how sometimes there really is an elephant in the room and no one wants to talk about it? Or if certain people are in the room a kind of code is used to disguise the real topic? Depending on who's in the room, the subject of starting new groups can be like that.
- [4 Essential Skills Most New Small Group Pastors Need to Develop](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-essential-skills-most-new-small-group-pastors-need-to-develop/) - What are the essential skills a new small group pastor needs to develop; to have in their toolkit? And I would clarify the question by asking what are the skills in which a new small group pastor must develop an unconscious competence? But before we begin shaping a list of the skills most new small group
- [Planning Connecting Opportunities? Think Digital First](https://www.markhowelllive.com/planning-connecting-opportunities-think-digital-first/) - Planning your next set of connecting opportunities? Maybe a small group connection? An upcoming semester launch? GroupLink? As churches begin to regather and open back up, maybe you're putting plans together for later this fall or even the first of the year. If that's you...or will be you soon...I want to add a wrinkle to
- [MAKE BELONGING THE CENTERPIECE OF YOUR ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY](https://www.markhowelllive.com/make-belonging-the-centerpiece-of-your-engagement-strategy/) - Taking another look at your engagement pathway? As churches step into what's next, some are recognizing that the world changed in 2020 and preexisting engagement pathways were built for a time and place that no longer exists. Can you relate? Are you having those thoughts? Build your new engagement pathway with three things in mind.
- [4 Tell-Tale Signs Your Small Group System Is Broken](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-tell-tale-signs-your-small-group-system-is-broken/) - You know how certain things in life are tell-tale signs something is wrong? For example, when your car's bouncing down the road and the tires are wearing unevenly...it's a tell-tale sign that your car's wheels need to be aligned. Or when your thermostat is set on 72 but it's 82 in the house and the
- [10 Practices You Need to Adopt Going Forward](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-practices-you-need-to-adopt-going-forward/) - Has COVID-19 altered the design of your small group ministry? If it has, have you found yourself playing defense? Or offense? (or both, come to think of it). This has been a challenging season (understatement of the year). And the season is turning out to be a disruption (and not just an interruption). What's the
- [10 Commandments of Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-commandments-of-small-group-ministry/) - I'm sure there are commandments beyond these. I could be wrong. I frequently am. But I believe these 10 commandments are at the very core of a small group ministry that changes communities: 1. Connect people in season and out. Unconnected people are one tough thing away from never being at your church again. Loss
- [5 Essential Ingredients of Groups that Make Disciples](https://www.markhowelllive.com/essential-ingredients-of-groups-that-make-disciples/) - Yesterday I asked the question, "What have you designed your groups to make?" Answering my own question, I said, “Our small groups are designed to make followers of Jesus.” And I must admit that my answer begs the question, "What kind of group will make followers of Jesus or disciples?" See also, What Have You
- [6 Communication Mistakes that Limit Ministry Effectiveness](https://www.markhowelllive.com/6-communication-mistakes-that-limit-ministry-effectiveness/) - "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." George Bernard Shaw I have a love/hate relationship with Shaw's line. I love the simple truth in it. And...I hate the simple truth in it. One of the greatest inhibitors of effective ministry is poor (or less than great) communication. Here
- [7 Traits of Healthy Small Group Ministries](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-traits-of-healthy-small-group-ministries/) - Sometimes you can just look at something and tell that it's healthy. Other times you've got to do some diagnostic poking around. How can you tell if your small group ministry is healthy? There are a number of observable traits that indicate health. 7 Traits of Healthy Small Group Ministries Healthy small groups ministries... 1.
- [5 Tiny Plan Alterations that Lead to Completely Different Destinations](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-tiny-plan-alterations/) - Have you ever noticed that you only have to miss one turn to end up at an completely different destination? Happened to me most recently in London's Harrods department store. I don't know whose idea it was to go to Harrods to shop for toys for our grandkids...but we went. And in the middle of
- [7 Decisions That Predetermine Small Group Ministry Impact](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-decisions-predetermine-small-group-ministry-impact/) - There are a few decisions that predetermine whether your small group ministry thrives or struggles. Further, I think an honest diagnosis can actually predict your chances of small group ministry impact. As you read, give some thought to how you'd score your own ministry. 7 questions that predetermine small group ministry impact: 1. Will you
- [4 SURMOUNTABLE CHALLENGES FACING MANY SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-surmountable-challenges-facing-many-small-group-ministries/) - About 3000 years ago King Solomon pointed out "there is nothing new under the sun." The wisest man in the world was correct then and it turns out he is still right. The problems, issues, and challenges faced by small group pastors and directors everywhere turn out to be ubiquitous. Instead of the individual quirks
- [How to Design Next Steps and First Steps](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-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. The simplest way to
- [Top 10 Signs You're Prioritizing the Right Things in Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/prioritizing-the-right-things/) - Ever wonder if you are headed in the right direction with your small group ministry? If what you're doing is the right thing? Or if what you're focusing on is making a difference? Can we know whether we're focusing on the right things? I believe we can. And I believe it is possible to measure outcomes
- [Leader Qualification: Raising the Bar, Lowering the Bar, or Open Bar?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/leader-qualification-raising-the-bar-lowering-the-bar-or-open-bar/) - Who can lead a group in your system? How are you framing your leader qualification pathway? Are you lowering the bar to help launch more groups and connect more people? Are you raising the bar in order to deliver the kind of leadership that actually makes disciples? Or maybe what you've got in the way
- [Model What You Want to Happen at the Member Level](https://www.markhowelllive.com/model-what-you-want-to-happen-at-the-member-level/) - I've said many times "Whatever you want to happen in the lives of the members of your groups, has to happen first in the lives of their leaders." I've also pointed out that life-change at the member level begins with you. It would be crazy to expect things would happen to anyone else if they're not
- [Think Twice--and Think Again--Before You Approve the New Menu Item](https://www.markhowelllive.com/think-twice-and-think-again-before-you-approve-the-new-menu-item/) - I think it's fair to say that most of us have complained at one time or another about the cluttered belong and become menu that we've inherited. "Whose bright idea was it to let the Precepts class begin in the first place!" "If only they never began approving classroom space for those ABFs back in
- [How Does Your Fall Ministry Season Look from Here?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-does-your-fall-ministry-season-look-from-here/) - Fall. I don't know about you, but here in Las Vegas I'm looking forward to fall. Temperatures begin to cool off (we'll soon have daytime temps under 100!) and the plans we've made for our fall ministry season will be in full swing! Note: Some of this is still true. Some, due to COVID-19 obviously
- [The Big Misunderstanding that Dooms Most Coaching Structures](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-big-misunderstanding/) - I've written about small group coaching many times. I've focused on coaching because I believe it is a widely misunderstood and frequently under-appreciated yet essential ingredient in building a thriving small group ministry. See also, How to Build a Thriving Small Group Ministry. Now, as challenging and difficult as it is to build an effective coaching
- [Quotebook: Life-Change, Circles, and Rows](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-life-change-circles-and-rows/) - One of many great lines from Andy Stanley at Re:Group: "The real church is not facility dependent. Never has been. Never will be. The real church is not preacher dependent. Never has been. Never will be. Why? Because life-change happens best in circles, not in rows." Andy Stanley
- [COVID SCHMOVID. 5 IDEAS THAT WILL OPTIMIZE YOUR FALL LAUNCH](https://www.markhowelllive.com/covid-schmovid-5-ideas-that-will-optimize-your-fall-launch/) - COVID SCHMOVID: 5 IDEAS THAT WILL OPTIMIZE YOUR FALL LAUNCH "If you do always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got." Regardless of whether that line originated with Albert Einstein, Henry Ford, or Mark Twain...some things are just true truths of life. And it may never be more true than
- [OPTIMIZE YOUR FALL GROUPS LAUNCH WITH THESE 5 IDEAS](https://www.markhowelllive.com/optimize-your-fall-groups-launch-with-these-5-ideas/) - OPTIMIZE YOUR FALL GROUPS LAUNCH WITH THESE 5 IDEAS "If you do what you've always done...you'll always get what you always get." Regardless of whether that line originated with Albert Einstein, Henry Ford, or Mark Twain...some things are just true truths of life. And it may never be more true than when you're approaching an
- [7 Signs Your Small Group Ministry Has a Bad Design](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-signs-your-small-group-ministry-has-a-bad-design-2/) - If it's true that "your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing (Andy Stanley)," the corollary is that if you don't like the results you are currently experiencing, you need to acknowledge that you have a bad design and change it. After all, the definition of insanity is "doing the same
- [Grab YOUR Ticket to Design, Build and Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/grab-your-ticket-to-design-build-and-sustain-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - It's happening! I'm launching a updated version of How to Design, Build and Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry! Design, Build and Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry is based on on my most requested and most popular workshop, it draws more positive comments and rave reviews than anything else I talk about. I began teaching this course as a workshop
- [10 Powerful Benefits of a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-powerful-benefits-of-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - Have you figured this out already? Still arm wrestling with the usual suspects over whether the return on investment is worth the cost? Here are 10 killer benefits of a thriving small group ministry: 1. Life-change happens best in small groups. You might have a killer weekend worship service with powerful teaching and inspiring worship,
- [Do You Have an Acts 2 Small Group Ministry in an Acts 17 Culture?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/acts-2-small-group-ministry-acts-17-culture/) - What world is your small group ministry designed to operate in? Ever thought about it? Thanks to an insightful observation in a blog post by James Emery White I have what I think is a good way to frame today's question. White, the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, is
- [Four Counterintuitive Truths about Finding New Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/four-counterintuitive-truths-about-finding-new-leaders/) - There are four counterintuitive truths about finding new small group leaders. They are not obvious. But like a Magic Eye picture, once you see them for yourself you'll never see finding new leaders the same way again. 1. The best potential leaders are often reluctant. In reality they are almost always reluctant. When you ask
- [5 Clues that Reveal the Best Next Step for Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-clues-that-reveal-the-best-next-step-for-your-small-group-ministry/) - Apparently Solomon was right. There is nothing new under the sun. The issues and challenges we face have been faced before by many. Why do they feel like original and unique problems? I'm not sure. I do know this, when I talk with small group ministry point people, I find the same issues and challenges
- [Dilbert on Leadership Development](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dilbert-on-leadership-development/) - Sometimes you just need to laugh. Need a few more laughs? Dilbert on Resistance to Change Dilbert on Clarifying the Win Dilbert on Identifying Hundred-Fold Coaching Candidates
- [Crowd-to-Core: An Essential Understanding at the Heart of My Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/crowd-to-core-an-essential-understanding/) - I've written previously about ten ideas that have shaped my philosophy of ministry. One of those ten ideas can be summed up in the phrase crowd-to-core. What does crowd-to-core mean? Essentially, it means that instead of pouring everything into the most committed members with the expectation (or hope) that they will then go out and
- [5 Non-Negotiables That Define True Small Group Ministry Success](https://www.markhowelllive.com/non-negotiables-that-define-true-small-group-ministry-success/) - What's really a win in your small group ministry? What are you really going to call success? Have you ever actually declared a BHAG (big hairy audacious goal)? I've seen plenty of statements like: We want to be a church of groups (helpful but really more of a philosophical aspiration) We want to make disciples
- [7 Key GroupLife Deal Breakers...and the Workarounds You Need to Know](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-key-grouplife-deal-breakers/) - Deal breakers. We know them. Sometimes they're in the fine print. Sometimes they come out later. But we know them. Pretty much every endeavor has them. Every occupation. Every business. Every relationship. Deal breakers. In the land of grouplife there are deal breakers and then there are deal breakers. Here are what I think are
- [5 Strategic Adjustments that Will Pay Off LONG After COVID-19](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-strategic-adjustments-that-will-pay-off-long-after-covid-19/) - I get a lot of questions. A LOT of questions. Sometimes they are asked in the comments of an article here on the blog. Or on one of my Facebook pages. Other times they come in by email. And sometimes they're asked during a workshop or seminar. I was asked a good one yesterday and
- [5 Seriously Wrong Questions about Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-seriously-wrong-questions-small-group-ministry/) - I love a great question. I actually look for them and even write them down when I hear them or copy them when I read them. See also, Quotebook: Never Stop Questioning. But there are some questions that are absolutely the wrong question and they lead to the wrong answer. See also, The Right Answer to the
- [5 Things I Used to Believe about Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/things-i-used-to-believe-about-small-group-ministry/) - Don't hate me, but there are at least 5 things I used to believe about small group ministry...that I no longer believe are true. Actually, I no longer believe they are the best way to do what needs to be done. 5 things I used to believe...and what I've found to be a better solution:
- [5 Things That Used to Work in Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-that-used-to-work-in-small-group-ministry/) - A while ago Craig Groeschel talked about the death of the five year plan: "When I started in ministry two decades ago, everyone I knew was making five-year plans. While thoughtful planning is wise and biblical, I’ve changed how I plan. Instead of planning for specific buildings, campuses, staff roles, and outreach, I plan to
- [7 Tips that Will Help Optimize Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-tips-that-will-help-optimize-your-small-group-ministry/) - Regardless of your small group ministry model, there are a few things you can do to optimize your small group ministry. Here are 7 tips that will help optimize your small group ministry: 1. Focus your attention on the things that only you can do and delegate everything else, Conduct an audit on your weekly
- [Do You Know How to Give Group Members a Life-Changing Experience?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/do-you-know-how-to-give-group-members-a-life-changing-experience/) - Do you know how to give group members a life-changing experience? What do you think are the most important things you can do to influence the experience of a group member? What do you think is the single most important thing? Do you know? I can tell you what I think. Of course, it is
- [5 REASONS YOUR 20TH CENTURY MINISTRY DESIGN ISN'T WORKING](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-reasons-your-20th-century-ministry-design-isnt-working/) - 5 REASONS YOUR 20TH CENTURY MINISTRY DESIGN ISN'T WORKING You may have already picked up on the fact that I believe what got us here won't get us there. And you may have already asked the question, "If something is biblical, won't it work every time and all the time no matter when it is
- [6 Questions You Should Be Asking about Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/6-questions-you-should-be-asking-about-your-small-group-ministry/) - You have a set of problems you'd like to solve. Too many unconnected people. Not making enough disciples. Can't find enough leaders. Sound familiar? Albert Einstein famously said, "If I had an hour to solve a problem I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions." When I think about
- [3 Questions You Should Be Asking about Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/questions-you-should-be-asking/) - You have a set of problems you'd like to solve. Too many unconnected people. Not making enough disciples. Can't find enough leaders. Sound familiar? Albert Einstein famously said, "If I had an hour to solve a problem I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions." When I think about
- [10 Big Lessons I've Learned about Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/big-lessons-ive-learned/) - Have you ever sat down and listed the biggest lessons you've learned? Here are 10 big lessons I've learned about small group ministry: 1. The interests of insiders are different than the interests of outsiders. Insiders can sometimes be guilted into caring about things senior pastors care about (theology, missions, capital campaigns, etc.). Unconnected people
- [How Would You Rate the First Steps out of Your Auditorium?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/rate-first-steps-auditorium/) - Ever stop to really examine the first steps you are offering? What if an independent first step auditor with fresh eyes and no emotional attachment showed up to look over your strategy? What would they say? Take a moment and just think about the first steps the unconnected people in your congregation (and crowd) will
- [Five 21st Century Culture Shifts (that are impacting the effectiveness of 20th century models)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/five-21st-century-culture-shifts/) - Note: This was originally published on February 10, 2020. COVID-19 had not arrived in the U.S. I don't know about you, but sometimes when I'm assembling something (like the standing desk I bought from IKEA), it can be a little frustrating. Know what I'm talking about? The printed instructions are often unclear. The standing desk's
- [Frequently Asked Questions (about Small Group Ministry Basic Training)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-small-group-ministry-basic-training/) - Here are the most frequently asked questions (and the answers!) about Small Group Ministry Basic Training: How basic is Small Group Ministry Basic Training? That is a great question! The content covered in the 6 sessions is basic in the sense that every small group pastor or director must develop this skill set and understand
- [Are You Brave Enough to Take THIS Step?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/are-you-brave-enough-to-take-this-step/) - Are you brave enough to take the step you need to take? Around the world a decision is shaping up. At some point we will have to decide whether to try and resume life the way it was before COVID-19 or embrace the perspective that we are opening back up in a different world. Are
- [ESSENTIALS: What Do Unengaged and Unconnected People Really Want?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/essentials-what-do-unengaged-and-unconnected-people-really-want/) - How are you doing at engaging the unengaged and connecting the unconnected? Want to do a better job at both assignments? An essential key to both is understanding what they really want. You may have worked hard to develop first steps and next steps for your engagement pathway, but if they don't meet the needs
- [Ten Ideas That Have Shaped My Philosophy of Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/ideas-that-have-shaped-my-philosophy-of-ministry/) - I've been thinking about the key ideas and concepts that have shaped my philosophy of ministry. These ideas and concepts serve as a set of mental shortcuts that help me think about strategic and tactical decisions. That said, in no particular order, here are what I think are the ten biggest rocks: 1. Crowd to
- [5 Ways Your Small Group Ministry Will Probably Change Post COVID-19](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-ways-your-small-group-ministry-will-probably-change-post-covid-19/) - Have you thought about the things you used to do that you might not do again? For example, when will shaking hands, fist bumps, or high fives come back? How about a hug when you see someone you've missed? How about going to crowded venues to watch a concert or a game? We've probably all
- [Evaluate the Connection Potential of Your "First Step out of the Auditorium"](https://www.markhowelllive.com/evaluate-the-connection-potential-of-your-first-step-out-of-the-auditorium/) - Prior to COVID-19, most churches had already adopted, adapted or developed a "first step out of the auditorium" that was regularly promoted and held on a consistent basis. Your first step may have been Saddleback's CLASS 101, an adaptation of some other first step class, or a class completely of your own design, but most
- [Three Things that Need to Be on Our Minds Right Now](https://www.markhowelllive.com/things-that-need-to-be-on-our-minds-right-now/) - There are always things that need to done. Some are mundane, everyday kinds of things. Pay the bills. Take the trash out to the street. File the TPS report. Answer the questions your supervisor is asking. Set a reminder to watch Rise of Skywalker on May the 4th (be with you). There are also always
- [What Step Are You Missing? (and how much is it costing you?)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-step-are-you-missing-and-how-much-is-it-costing-you/) - Over the years my philosophy of ministry and my small group strategy have been shaped by a set of ideas and a set of assumptions. I review both lists from time to time and have consistently chosen to stay the course for another season. See also, 10 IDEAS THAT SHAPE MY PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY and
- [Quotebook: A New Perspective](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-a-new-perspective/) - To see the rest of my quotebook, click here.
- [5 Things that Will Boost Ministry in the Next Season](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-that-will-boost-ministry-in-the-next-season/) - If the wise men and women are right, the coronavirus pandemic is not an interruption of the old normal. Instead it is a disruption that will settle into a new normal. As I think about what is working during this season, I can see a set of things that will boost ministry in the next
- [Here's Help Designing Better Next Steps and First Steps](https://www.markhowelllive.com/heres-help-designing-better-next-steps-and-first-steps/) - Need help designing better next steps and first steps? Unsure whether you need help? Here's a thought: If your current next steps aren't seeing the results you're hoping for...you need to realize the design isn't right. (Remember...your next step is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing). What kind of results are
- [Stuck? Facing a Wall? 4 Questions that Lead to Breakthrough](https://www.markhowelllive.com/stuck-facing-a-wall-4-questions-that-lead-to-breakthrough/) - Need a breakthrough? Or at least some breakthrough thinking? Have the challenges of the season we're in made you feel like you're in a maze that you just have to get through? How firmly are you committed to the strategies you're using to connect unconnected people? Stuck like Super Glue? How dry is the cement
- [Four Questions That Will Inspire Breakthrough Thinking](https://www.markhowelllive.com/four-questions-that-will-inspire-breakthrough-thinking/) - How dry is the cement around what's possible in your discipleship effort? Pretty firm? Room to wiggle? As we continue to think about how to help more people experience genuine life-change, I find myself drawn again to ideas in Gary Hamel's The Future of Management. Here are four questions he uses to maximize the chances
- [5 Crucial Small Group Ministry Dashboard Indicators](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-crucial-small-group-ministry-dashboard-indicators/) - How healthy is your small group ministry? How do you know? What are you measuring? The dashboard in your car monitors fuel level, speed, RPMs, oil pressure, engine temperature, etc. What should your small group ministry's dashboard be monitoring? How do you know whether your ministry is healthy? Before we begin Before we talk about what
- [3 Lessons Learned about Engagement (from COVID-19)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-lessons-learned-about-engagement-from-covid-19/) - This is where I begin: I am an experimenter. I am also a learner. I am never content with the way we've always done it. I am always looking for an even better outcome, a more effective method, a more productive strategy or tactic. Four things I know: I am convinced that my ministry "is
- [Have You Made the Commitment to Not Settle for Mediocrity?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/have-you-made-the-commitment-to-not-settle-for-mediocrity/) - I never want to settle for okay results or anything less than glowing reviews. Now sometimes, things don't work like I thought they might, and I'm okay with swings and misses...as long as they are evaluated (right, wrong, missing and confused) and if warranted, tried again with better execution. But mediocre outcomes are not good
- [The Signature of Mediocrity](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-signature-of-mediocrity/) - "Small groups just don't work here," they said. When I asked them what they meant they described a history of flipping from one small group strategy to another, year after year, caught up in the enthusiasm of this conference or that new book. Sound familiar? Can you identify? The looming challenge for many is that
- [5 Things To Do When the World Changes](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-to-do-when-the-world-changes/) - I don't know if you've noticed, but things may not immediately return to the way they were before COVID-19. They may not immediately return, or quickly, or even over time. In fact, it's probable that some things that were normal and everyday may not just pick up as if nothing happened. Ever. Or for a
- [5 Things You Need to Know about Connecting Unconnected People](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-connecting-unconnected-people-2/) - There are a few things I know about connecting unconnected people. And let me tell you something. While there are definitely exceptions to just about every rule...if you can think of examples counter to these five you are thinking of exceptions. Build your ministry off the rule and not the exception. I've said many times
- [5 Things That Will Pick You Up Right Now](https://www.markhowelllive.com/things-that-will-pick-you-up-right-now/) - I don't know about you, but the whole sheltering-in-place and social distancing protocols are wearing a little thin! Or maybe they're wearing me a little heavier! #quarantineweightgain To combat my loneliness and longing for connection with friends and human interaction, I've begun adding a few things to my routine. And I thought you might need
- [5 Ways Your Small Group Ministry Needs to Change...Today](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-ways-your-small-group-ministry-needs-to-change-today/) - Can you feel it yet in your community? Are you recognizing the signs that there is a change in the wind? Does your small group ministry have the design that will work effectively in light of the seismic changes happening in our culture? Ed Stetzer has famously pointed out that "if the 1950s came back
- [Will You Have the Strategy You Need POST-COVID-19?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/will-you-have-the-strategy-you-need-post-covid-19/) - How have you been imagining ministry life after COVID-19? Do you think the strategies you were using in February will still be the right strategies? Here's what I'm thinking. If you already had an engagement pathway that helped connect people connect online, you'll be ahead of the curve. If you already had a strategy in
- [Would You Rather Connect More People or Make More Disciples?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/would-you-rather/) - Ever been caught up in a crazy game of "would you rather?" with your kids? You know what I'm talking about, right? Would you rather be 3 feet tall or 8 feet tall? Would you rather be rich and ugly, or poor and good looking? Would you rather eat a handful of hair or lick
- [What's Important Now? Things To Do This Week](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-important-now-things-to-do-this-week/) - I don't know about you, but I start every week with a long list of things that could be done and a short list of things that must be done. On that long list are things that would be nice to do, might help us accomplish our mission, and should help move us in the
- [Chris McChesney on How to Achieve Goals](https://www.markhowelllive.com/chris-mcchesney-on-how-to-achieve-goals/) - "To achieve a goal you've never achieved before, you must do things you've never done before." Chris McChesney, The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals. You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Alan Cleaver
- [Intentional Churches Is a Game-Changer](https://www.markhowelllive.com/intentional-churches/) - I joined the team at Canyon Ridge in 2012. From the very beginning I felt great alignment with the thinking of Doug Parks, then an executive pastor at Canyon Ridge (and my boss). I've always believed that every ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results they are currently experiencing, and Doug was steadily developing
- [Don't Miss Mac Lake's The Multiplication Effect](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dont-miss-mac-lakes-the-multiplication-effect/) - A couple weeks ago I wrote that Mac Lake is the go-to expert on building leadership pipelines for churches. I also recommended Leading Leaders and suggested you add it to your must-read list. Well...I'm now working my way through Mac's latest book, The Multiplication Effect: Building a Leadership Pipeline that Solves Your Leadership Shortage, and
- [Is multiplication your plan? Or just good intentions?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/is-multiplication-your-plan-or-just-good-intentions/) - "When you multiply..." A history lesson: In the early 90s, Willow Creek Community Church, then the leading example of effective small group ministry in the U.S., proclaimed the value that "healthy groups growth and birth." Taking their cue from the Meta-Church Model of small group ministry, they championed the idea that like any other cellular
- [Top 7 Things I've Learned about Authentic Community](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-7-things-ive-learned-about-authentic-community/) - I've been at this community building thing a long time. A very long time. Learning about community and more importantly, building our own. The response of our community played a very important role in our world after the death of our son and again after the passing of my mother-in-law. See also, This Is Why We
- [What Strategies Will Emerge from Temporary and Become Permanent?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-strategies-will-emerge-from-temporary-and-become-permanent/) - What strategies will emerge from your temporary way of doing things and become permanent once the curve is flattened and things begin to return to normal (or the new normal? Note: Semi-permanent is a better term. Or to put it another way, which of the workarounds you are currently using will be so effective and
- [Cultivate THIS Mindset in the Age of COVID-19](https://www.markhowelllive.com/cultivate-this-mindset-in-the-age-of-covid-19/) - I've said many times, "There is no problem-free. Every model, system and strategy comes with a set of problems. Wise leaders simply choose the set of problems they'd rather have." As you may already know, that is one of the 10 assumptions that shape my small group ministry strategy. Truth be told, I think you
- [Are You Seizing THIS Opportunity?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/are-you-seizing-this-opportunity/) - Here's today's question: Are you seizing this unprecedented opportunity to connect the current wave of unconnected people? You have probably heard the term unprecedented a lot in recent days. There are a lot of things that are true about this season being unprecedented. The collision of pace of life, worldwide mobility, technology, relational distance, and
- [To Connect More People YOU May Need to Be the Champion](https://www.markhowelllive.com/to-connect-more-people-you-may-need-to-be-the-champion/) - Introduction These are definitely unprecedented times. And different times, unprecedented times, call for a different strategy playbook. Trying to use well-worn, old faithful, strategy to connect people when operating in a different season, will not have the same results. Unprecedented times call, actually scream, for a different playbook. Now...you may be tempted to think (hope)
- [Question: What Do You Think Has Changed and Might Be the New Normal?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/question-what-do-you-think-has-changed-and-might-be-the-new-normal/) - Unprecedented. There's a word. Might be the word of the year. If these are unprecedented times (and it's hard to argue they are not), is this a blip on the radar? And when the coast is clear, do things go back to the way they were in February? Or will some aspects not return to
- [7 Things You Can Do to Help Your Group Leaders Feel More Connected](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-things-you-can-do-to-help-your-group-leaders-feel-more-connected/) - If you're like me, you're sheltering in place and connecting via the phone, text and Zoom/FaceTime pretty much all day. There may be some reading (both print and digital) sprinkled in. You might have a little supervision in the mix. And maybe a little distance learning as you try and figure out how to avoid
- [How to Use Zoom as a Virtual Guest Central (first step out of the virtual auditorium)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-use-zoom-as-a-virtual-guest-central-first-step-out-of-the-virtual-auditorium/) - In the last four weeks we've worked hard to develop the best way to connect unconnected people to new online groups. Although our connection strategy is far from refined, we've made some discoveries and have the beginnings of a very good end-to-end solution. Before our online services were the only way our congregation and crowd
- [Miss the Live Demonstration of an Online Small Group Connection?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/miss-the-live-demonstration-of-an-online-small-group-connection/) - In yesterday's post I explained how we are using Zoom to connect unconnected people (while we are limited by COVID-19 to online services and online groups). Yesterday I also held a live demonstration of how we're using several of the features of Zoom (registration, join from anywhere, breakout rooms, etc.). If you missed it, you
- [3 Things COVID-19 Is Teaching Me about Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-things-covid-19-is-teaching-me-about-small-group-ministry/) - What are you learning during this age of COVID-19? Here are a three of the things I'm learning about small group ministry: 1. The importance of a healthy span of care has never been more important. If you want to build a thriving small group ministry, you must develop and maintain a healthy span of
- [7 Things to Keep in Mind When Hosting an Online Connection](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-things-to-keep-in-mind-when-hosting-an-online-connection/) - When hosting an online small group connection there are a few things to keep in mind. Note: Click here to register for TODAY'S live demonstration of an online connection. 1. Careful Stewardship of Participants' Time Will Pay Off When we hold a Small Group Connection on-campus (or some other physical location) at Canyon Ridge, we
- [Report: Zoom Meeting with Breakout Rooms Enabled Works Well for an Online Connection](https://www.markhowelllive.com/report-zoom-meeting-with-breakout-rooms-enabled-works-well-for-an-online-connection/) - If you've been following along you know I've been writing about the opportunity to help existing groups meet online. I've also been writing about the need to offer unconnected people to connect online. In fact, I published an invitation last week for you to join me for a live demonstration of how to use a
- [5 Ways COVID-19 Encourages Small Group Ministry to Innovate](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-ways-covid-19-encourages-small-group-ministry-to-innovate/) - There is an upside and a downside to everything. Sometimes you have to look closely at something to see the upside. And full disclosure, sometimes you don't see the downside until it happens. As I look at COVID-19 I'm noticing several upsides. 1. There will be a renewed emphasis on developing and discipling leaders. The
- [Rhythms of Renewal](https://www.markhowelllive.com/rhythms-of-renewal/) - Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose, the latest resource from Rebekah Lyons is a must-add to your recommended list. "Daily struggles with anxiety and stress make it difficult to receive God's peace. In Rhythms of Renewal Rebekah Lyons draws from her own battle with depression and anxiety
- [What To Do When You Can't Meet in Your Auditorium](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-to-do-when-you-cant-meet-in-your-auditorium/) - Here's the question everyone is asking right now: What should we do if we can't meet in our auditorium? Right? Is that the question you're asking? Or hearing? Although this is a developing story, here's our solution right now: We just announced that we will not hold weekend services for the next three weekends and
- [Can Your Small Groups Meet Online?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/can-your-small-groups-meet-online/) - If you've never wondered about helping your small groups meet online...you might have just turned that corner. With more COVID-19 news every minute, you might find information about helping your small group meet online. And you really might want to do a little bit of research to familiarize yourself with available options and ideas. See
- [How Are You Offering Community to Unconnected People?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-are-you-offering-community-to-unconnected-people/) - How are you offering community to unconnected people? Note: All of us are aware of our percentage connected (i.e., average adult weekend worship attendance / adults connected in groups). Let's say your average adult weekend worship attendance is 500 and you have 250 adults connected in groups. That means your percentage connected is 50%. That
- [How to Take Your Life Group Online](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-take-your-life-group-online/) - Is your group thinking about how to meet in light of the current situation? Taking your group online may be just the solution you need. Here are some ideas that will help you get started meeting with your group online: 1. Choose the right online platform for your group There are several easy-to-use platforms (services)
- [Add Leading Leaders to Your Must-Read List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/add-leading-leaders-to-your-must-read-list/) - Raced through Mac Lake's Leading Leaders: Developing the Character and Competency to Lead Leaders over the weekend, and let me tell you, this is a MUST READ. If you've been tracking the idea of building a leadership pipeline, Leading Leaders offers a ton of answers about doing just that. While there are certainly business authors and through-leaders who have
- [Will You Take Advantage of RE:GROUP 2020?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/will-you-take-advantage-of-regroup-2020/) - Will you take advantage of RE:GROUP 2020? RE:GROUP is North Point Ministries small group ministry conference and in my opinion has been the BEST small group ministry conference every time it's been offered. And this year it's being offered ONLINE! That's right. For the first time the RE:GROUP small group ministry conference is happening online.
- [Join Me for a Behind-the-Scenes Look at an Online Small Group Connection](https://www.markhowelllive.com/join-me-for-a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-an-online-small-group-connection/) - These are some interesting times...aren't they? Some things that have worked forever...might never work again. Some things that have been best practices just won't work right now. Some things that were just crazy talk 30 days ago have to be considered right now. Know what I mean? Although we have a lot of people in
- [Social Distancing + Need to Belong = Opportunity](https://www.markhowelllive.com/social-distancing-need-to-belong-opportunity/) - Note: Be sure and check out the time-sensitive opportunity below. How are you handling the effects of the coronavirus personally? I don't mean the virus itself. I mean the interpersonal effects of the virus. The speed at which things are changing has been a shock to western culture. No doubt it has had a similar
- [An Open Letter to Small Group Leaders Everywhere](https://www.markhowelllive.com/an-open-letter-to-small-group-leaders-everywhere/) - Dear small group leader, I hope this letter finds you well (and that may have never been a more important hope than today). I also hope this letter finds you ready to play the part God designed you to play. He designed you to have a particular shape and wiring. And like a fingerprint, your
- [5 Ways to Encourage and Develop Leaders and Coaches (during challenging times)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-ways-to-encourage-and-develop-leaders-and-coaches/) - I always say there's an upside and a downside to everything. And that is never more true than during a season like today! What could possibly be an upside about a season like today? Well, for starters, your small group leaders and coaches are probably very open to help and encouragement. You know how I've
- [5 Keys to Getting Everyone Involved in a Church-Wide Campaign](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-keys-to-getting-everyone-involved-in-a-church-wide-campaign/) - Had a great question in my recent post on the biggest problems facing your grouplife system. Wendy noted that: "We're having trouble getting people new to our church to join a group...How can we get them into a group?" That is a great question...and a very important one. But before I give you something to
- [4 Obsessions of the Extraordinary Small Group Pastor](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-obsessions/) - I've written quite a bit about small group pastors. I've shared their most important contribution and what they need to know on day one. I've talked about their most common rookie mistakes and biggest problems. What I haven't written about is what a small group pastor needs to be preoccupied with, obsessed with, in order to succeed
- [Skill Training: How to Recruit a Potential Small Group Coach](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-recruit-a-potential-small-group-coach/) - Yesterday I wrote about how to identify a potential small group coach. Today I want to point out the four steps that I use to invite them to take a test-drive. Pay close attention to the sequence of the steps and the language I use. You'll want to develop your own language, but the closer
- [Skill Training: How to Invite a "Potential Coach" to Become a Coach](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-how-to-invite-a-potential-coach-to-become-a-coach/) - In a previous post I shared my "secret formula" for how I recruit a small group coach. If you didn't read it, you should go back and read it first. Then, what I'm going to tell you today will make a lot more sense. Today I want to tell you how I do a kind of
- [How to Do an "Exit Interview" for a Launch-Phase Coach](https://www.markhowelllive.com/exit-interview-for-a-launch-phase-coach/) - In a previous post I shared my "secret formula" for how I recruit a small group coach. If you didn't read it, you should go back and read it first. Then, what I'm going to tell you today will make a lot more sense. Today I want to tell you how I do a kind of
- [Skill Training: How to Use a "Test Drive" to Screen for Ideal Coaches](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-how-to-use-a-test-drive-to-screen-for-ideal-coaches/) - I'm very particular about the kind of men and women I want on my coaching team. If they don't have the 6 characteristics I'm looking for, I don't want them on the team. And you shouldn't either. We should all have the opinion that anything other than the right kind of men and women will
- [What's the Best Way to Connect the Largest Number of People?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-the-best-way-to-connect-the-largest-number-of-people/) - Take a moment and imagine your congregation. Before you get too settled in, think about who comes to your church in the broadest sense. There are the folks you know by name. They're there almost every time the doors are open. Three or four times a month. Now add in the folks that you know
- [5 Simple Rules of Effective Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-simple-rules-of-effective-small-group-ministry/) - Can I let you in on a little secret? There are actually just a few simple rules of effective small group ministry. And if you can just follow the rules you can build a thriving and effective small group ministry. 5 Simple Rules of Effective Small Group Ministry 1.Always be launching new groups Always be
- [Top 10 Reasons North Point Has Connected Over 72,000* in Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-reasons-north-point-has-connected-over-72000-in-groups/) - One of the churches you ought to be paying attention to when it comes to small group ministry is North Point Community Church (technically, North Point Ministries, which is their name for their 6 Atlanta churches and global network of more than 30 strategic partner churches). Led by senior pastor Andy Stanley, North Point has accomplished
- [Top 10 Articles for Small Group Pastors](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-articles-for-small-group-pastors/) - My Backstory How am I qualified to write anything about being a small group pastor? Here's how my own story began: I was asked to help with the college ministry at my church in 1983. I knew how to gather a crowd but had no idea how to help them grow in Christ. I learned
- [5 Secret Ingredients that Supercharge Saddleback's Church-Wide Campaigns](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-secret-ingredients-that-supercharge-saddlebacks-church-wide-campaigns/) - You probably know the basics and can easily spot the essential aspects of a garden variety church-wide campaign*. Choose a message series that has a small group curriculum that goes along with it. Spend several weeks recruiting hosts, promoting the series, challenging members to join groups. *Essentially an alignment between a weekend message series and
- [How to Choose the Right Church-Wide Campaign](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-choose-the-right-church-wide-campaign/) - Of all the ways to launch small groups, nothing compares to the power and potential of a well chosen, strategically timed and skillfully implemented church-wide campaign. All three elements are essential, but when you get all three right...no other strategy comes close. In this article I want to point out three keys to choosing the
- [Jeff Henderson's Know What You're For is a Can't Miss Study](https://www.markhowelllive.com/know-what-youre-for/) - Know What You're For: A Strategy for Living the Life God Wants You to Live is a new 5 session video-driven study by Jeff Henderson. Henderson, the Lead Pastor of Gwinnett Church (one of North Point Ministries 6 Atlanta churches) is also an entrepreneur and business leader and was recently named by Forbes Magazine as
- [10 Simple Steps to a Great Church-Wide Campaign - 2019](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-simple-steps-to-a-great-church-wide-campaign-2019/) - Preparing to launch a church-wide campaign? Or maybe wondering if you can still pull it off with the time you have remaining? While not easy...it might be simpler than you think. You'll need to make some strategic decisions and depending on when you're reading this, you may need to act decisively, but you can do
- [7 Practices for Developing and Discipling Your Coaches](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-practices-for-developing-and-discipling-your-coaches/) - Whatever you want to happen at the member level, will have to happen to the leader first. Some things are self evident, aren't they? If you want the members of your groups to know what it's like to be prayed for, to be cared for, to be loved unconditionally, to be challenged appropriately...their leaders absolutely
- [How to Build an Effective Coaching Structure, Part Four](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-build-an-effective-coaching-structure-part-four/) - (This is part four of a series. You can read part one right here.) Once you've developed a clear job description for your coaching team, carefully selected the right people and recruited them skillfully you're in position to help them get off to a great start in their coaching relationship. This is a very important
- [How to Build an Effective Coaching Structure, Part Two](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-build-an-effective-coaching-structure-part-two/) - If the first principle in building an effective coaching structure is First "What," Then "Who," the second is Open Your Eyes to What Doesn't Work. Although it may seem negative, this is an important step. In the same way that a doctor needs to be able to recognize the symptoms of common medical problems, you
- [How to Build an Effective Coaching Structure, Part Three](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-build-an-effective-coaching-structure-part-three/) - Building an effective coaching structure is a huge challenge. In fact, it's so tough that you'll hear many small group pastors from around the country admit that they've given up on the idea. Oh, there are plenty that are still chipping away at making it work. But it's no picnic. If it was, you probably
- [How to Build an Effective Coaching Structure, Part One](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-build-an-effective-coaching-structure-part-one/) - Building an effective coaching structure is one of the great challenges of small group ministry. Every church wrestles with it. And I mean every church. I’ve not found a church yet that really has it figured out. They may have a solution that works for them…but it’s not a problem-free solution. It’s just the best
- [The Number One Reason Leaders Don't Want a Coach](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-number-one-reason-leaders-dont-want-a-coach/) - I'm often told by small group pastors and directors that the main reason they don't have a coaching structure is that their leaders do not want a coach. Ever thought that? Ever said that? Here's what I've found. Most of the time, if not 100% of the time, the small group leaders who say they don't
- [Skill Training: The Best Way to Connect a New Leader with a Coach](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-the-best-way-to-connect-a-new-leader-with-a-coach/) - You've recruited coaches. You've made sure you've recruited only the right people to be coaches. And you've even provided some basic training and encouragement for the new coaches you've recruited. Now, the question is, "What is the best way to connect a new leader with a coach?" Note: This assumes you are already aware of
- [FAQ: What If My Best Coaching Candidates Are Also My Best Group Leaders?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-what-if-my-best-coaching-candidates-are-also-my-best-group-leaders/) - I get questions. I get a LOT of questions. Sometimes they come directly to me via email or a comment here on the blog. Other times they come to me via a Facebook post or some other indirect route. Here's one that is asked very frequently: I'm trying to recruit some potential coaches but the
- [FAQ: I'd Like to Do That, But My Elders Have Higher Standards](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-id-like-to-do-that-but-my-elders-have-higher-standards/) - I get questions. I get a lot of questions. Some come in via an email. Others in a comment. And some I get asked in a workshop or conference session. This one is actually not a question. Instead, I'd like to respond to a comment I received about a strategy post I shared. And the way
- [Frequently Asked Questions about MAXIMIZE Your Church-Wide Campaign](https://www.markhowelllive.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-maximize-your-church-wide-campaign/) - We're off to a great start with the launch of my newest mini-course: MAXIMIZE Your Church-Wide Campaign - 2020 Update. Very good interest. 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
- [How's Your Small Group Model Working in Today's Shifting Culture?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/hows-your-small-group-model-working-in-todays-shifting-culture/) - How's your small group model working in light of today's shifting culture? Thought about that question? What's your reaction to the question? I know there will be different opinions about this, but I believe we must pay attention to the culture (And by the way, paying attention is a lot different than paying homage to
- [Top 5 Church-Wide Campaigns for 2018](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-5-church-wide-campaigns-for-2018/) - Looking for the latest? Here's my Top 5 Church-Wide Campaigns for 2020 Planning a church-wide campaign for 2018? If you're thinking about fall, 2018, you've still got plenty of time. If you're thinking about late winter or even spring...it's time to decide! Although you would really have to hustle to take advantage of a campaign
- [What's Your Urgency Level for Connecting Unconnected People?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-your-urgency-level-for-connecting-unconnected-people/) - What's your urgency level when it comes to connecting unconnected people? If you described your urgency level like the Homeland Security advisory system, what would your urgency level be when it comes to connecting unconnected people? Maybe urgency level is determined by what you think is an acceptable percentage connected level? What do you think
- [My 2020 Hope, Desire and Commitment](https://www.markhowelllive.com/my-2020-hope-desire-and-commitment/) - I begin every year with a sense of what I need to do differently. I think about what I need to do differently for three reasons: First, I believe Einstein was right when he said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." Second, I believe Andy
- [Top 10 Reasons Church-Wide Campaigns Fail](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-reasons-church-wide-campaigns-fail/) - While there is no question that a church-wide campaign is the most powerful strategy for launching a wave of new groups, there is quite a difference between the results of a well conceived, well planned and well executed campaign and anything less. See also, Ranking the Most Powerful Strategies for Launching New Groups. Church-wide campaigns that
- [What Is Your Preferred Future?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-is-your-preferred-future/) - What is your preferred future? Ever thought about that? I know. It's one thing to think about the preferred future for your small group ministry. Or the preferred future for your small group leaders or coaches. But, it's another thing to think about your preferred future. When I think about my own preferred future, I
- [Take a Look at Time to Dream: Saddleback's Newest Church-Wide Campaign](https://www.markhowelllive.com/time-to-dream/) - Thinking about your next church-wide campaign? Maybe you're looking for campaign that will unite your congregation on mission. Or a campaign that will provide everyone a next step that will help them grow spiritually. Maybe you're just aware that a church-wide campaign offers the very best way to connect the largest number of people and
- [Top 5 Church-Wide Campaigns for 2020](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-5-church-wide-campaigns-for-2020/) - Planning a church-wide campaign for 2020? If you’re thinking about fall, 2020, you’ve still got plenty of time. If you’re thinking about post Easter…it’s time to decide! See also, When Is the Best Time to Launch a Church-Wide Campaign. While choosing the best church-wide campaigns is certainly subjective, I’ve made these selections with over 15 years
- [How to Take the Pulse of Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-take-the-pulse-of-your-small-group-ministry/) - If you want to build a thriving small group ministry you need to slow down long enough to periodically take its pulse. Yes, you need to keep one eye on the preferred future and the other eye on the next milestone, but taking an accurate pulse of your small group ministry provides an important gritty
- [Have you looked into GroupLife Insider?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/have-you-looked-into-grouplife-insider/) - After over a year of development I launched GroupLife Insider, my membership site, 18 months ago. Why a membership site? As much as I enjoy sharing my insights, strategies, tips and ideas here on MarkHowellLive.com, there has always been a limit to how much I could develop and give away for free. Like you, I
- [10 Assumptions that Shape My Small Group Ministry Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-assumptions-that-shape-my-small-group-ministry-strategy/) - We've talked many times about assumptions. If you've been along for much of this adventure, you've probably read more than your share of articles on assumptions. If the idea of assumptions is unfamiliar to you, I've linked to a few of my favorites below. I'm thinking about my assumptions about small group ministry today because
- [Three Realities in the Hunt for Potential Small Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/three-realities-in-the-hunt-for-potential-small-group-leaders/) - How do you spot a potential small group leader? Facial recognition software? Identifying marks? Some kind of spiritual profiling? How do you know what to look for...when you're looking for a potential small group leader? Here are three realities in the hunt for potential small group leaders: First, I almost never find that "desire to
- [Don't Miss THIS: The Topic Determines Nearly Everything](https://www.markhowelllive.com/topic-determines-nearly-everything/) - Warning: Do not miss this important concept. The topic you choose for your church-wide campaign absolutely determines nearly everything: The topic determines who will say yes to joining a group The topic determines who will say yes to leading or hosting a group Here's what I mean: First, the topic you choose for your church-wide
- [What's on Your Small Group Ministry's Stop Doing List?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-on-your-small-group-ministrys-stop-doing-list/) - Researcher and management guru Jim Collins is the author or co-author of Built to Last, Good to Great, Great by Choice and How the Mighty Fall (and a number of other books). One of Jim Collins' most profound insights is that as important as a to-do list might be, organizations also need to "create a “stop
- [A "Plated Meal" Leads to a "Church of Groups"](https://www.markhowelllive.com/a-plated-meal-leads-to-a-church-of-groups/) - We've all been to a buffet or a cafeteria. Long display cases of entrees, side dishes, salads, breads and desserts. Some buffets are an amazing collection of incredible food. Others are a wide variety of bland, predictable food. Most of us have also been to a banquet or event where there was a plated meal.
- [Are You Stuck as a Result of Asking the Wrong Questions?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/are-you-stuck-as-a-result-of-asking-the-wrong-questions/) - I've always found that the right question makes a big difference. The right question often leads to a trajectory shift. The right question often leads to a new and better point-of-view (and a better "point-of-view is worth 80 IQ points"). Are you asking the right questions about your small group ministry strategy? Or are
- [Quotebook: Arriving at the Preferred Future](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-arriving-at-the-preferred-future/) - I love a great quote. And one of my favorite lines concerns what for me is an essential idea. Arriving at the preferred future. A couple years ago I was listening to an Andy Stanley talk about the principle of the path. So good. The line I'll never forget happened when he said: "Path, not
- [Creating Your "Refined" Preferred Future](https://www.markhowelllive.com/creating-your-refined-preferred-future/) - If you've been along for very much of this conversation, you've seen this diagram. Adapted from an idea of Glen Hiemstra's, I use this diagram all the time. Whether I'm working with our team here at Canyon Ridge or I'm off consulting, this diagram works its way into the discussion. Today, I want to point
- [5 Powerful Ideas That Could Reshape Your Ministry Approach](https://www.markhowelllive.com/powerful-ideas-that-could-reshape-your-ministry-approach/) - From the mundane and everyday to the extraordinary and once-in-a-lifetime, all of us have puzzles we are trying to solve. Sometimes a single new perspective is all that's needed to solve a difficult puzzle. I love Alan Kay's wisdom that "perspective is worth 80 IQ points." The thing is, I don't know what your puzzle
- [Problem Solved: I Can't Find Enough Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/problem-solved-i-cant-find-enough-leaders/) - Do you have a small group ministry problem? It turns out that there is a relatively simple solution to almost every small group ministry problem. And, the set of problems faced by small group pastors and directors is not extensive. It's a fairly short list of problems. Note: There is a difference between simple and
- [5 Reasons Your Groups Launch May Bomb](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-reasons-your-groups-launch-may-bomb/) - You've been planning your groups launch for a while. In fact you started last year. You think you've got all your ducks in a row. But...in the back of your mind...you have this nagging feeling that you might have forgotten something. Maybe I can help! And maybe you can still adjust your plans to keep
- [If I Was Starting Today...Part 3](https://www.markhowelllive.com/if-i-was-starting-today-part-3/) - (This is part 3 of a 7 part series. You can read part 1 right here) I've been at this a while. Maybe you have too! All I know is, with over 25 years of small group ministry experience I've learned a thing or two. And guess what? If I knew way back then what
- [7 Core Ideas about Small Group Coaching](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-core-ideas-about-small-group-coaching/) - Have you established a coaching model in your small group ministry? Better, what's the most recent coaching model you've implemented? Even better, what coaching model are you leaning toward implementing next? It would be funny if it weren't the truth for many of us. Still, it might pay to do some basic thinking about small
- [The Power of a Spiritual Training Partner](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-power-of-a-spiritual-training-partner/) - Have you ever made the decision to lose weight or start exercising (or any number of other things) only to find that you really couldn't do it alone? The benefit of a training partner or participating in a weight-watchers group is unquestioned. Yet, when it comes to spiritual next steps, most of us attempt to
- [5 Commitments for This Small Group Pastor](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-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
- [5 Obstacles to Building an Effective Coaching Structure](https://www.markhowelllive.com/obstacles-to-building-an-effective-coaching-structure/) - "Coaching does not work here." I've heard that line many, many times. Maybe you've said it yourself! Very often, though, there are some incorrect assumptions that undermine coaching success. See also, 5 Assumptions that Set Up Small Group Coaching to #FAIL. There are also some real obstacles to building an effective coaching structure. 5 Obstacles
- [Bad Idea #1: Let's Call Everything a Group!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/lets-call-everything-a-group/) - In yesterday's post I wrote about 5 Stupid Things Churches Need to Stop Doing (in the name of small group ministry). In the post I pointed out that one of the stupidest things churches do is decide to call everything a group. Probably because I didn't spend a lot of time explaining why it's a
- [Quotebook: John Ortberg on Finding a True "Just As I Am" Church](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-john-ortberg-on-finding-a-true-just-as-i-am-church/) - “If ever there were a true 'just as I am' church, if ever there were a community where everybody could bring all their baggage and brokenness with them without neat and tidy happy endings quite yet, if ever there was a group where everyone was loved and no one pretended — we could not make
- [Quotebook: Going Alone vs Going Together](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-going-alone-vs-going-together/) - "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." African Proverb To see the rest of my quotebook, click here. Image by Georgie Pauwels
- [My 2019 Christmas Reading List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/my-2019-christmas-reading-list/) - Leaders are readers. What have you read in 2019? What will you read in 2020? My senior pastor during my seminary years told me you could tell when a person’s mind died by the last copyrights on their bookshelves. I’ve always found that something to guard myself against. And so…I am a reader. Here’s what’s
- [5 Things to Do in January (that lead to more groups in 2020)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-to-do-in-january-that-lead-to-more-groups-in-2020/) - 5 Things to Do in January (that lead to more groups in 2020) Want to connect more people in 2020? There are a few things you can do now to exponentially increase the number you connect. Here are 5 things to do: 1. Plan a connecting event in late January or early February. If you
- [5 Things To Do in January (that lead to more groups in 2018)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-to-do-in-january-that-lead-to-more-groups-in-2018/) - 5 Things to Do in January to Connect More People in 2018 Want to connect more people in 2018? 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 February. If you run the event on February 18th
- [How Are You Evaluating Your Small Group Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-are-you-evaluating-your-small-group-ministry/) - How are you evaluating the effectiveness of your small group ministry? Are you simply comparing the current number of groups and the current number of members with some previous snapshot? Or maybe against a goal? Are you maybe comparing your percentage adults connected with some preferred future goal? See also, Start with the End in
- [How To Build an Annual GroupLife Calendar - 2016](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-build-an-annual-grouplife-calendar-2016/) - How does calendar planning happen in your world? Maybe the question should be, “does calendar planning happen in your world? Let me tell you, whether you are naturally a planner or you will only plan when it’s done for you or you’re forced, calendar planning is a key to small group ministry effectiveness. Here’s why
- [Quotebook: True Freedom](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-true-freedom/) - To see the rest of my quotebook, click here. Image by Dinos Mouzouros
- [Quotebook: Tozer on the Most Important Thing about Us](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-tozer-on-the-most-important-thing-about-us/) - To see the rest of my quotebook, click here. Image by Jerry Luo
- [Truth: The Collective Experience of Group Members Is Something We Steward](https://www.markhowelllive.com/truth-the-collective-experience-of-group-members-is-something-we-steward/) - Background: "The optimal environment for life-change is a small group." That statement was made popular by Willow Creek in the early 90s. It was, and is, a statement that is only true when certain things are happening. That is, in order for group members to experience life-change, certain things must be true. For starters, the
- [5 Great Studies for Small Group Connections](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-great-studies-for-small-group-connections/) - I'm often asked "what are the best studies for small group connections?" This is a great question and actually a very important question. Choosing the right study is important because the topic often determines who will say "yes" to joining the group. I've written previously on the topic of how to choose the right study
- [How I Choose Studies for Small Group Connecting Events](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-i-choose-studies-for-small-group-connecting-events/) - I get a lot of questions. And a very frequent question is, "What are the best studies to use for small group connections?" Let's just say I have my favorites. And I've listed them from time to time. But today I want to tell you how I choose studies for small group connecting events (i.e.,
- [5 of the Best Studies for Small Group Connections](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-of-the-best-studies-for-small-group-connections/) - I'm often asked "what are the best studies for small group connections?" This is a great question and actually a very important question. Choosing the right study is important because the topic often determines who will say "yes" to joining the group. I've written previously on the topic of how to choose the right study
- [6 Essential Characteristics of an Effective Small Group Coach](https://www.markhowelllive.com/6-essential-characteristics-effective-small-group-coach/) - There are differences of opinion about the importance of coaching in the small group community. Some have tried (more than once) to build a coaching structure and decided it just didn't work in their environment. Others have tried to provide certain aspects of coaching through a "call center" approach (i.e., call this number when you
- [Sole Proprietor? Or a Builder of a Great Team?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/sole-proprietor-or-a-builder-of-a-great-team/) - More and more I'm finding myself talking about the importance of a great team in building a thriving small group ministry. Another way I'm saying it is that thriving small group ministries are never built by sole proprietors. Thriving Small Group Ministries Are Never Built by Sole Proprietors The truth is whether you are averaging 100
- [Have You Identified the Milestones that Lead to Your Preferred Future?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/have-you-identified-the-milestones-that-lead-to-your-preferred-future/) - Do you have a clearly defined preferred future but still struggle to know whether you are moving in the right direction or will ever arrive? If so, it may be that you've missed an essential step in the process. What step? Developing milestones that lead to your preferred future (and indicate you are moving in
- [The Primary Activity of the Early Church](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-primary-activity-of-the-early-church/) - Have you ever thought about the frequent "one another" commands in the Bible? Ever counted them? I haven't either...but a quick Google search of "how many one anothers in the bible" pulls up 41,200 results. I'm sure there were earlier trustworthy references in the Google results. Carl George listed 59 in Prepare Your Church for
- [Making Small Groups Work](https://www.markhowelllive.com/making-small-groups-work/) - There are a few books every small group pastor needs. One of those books is Making Small Groups Work by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. You may recognize their names as the authors of the best-seller, Boundaries. If you're looking for source material to build a leader training or enrichment course, this is a must
- [Top 10 Articles for Senior Pastors (or Small Group Pastors Who Support Them)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-articles-for-senior-pastors-or-small-group-pastors-who-support-them/) - Over the years I've emphasized the role of senior pastor as small group champion a million times. Somehow it made sense to gather up my top 10 articles for senior pastors (or small group pastors who support them) all in one place. Here are my top 10 articles for senior pastors: Your Senior Pastor as
- [5 Things Senior Pastors Need to Know About Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-senior-pastors-need-to-know-about-small-group-ministry/) - There are 5 things every senior pastor needs to know about small group ministry: First, senior pastors need to know that they are the most important champion of small group ministry. If they want grouplife to happen, if they want to be a church OF groups, they must accept this role. They might hope to
- [Quotebook: On Being a Friend of Sinners](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-on-being-a-friend-of-sinners/) - Every time I listen to Hugh Halter or read his writing I am more persuaded that what he is saying is very important. In a breakout at Exponential yesterday talking about his new book he said this: "We think you have to condemn or condone. Jesus would tell us, 'I don't want you to do
- [Can You Tell If Your Small Group Might Be a Zombie?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/can-you-tell-if-your-small-group-might-be-a-zombie/) - Can you tell the difference between a small group that's fully alive and a zombie group? You've probably seen and heard all the buzz about zombies. You might have the general idea about what makes a person a zombie (as opposed to being alive). But have you ever thought about what might make a small
- [4 Foundational Questions for Small Group Ministries](https://www.markhowelllive.com/foundational-questions-for-small-group-ministries/) - There are several foundational questions that must be asked and answered in order to determine what your small group ministry will look like. Think every small group ministry has the same end in mind? You might be surprised. Alan Kay pointed out that “Point of view (or perspective) is worth 80 IQ points.” Spending sufficient
- [Frequently Asked Questions about Building an Effective Coaching Structure - 2019](https://www.markhowelllive.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-building-an-effective-coaching-structure-2019/) - I'm very excited about the launch of my newest mini-course: Building an Effective Coaching Structure - 2019 Edition. This updated version is overdue. And already a lot 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
- [NOW Is the Time to Plan Your January/February Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/now-is-the-time-to-plan-your-januaryfebruary-strategy/) - NOW Is the Time to Plan Your January/February Strategy Note: Be sure and read all the way to the end to take advantage of a special opportunity. Second only to September/October, the very best time to launch new groups and connect unconnected people is January/February. There are four key elements that make this true everywhere:
- [Community for Everyone (re:group Conference Day One)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/community-for-everyone-regroup-conference-day-one/) - Note: While this article was written after attending re:group (North Point Ministries small group ministry conference) in 2016, it is getting MORE relevant everywhere and every day. I might be sharing key insights from re:group 16 for days. So good! I wish you had been there! One of the two or three most powerful takeaways
- [Are We There Yet?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/are-we-there-yet/) - Are we there yet? I'm positive we've all asked the question. As children. From the back seat. On a road trip with our parents. Many of us have answered the question. As parents. From the front seat. On a road trip with our children. Are we there yet? The Question Have you ever been asked
- [Quotebook: Changing or Losing](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-changing-or-losing/) - Sometimes I hear a great quote and can almost think of nothing else until I write down exactly what was said. This happened on Monday while sitting in on a staff meeting at a church where I am consulting. The staff was reading a book together and commenting one by one on what they had
- [Add the Game-Changing Power of Intense Focus to Create Momentum](https://www.markhowelllive.com/add-the-game-changing-power-of-intense-focus-to-create-momentum/) - Do you know about the power of focus to create momentum? You certainly know the word focus. You probably know the definition of focus. But have you ever really seen focus in action? Have you ever seen the game-changing power of focus to create momentum? Focus is almost always the opposite of what ministry looks
- [4 Ways the Cultural Shift Impacts GroupLife](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-ways-the-cultural-shift-impacts-grouplife/) - Has it happened yet? If it hasn't, it's just a matter of time. Most likely, it is happening all around you. In the words of William Gibson, "The future is already here. It's just not evenly distributed." What am I talking about? I'm talking about ways the culture shift impacts grouplife. 4 ways the culture
- [Small Group Ministry Roadblock #5: A Leadership Development Disconnect](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-roadblock-5-a-leadership-development-disconnect/) - (We've been taking a detailed look at what I believe are the top 5 small group ministry roadblocks; the things that stand in the way of a truly thriving small group ministry. See also, 10 Powerful Benefits of a Thriving Small Group Ministry. Today I want to spend some time on a very serious issue:
- [Has Your Mindset Trumped Your Skill Set?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/has-your-mindset-trumped-your-skill-set/) - We've tried that before...and it didn't work. I know it works other places, but there are just some things culturally here that keep it from working here. Heard these? Said them yourself? Can I suggest something? It's almost never your skill set that keeps you from breaking through barriers. Instead, it's almost always your mindset.
- [FAQ: How Far Ahead Should I Be Planning?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-how-far-ahead-should-i-be-planning/) - I get questions. A lot of questions. Some are very particular to specific churches. Others are such common questions, they really beg to be answered here on the blog. One of my most frequently asked questions is, "How far ahead should I be planning?" Here's how I answer that question. There's an element of planning
- [5 Things Every New Small Group Pastor Needs to Know on Day 1](https://www.markhowelllive.com/things-new-small-group-pastor-needs-know-day-1/) - New to the role or new to the church, there are a few basic things that a new small group pastor needs to know from day one. How will a new small group pastor know them? Some senior pastors will need to clearly communicate them during the interview phase. Some savvy small group pastors will
- [How to Neutralize the Time Traps that Catch Small Group Pastors](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-neutralize-the-time-traps-that-catch-small-group-pastors/) - Yesterday we talked about the big rocks that must be added to your calendar...first. If you missed that post, you should go back and read it. Today, I want to spend some time talking about the time traps that often catch small group pastors. I refer to them as traps because unless you are careful
- [FAQ: What About Personal Recruitment of New Group Leaders?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-what-about-personal-recruitment-of-new-group-leaders/) - I get questions. A LOT of questions. Some come in via an email. Others in a comment. And some I get asked in a workshop or conference session. This question is fairly common, at least the essence of it is, and I think you'll pick up a familiar theme from my answer if you've been
- [How Can I Find More Leaders!?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-can-i-find-more-leaders/) - Small group pastors fall into one of three categories. Most of us can always use more small group leaders. Many of us are actively looking for more leaders. And some of us are desperately looking for more. If finding new small group leaders is like looking for a needle in a haystack, you'll want to take
- [6 Reasons Our Discipleship Strategies Miss the Mark](https://www.markhowelllive.com/reasons-our-discipleship-strategies-miss-the-mark/) - If your church is like mine, your mission or vision or purpose probably includes some aspect of the Great Commission. Many of us have even gone a step further and proclaimed that we are in the business of making disciples and we'll know we are succeeding when we make some amount of more and better
- [10 Worst Small Group Ministry Decisions...Ever](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-worst-small-group-ministry-decisions-ever/) - We all make a lot of decisions. Sometimes we make good or even great decisions. Sometimes we decide to do something and immediately regret our decision. Other times we make a decision and really don't figure out it was a bad one until months or even years later. When the decision affects us (and rarely)
- [The Perils of the Well-Worn Path](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-perils-of-the-well-worn-path/) - Along with the certainty that there is no problem-free solution or strategy and the conviction that the x factor is found near the edge of the crowd (not the core), I am convinced that the well-worn path never arrives at a new destination. Let me say that again. The well-worn path never arrives at a
- [Dallas Willard on the Main Task of the Church](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dallas-willard-on-the-main-task-of-the-church/) - Download a copy to hang where you can see it. You can read more from my Quotebook right here.
- [Dallas Willard on Being vs Doing](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dallas-willard-on-being-vs-doing/) - To see the rest of my quotebook, click here. Image by Daniel Horacio Agostini
- [Top 10 Posts on Training and Discipling Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-posts-on-training-and-discipling-leaders/) - I've written a little bit on the topic. Okay...I have written a LOT on this topic. With over 2500 hundred articles dating back to 2008, determining the top 10 articles was a little challenging. According to Google analytics, this is how it came out. Top 10 Essential Small Group Leader Skills 8 Habits of a
- [Lagging Indicators of Effective Disciple-Making Small Group Ministries](https://www.markhowelllive.com/lagging-indicators/) - In the world of economics, "lagging indicators are indicators that usually change after the economy as a whole does." For example, changes in the unemployment rate are lagging indicators that lag changes in the economy. As the economy improves, more jobs are added and the unemployment rate decreases. The Consumer Confidence Index and the Dow
- [8 Commitments for Small Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/commitments-for-small-group-leaders/) - Whether you use a low or high bar of small group leadership, I think all of us have hope that our leaders will do more than open their home, facilitate a discussion or convene a meeting. And...I think some of us have begun laying the foundation for a kind of leadership pathway. See also, Raising
- [FAQ: What If My Senior Pastor Won't...](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-what-if-my-senior-pastor-wont/) - I get questions. A lot of questions. My most frequently asked question? Probably has to do with "what if my senior pastor won't..." There are all sorts of these questions: "What if my senior pastor won't be the small group champion?" "What if my senior pastor won't narrow the focus, trim the belong and become
- [Dallas Willard on the Greatest Issue Facing the World](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dallas-willard-on-the-greatest-issue-facing-the-world/) - Think about the implications of this sentence from Dallas Willard's The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus's Essential Teachings on Discipleship: “The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those who, by profession or culture, are identified as Christians will become disciples—students, apprentices, practitioners—of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to
- [Connecting the Widening 60% (who are unreachable by the attractional model)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/connecting-the-widening-60/) - In my mind, one of the most important trends to watch (and one that will require our most intentional counter-strategies) is what Tim Stevens calls the shrinking 40% that are still reachable by an attractional model. More to the point, the stats are coming in from many sources that indicate there are serious reasons to
- [Different, Not Better, Will Connect the Widening 60%](https://www.markhowelllive.com/different-not-better-will-connect-the-widening-60/) - At the heart of everything I'm thinking is an all-the-time awareness of the widening 60% that is unreachable by the attractional model. It pops into my head constantly...and although I'm not yet sure what the full answer is, I am beginning to know a few things. And one thing I'm sure of is that different,
- [Carl George on How Leaders Allocate Resources](https://www.markhowelllive.com/carl-george-on-how-leaders-allocate-resources/) - Some lines are more than just memorable. They reverberate long after they were spoken. This line from my friend Carl George has continued to come up in my own work for almost 25 years: "Leaders allocate the finite resources to the critical growth path." Carl George When I use this line I always point out
- [5 No-Brainer Characteristics of Churches That Actually Connect Beyond 100%](https://www.markhowelllive.com/no-brainer-characteristics-of-churches-that-actually-connect-beyond-100/) - Trust me. I wanted to call these "surprising" or "shocking" characteristics, but I just couldn't do it. They're no-brainer characteristics. Still, it is both surprising and shocking that so many churches say that groups are a priority...but just can't seem to commit to developing the characteristics that make connecting beyond 100% possible. What are the
- [You Are Here...](https://www.markhowelllive.com/you-are-here-2/) - YOU ARE HERE. We've all experienced the directional map in an unfamiliar shopping mall or theme park, right? You're looking for the Apple Store or the Starbucks or the rollercoaster and you need to figure out how to get there from where you are. So...you look for the big red star on the directional map
- [Dallas Willard on Spiritual Formation](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dallas-willard-on-spiritual-formation/) - "Spiritual formation for the Christian basically refers to the Spirit-driven process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Christ himself." Dallas Willard, Living a Transformed Life Adequate to Our Calling To see the rest of my quotebook, click here. Image by F.Y.
- [Are You Preparing for the Future of Small Group Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/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
- [3 LAST MINUTE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO LAUNCH MORE GROUPS THIS FALL](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-last-minute-things-you-can-do-to-launch-more-groups-this-fall/) - If you're like me...you're what seems like moments away from starting the biggest opportunity you have all year to launch new groups. Of course I'm talking about mid-September to early October. And we're just a few weeks away. But are there still last minute things you can do to launch more groups? Absolutely! Here are
- [Top 10 Posts on Connecting Unconnected People](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-posts-on-connecting-unconnected-people/) - If it is true that unconnected people are always one tough thing away from never being at your church again (and I think it is), then connecting them ought to be a very high priority for all of us. Here are my top 10 posts on connecting unconnected people: 5 Things You Need to Know
- [Connect with Your Neighbors This Fall: Top 10 Ideas for Small Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/connect-with-your-neighbors-this-fall-top-10-ideas-for-small-groups/) - Important Note: As America shifts ever more to a post-Christian country, the invite to "meet me at my church" or "come with me to my church" will become less common and the invite to "come over to my house" or "meet me at Starbucks" will become more common. See also, Trending Now? “Come Over” vs
- [5 Keys to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Small Group System](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-keys-to-keep-in-mind-when-choosing-your-small-group-system/) - Yesterday's post, Top 10 Reasons North Point Has Connected Over 72,000 in Groups*, prompted me to think about the similarities (and the differences) between North Point system and Saddleback's system. In the midst of that process I thought about North Coast's successful group strategy (consistently over 80% of their adults in groups) as well as
- [What Can I "Require" of My Small Group Leaders?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-can-i-require-of-my-small-group-leaders/) - I get a lot of questions. Most I just answer with a quick email and a link to one of my almost 2400 articles. Some questions are fairly common, truly a frequently asked question, and they end up as blog posts. "What can I require of my small group leaders?" is that kind of question.
- [Quotebook: There Are No Problem-Free Systems, Models or Strategies](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-there-are-no-problem-free-systems-models-or-strategies/) - I refer to this "quote" in almost every consultation, coaching call, workshop, and seminar I give. I believe this line is a version of something Niccolò Machiavelli wrote in The Prince, but I've never confirmed it. Regardless, I believe the pursuit of problem-free delays more ministry than almost anything else. I also believe there are no problem
- [Quotebook: John Ortberg on Leadership and Disappointment](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-john-ortberg-on-leadership-and-disappointment/) - Love this one from John Ortberg's Who Is This Man? The Unpredictable Influence of the Inescapable Jesus. To see the rest of my quotebook, click here. Image by Phil Warren
- [The Truth about Building a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-truth-about-building-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - I talk and write a lot about building a thriving small group ministry. You might say I am preoccupied by it! Some might even say I am obsessed by the idea. See also, 10 Principles for Building a Thriving Small Group Ministry. As part of the community here, I have no doubt that you're thinking
- [How to Solve the 5 Biggest Problems of Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-solve-the-5-biggest-problems-of-small-group-ministry/) - I've said it before, there is no problem-free system, model or strategy. All systems, models and strategies come with a set of problems. Wise leaders simply choose the set of problems they would rather have. And a corollary is that there are a few problems that are common across all small group ministry systems, models
- [Quotebook: Intentions and Actions](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-intentions-and-actions/) - It's one thing to intend to do something. It's another thing entirely to do the things that lead to your goal. What makes the difference? What accounts for the gap? Resolved: 13 Resolutions for Life by Orrin Woodward To see the rest of my quotebook, click here. Image by Marco Leo
- [5 Things that Keep Me Up at Night](https://www.markhowelllive.com/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
- [What to Do About Childcare?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-to-do-about-childcare/) - One of the most frequently asked small group ministry questions is, "What can we do about childcare?" It's an important question because it is a very real stumbling block for many people. At the same time, the question reveals an assumption that important to deal with. The assumption is that if small groups are really
- [How Do We Help a New Host* Get Off to a Great Start?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-do-we-help-a-new-host-get-off-to-a-great-start/) - "How do you help a host* get off to a great start?" This is easily one of the most frequent questions asked about one of our main strategies for launching new groups at Canyon Ridge (the other strategy being a small group connection). *Important Note: Although some small group models emphasize the roles of leader
- [Skill Training: How to Invite a Few Friends to Join You for the Study](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-how-to-invite-a-few-friends-to-join-you-for-the-study/) - Do you have a couple friends you'd like to do the study with? It's easy to get started and easy to make it happen. Here are a few tips to help you get off to a great start! 5 tips to help you get started: First, make a short list of who you'd like to
- [3 Surprisingly Simple Solutions to Big Small Group Ministry Problems](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-surprisingly-simple-solutions-to-big-small-group-ministry-problems/) - Sometimes in life (and ministry) you trip across a solution to a problem and it truly is a Eureka! moment. You know what I'm talking about? And I guess the longer you work at something, the longer you are kind of stuck, the more amazing the moment is when you discover a surprisingly simple solution
- [What Was the Last Thing You Learned?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-was-the-last-thing-you-learned/) - What was the last thing you learned? I remember hearing in seminary that you could tell by the copyright dates on the shelves of your library when you quit learning. I don't know whether that's completely accurate, but I do know this...once you quit learning, you might as well throw in the towel. Leaders are
- [Andy Stanley on Being Powered by Purpose](https://www.markhowelllive.com/andy-stanley-on-being-powered-by-purpose/) - "Until you are willing to be a means to an end you will never be powered by purpose." Andy Stanley You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Tom Childers
- [Jeff Vanderstelt on Becoming Like Jesus](https://www.markhowelllive.com/jeff-vanderstelt-on-becoming-like-jesus/) - "God also wants to rescue you from unbelief and sanctify you to become like Jesus. Sanctification is just a big word for becoming more and more like Jesus. You become like what you believe in. So, becoming like Jesus requires believing in Him more and more in every part of your life. Sanctification is moving
- [Quotebook: The Great Illusion of Leadership](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-the-great-illusion-of-leadership/) - Whatever you want to happen in the lives of the members of your groups must happen first in the lives of your leaders. I love this line from The Wounded Healer: You'll find more from my collection of quotes right here. Image by Chris Beckett Model What You Want to Happen at the Member Level
- [Erwin McManus on Journeying Together](https://www.markhowelllive.com/erwin-mcmanus-on-journeying-together/) - Image by US Army Alaska Read more from my quotebook right here. Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use
- [Top 10 Fantasies of Churches WITH Small Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-fantasies-of-churches-with-small-groups/) - What prevents many churches from realizing their desire to become churches OF small groups*? Most of the time their desire is unable to overcome the fantasyland in which they live. For example, they may really, really want groups to be important, even to be essential, but they simply cannot bear the thought of disappointing the
- [5 Things You Need to Know about Personal Growth](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-personal-growth/) - I've been at this awhile. I started in ministry as a volunteer leader of a small college ministry in 1983. I was a college student myself (on the 10 year plan it turned out) but only a few years older than many of the students. It was a life-changing experience for me and led to
- [Quotebook: What Successful People Do (and Failures Don't)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-what-successful-people-do/) - Recently I wrote about 7 Skills Every Small Group Pastor Needs. I know of no workaround that will enable a small group pastor to avoid the development of these skills. I've met many small group pastors who have tried to get by without them, but the truth is these skills are essential and unavoidable. I've been
- [Quotebook: The Essence of Discipleship](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-the-essence-of-discipleship/) - What is a disciple and how is a disciple made? When does it begin? What does it look like to begin? All good questions and should be driving our thinking as we set out to build a thriving small group ministry. After all, if you don't know what you're trying to make, how will you
- [Quotebook: When Does Discipleship Happen?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-when-does-discipleship-happen/) - "Discipleship occurs when a transformed person radiates Christ to those around her. It happens when people so deeply experience God’s love that they can do nothing other than affect those around them." Bill Hull, The Complete Book of Discipleship: On Being and Making Followers of Christ. To see the rest of my quotebook, click here. Image
- [Quotebook: Receiving Feedback and Effective Discipleship](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-receiving-feedback-and-effective-discipleship/) - You may have never thought of discipleship quite this way, but effective discipleship really has to do with the disciple's ability to receive feedback. This important idea switched on for me at the Global Leadership Summit listening to Sheila Heen talk about feedback (you can read my key takeaways from her talk right here). As
- [5 Things You Must Know about Your Small Group Model](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-you-must-know-about-your-small-group-model-2/) - It's very possible, maybe even probable, that you inherited your small group model or system. That is, the model you're using is what was being used when you arrived on the scene and you played no role in its selection. It's also possible that you chose or helped choose the model you're currently using. Maybe
- [My Top 10 Favorite Posts on Small Group Coaching](https://www.markhowelllive.com/my-top-10-favorite-posts-on-small-group-coaching/) - Over the last 10 years I've written a lot about small group coaching. A LOT! I tried determining the actual top 10 posts (according to Google Analytics), but realized after the fact that many were written in 2008 and 2009...and there are some big ideas that have emerged in the last two or three years.
- [Take Advantage of Building an Effective Coaching Structure - 2019](https://www.markhowelllive.com/take-advantage-of-building-an-effective-coaching-structure-2019/) - Without a doubt, one of my most frequently asked questions is, "How do you build a truly effective small group coaching structure?" Actually, this question is almost always phrased this way: "HELP!!! We've tried to add coaching to our small group ministry and we Just. Can't. Figure It. Out." As you probably know, I am
- [Top 10 Axiomatic Beliefs of Group Life](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-axiomatic-beliefs-of-group-life/) - When you think of group life, of small group ministry, what are your axiomatic beliefs? Remember that an axiom is an established rule or principle or self-evident truth. We all have them stored away in our brains. The key is that not all of them are true...and not all of them are the kind that
- [Saddleback Changed the Church-Wide Campaign Game...Again](https://www.markhowelllive.com/saddleback-changed-the-church-wide-campaign-game-again/) - Don't miss this! If you're planning a church-wide campaign you must grab hold of this latest idea. I believe it is at the very heart of how Saddleback amassed over 8400 groups for their most recent campaign (Transformed: How God Changes Us). You read that right. 8400 groups. Their idea was embedded in every message,
- [5 Stupid Things Small Group Pastors Need to Stop Doing](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-stupid-things-small-group-pastors-need-to-stop-doing/) - You know that thing that you do that every time you do it you slap your forehead and say, "Why do I keep doing that?!! And every time you do it you swear you're going to never do it again? We all do them. They're just stupid. And we need to stop doing them. Here
- [Top 10 Simple Skill Trainings for New Small Group Hosts](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-simple-skill-trainings-for-new-small-group-hosts/) - *Important Note: Although some small group models emphasize the roles of leader (the person who leads the group) and host (the person who opens their home for the group meeting), that is NOT what is meant here. In this case “host” refers to someone who simply responds to our invitation to invite a few friends
- [This. Weekend. Only.](https://www.markhowelllive.com/this-weekend-only/) - Let's make this short. And simple. This weekend only, buy one mini-course and get another mini-course of equal value FREE. Why? I had some really good barbecue yesterday and woke up thinking I should do this. 😎 This weekend. Only. Initially, I thought if you buy Building an Effective Coaching Structure - 2019, I'd send
- [5 Steps to Sustaining the New Small Groups You Launch](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-steps-to-sustaining-the-new-small-groups-you-launch/) - "We've launched 25 new groups! How can we help them continue to meet?" With the development of strategies like the small group connection strategy and the HOST strategy it is not hard to launch a wave of new small groups. In fact, it is very easy to do. But like I always say, "There's an upside and
- [Quotebook: John Maxwell on Developing the Right Habits](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-john-maxwell-on-developing-the-right-habits/) - To see the rest of my quotebook, click here.
- [7 Things You Must Do TO and FOR Your Small Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-things-you-must-do-to-and-for-your-small-group-leaders/) - Can I let you in on a little corner of reality? Small group leaders are no different than the rest of us. A few of them (maybe 5 to 10%) are self-starters and have the internal wiring to take the right steps to grow on their own. The other 90-95% of all small group leaders
- [7 Rules at the Essence of Small Group Coaching](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-rules-at-the-essence-of-a-small-group-coaching/) - I was on a coaching call yesterday and as we talked I realized that there are certain ideas, rules really, that always pop up in my conversations about small group coaching. Here are 7 rules at the essence of small group coaching: 1. Whatever you want to happen in the lives of small group members
- [Frequently Asked Questions about How to Build an Effective Coaching Structure](https://www.markhowelllive.com/frequently-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
- [New and Radically Improved: How to Build an Effective Coaching Structure](https://www.markhowelllive.com/new-and-radically-improved-how-to-build-an-effective-coaching-structure/) - This course has been updated. Here's the new version!
- [This vs That: 5 Critical Choices That Have Massive Impact](https://www.markhowelllive.com/this-vs-that-5-critical-choices-that-have-massive-impact/) - Two roads diverged in a yellow wood." Robert Frost's epic line is never more important than when making 5 critical choices that have massive impact...in small group ministry. Have you ever thought about the way some of the tiniest, seemingly insignificant choices can make the biggest differences in outcomes? 5 critical choices that have massive
- [Top 10 Things I Need to Know about Discipleship](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-things-i-need-to-know-about-discipleship/) - I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded about certain things on a regular basis. As I think through discipleship, here's my current list of things I need to know: It takes a disciple to make a disciple. While I sometimes argue that anyone can host a small group (even a non-Christian),
- [4 Ingredients of an Effective "Ask" (that Recruits Small Group Members)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-ingredients-of-an-effective-ask/) - I'm regularly asked, "What is the best way to get the most people involved in our upcoming church-wide campaign?" To answer that question, I wrote what became one of my most popular articles, 5 Keys to Getting Everyone Involved in a Church-Wide Campaign. I won't go into all 5 keys here, but I will remind
- [The 90s Called...They Want Their Small Group System Back](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-90s-called-they-want-their-small-group-system-back/) - First, you might be wondering, what would be some distinctives of a 90s-style small group ministry? Here are what I think of as typical 90s-style small group ministry elements: 1. Before you could lead a small group, you needed to be an apprentice small group leader (and before you could be an apprentice small group
- [What about birthing groups?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-about-birthing-groups/) - Q: "Shouldn't we train our groups to birth? Shouldn't we guide them to develop an apprentice and then help them birth a new group? Isn't that kind of multiplication worth promoting?" A: The key is that birthing can happen...but is not a high probability. If you're talking percentages, it's a low probability. Think about your
- [Meet Up at Willow!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/meet-up-at-willow/) - I mentioned earlier this summer that I'll be doing a breakout (Getting to There: Building a Dynamic Small Group Ministry) at Willow's Group Life conference. It's this week. You can read more right here. Are you going to be here? Be sure and Email Me. It'd be great to have coffee one morning.
- [New Church-Wide Studies for 2009](https://www.markhowelllive.com/new-church-wide-studies-for-2009/) - I post new information about available church-wide campaigns every year. The latest information is in The Latest on Church-Wide Campaigns (2012). In addition to a handful of classics, there are some new church-wide studies that you'll want to take a look at. Here's the short list: 40 Days of Love, the newest campaign from Saddleback, is
- [Childcare Policies and Procedures for Off-Campus Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/childcare-policies-and-procedures-for-off-campus-groups/) - I get questions almost every week about small group ministry. Love getting them because they often become the basis for a really needed article or series. Here's a paraphrase of one I got this week: [quote] "How do you handle childcare? Not in the usual sense. We've already made our groups responsible for their own
- [Top 10 Articles on Church-Wide Campaigns](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-articles-on-church-wide-campaigns/) - If you've been part of the conversation here for any length of time, you know that I'm a big believer in the power of a church-wide campaign to launch groups. In fact, I believe it is the best way to launch new groups. That said, here are what I think are my top 10 articles
- [Got Questions?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/got-questions/) - With over 400 articles focused on the needs of small group point people (strategy, coaching, leader recruitment and training, etc.), there's already a lot here at MarkHowellLive.com. You can search my archives using the Google search box. You can also take a look at my categories or even look at what I've written during certain
- [Accelerate GroupLife in 2011: T - 4 Weeks](https://www.markhowelllive.com/accelerate-grouplife-in-2011-t-4-weeks/) - Getting ready for a year when grouplife really accelerates? After all you got done in week 1 and week 2 of our 6 week boot camp, you've got a break this week. Sort of. The number of groups that you hope to launch in January will determine how long it will take to get this
- [May Decisions Bring Exponential Septembers](https://www.markhowelllive.com/may-decisions-bring-exponential-septembers/) - We've all heard the saying, "April showers bring May flowers." And no one questions that practical, Farmer's Almanac kind of wisdom. Did you know that May decisions bring exponential Septembers? It's true. When you have the right conversations and make the right decisions in May, you dramatically increase the exponential power of your fall ministry
- [Three Immediate Action Steps...That Pay Off Big Time](https://www.markhowelllive.com/three-immediate-action-steps-that-pay-off-big-time/) - If you're like me, you're thinking about vacation. And you're not the only one. Your key leaders (small group coaches and senior, experienced small group leaders) are also thinking about vacation. Still...right now is the perfect time to take three action steps that will pay off big time. And the key is, these steps will
- [What Must You Do Differently Next Year...to get closer to your goal?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-must-you-do-differently-next-year-to-get-closer-to-your-goal/) - Albert Einstein famously said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Ever found yourself getting to ready to try something one more time, hoping that this time it would work? If you answered "yes," you are not alone. I'm betting that's actually a pretty normal behavior.
- [3 Last Minute Ideas That Will Launch More Groups This Fall](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-last-minute-ideas-that-will-launch-more-groups-this-fall/) - If you're like me...you're what seems like moments away from starting the biggest opportunity you have all year to launch new groups. Of course I'm talking about mid-September to early October. And we're just a few weeks away. But are there still last minute things you can do to launch more groups? Absolutely! Here are
- [Start with the End in Mind](https://www.markhowelllive.com/start-with-the-end-in-mind/) - This diagram has been at the heart of a lot of my consulting work for the last several years. There is so much meaning in it. I used a version of the diagram for yesterday's presentation in The Twelve...a Global Online Gathering. There's a lot to it. Way more than I can show in a
- [Clarifying the Win for Launch-Phase Coaches](https://www.markhowelllive.com/clarifying-the-win-for-launch-phase-coaches/) - You've taken the challenge and you're beginning to work your way through the three immediate action steps that pay off big time. Or you're at least thinking about it. You might be all the way up to recruiting the additional coaches you'll need for this fall's church-wide campaign. If you are...good for you. There's still
- [What Are You Doing to Renew and Recharge?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-are-you-doing-to-renew-and-recharge/) - What are you doing to renew and recharge yourself? I've found that I'm a lot like a phone I used to have. It worked fine as long as I charged it every night and kept a power cord with me at all times. It just wouldn't hold a charge! Every year I renew and refresh
- [6 Changes You Will Only Make When You Have No Other Choice](https://www.markhowelllive.com/6-changes/) - “Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change." —Tony Robbins You're aware of this, right? You'd like to lose weight, get healthy, get married, stop drinking, or get out of debt, but changes like that almost never happen until the pain of staying the same is greater
- [5 Things You Need to Know about 21st Century Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-21st-century-small-group-ministry/) - When we woke up this morning, we woke up to a very different world than our parents lived in. Truth be told, we actually woke up to a rapidly changing culture. As we step deeper into the 21st Century there are some things you need to know about how cultural changes impact small group ministry.
- [5 Simple Things You Can Do TODAY That Lead to More Groups This Fall](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-simple-things-you-can-do-today-that-lead-to-more-groups-this-fall/) - 5 Simple Things You Can Do TODAY That Lead to More Groups This Fall You may not realize this, but the things you do in May and June often predetermine how it goes in September. The things you do in May and June often predetermine how it goes in September. With that in mind, here
- [Will You Take Advantage of My Spring Sale?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/will-you-take-advantage-of-my-spring-sale/) - Well...there's always next year! This sale ended on May 28th at noon PDT. It's that time! Every year I roll back prices on several timely mini-courses and services. Will you take advantage? For example, my mini-courses, Supercharge Your Fall Ministry Season and Maximize Your Church-Wide Campaign are designed to help churches take their upcoming ministry
- [What's on my list to try in 2018 (that might change our ministry trajectory)?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-on-my-list-to-try-in-2018-that-might-change-our-ministry-trajectory/) - I began this brain dump yesterday. Hope the idea I shared yesterday will help you with something to try in 2018. Today I wanted to share another couple things we'll be trying in hopes that these ideas will help get your own innovative juices flowing. Remember, the important thing to remember is, "If you want
- [What will you try this year that might change your ministry's trajectory?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-will-you-try-this-year-that-might-change-your-ministrys-trajectory/) - I've written many times that I've 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.” Seriously...I want to always be trying something new; to be experimenting with ideas that might change our trajectory. I want to be open to
- [GroupLife Agnostics and the Adjacent Possible](https://www.markhowelllive.com/grouplife-agnostics-and-the-adjacent-possible/) - This might seem like a stretch today, but I really want you to come along with me for just a few minutes. I want to talk with you about grouplife agnostics and the adjacent possible. With me? Here goes. First a couple definitions: GroupLife Agnostics: I use this term to describe small group ministry practitioners
- [What's the Difference Between a Sunday School Class and a Small Group?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-difference-sunday-school-class-small-group/) - I had some good interaction this week with a reader who took issue with some of my assumptions about the differences between Sunday school classes and small groups. He had read my post, How to Build a Small Group Ministry in a Church with a Sunday School Culture (and later read But We Have Adult Sunday School, True
- [Influencing Culture: Jesus' Model vs the Pharisees' Model (re:group Day Two)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/influencing-culture/) - In yesterday's post I gave you a quick overview of a second day breakout called Training Leaders to Engage Culture. If you haven't read it, you might want to go back and catch up. One of the big takeaways was embedded in a careful look at the difference between Jesus' model for influencing culture vs
- [Making THIS Decision Now Will Connect WAY More People This Fall](https://www.markhowelllive.com/making-this-decision-now-will-connect-way-more-people-this-fall/) - Did you know there is a decision you can make now that determines how many people you connect this fall? Well, there is. And it actually is a simple decision. It's sometimes not easy, but it is simple. The reason so many of us grimace at the thought of it is that it's a simple
- [Defining a Disciple](https://www.markhowelllive.com/defining-a-disciple/) - Much of my work is about helping churches accurately diagnose where they are and then skillfully determine and describe where they'd like to go. If you want to get to the preferred future, you must know where you are right now. See also, Start with the End in Mind. This same line of thinking comes
- [5 Things You Can Do in May that Lead to WAY More Groups This Fall](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-you-can-do-in-may-that-lead-to-way-more-groups-this-fall/) - You may not realize this, but the things you do in May and June often predetermine how it goes in September. Special Note: I am assuming you've already chosen the strategy you will use to launch new groups this fall. Whether you are planning a church-wide campaign, a really well-executed small group connection or simply the best
- [Quotebook: The Personal Nature of Disciple Making](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-the-personal-nature-of-disciple-making/) - One of the books that influenced my early ministry direction was The Lost Art of Disciple Making by Leroy Eims. The notion that disciple making is carried on by people and not by programs shaped my conviction that whatever we want to happen in the lives of the members of our groups must happen first
- [Quotebook: Andy Stanley on Emptying Your Leadership Cup](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-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 This clip from Leadercast 2014 is very helpful in understanding this concept. To see the rest of my quotebook, click here. Image by Melissa Youngern
- [HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SMALL GROUP MODEL FOR YOUR CHURCH](https://www.markhowelllive.com/choose-the-best-small-group-model/) - You're invited! Take advantage of my 4 session mini-course: How to Choose the Best Small Group Model for Your Church Here's the question: Is there really a best small group model for your church? And if there is, what would happen if you were able to identify it and implement it? What do you think?
- [Three Church-Wide Campaign Secrets that Everybody Knows...and Very Few Do](https://www.markhowelllive.com/three-church-wide-campaign-secrets-that-everybody-knows-and-very-few-do/) - These are not really secrets. I think almost everyone knows these things already, but almost nobody does them. They're just too obvious. And honestly, it is just hard work to do them. But if you do them, your campaign will succeed like never before. If you want to connect far beyond the usual suspects you
- [Who Designs Your Next Steps? Starry-Eyed Dreamers or Steely-Eyed Pragmatists?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/who-designs-your-next-steps/) - Who designs your next steps? Starry-eyed dreamers or steely-eyed pragmatists? It makes a difference, you know. Starry-eyed dreamers often design steps that Carl Lewis* wouldn't attempt. Steely-eyed pragmatists can sometimes design steps that are dismissed by dreamers as lacking challenge. While next steps should be easy, obvious, and strategic...reasonable and doable are clearly in the eye
- [A Smörgåsbord of Destinations vs Sequential and Tailored Next Steps](https://www.markhowelllive.com/smorgasbord-destinations/) - How would you describe your church? How would you describe the collection of ministries of your church? Particularly your ministries and programs designed to meet the needs of adults? I'm always looking for ways to better describe a phenomenon that occurs naturally in churches everywhere. I sometimes refer to this phenomenon as the Smörgåsbord of
- [TOP 5 THINGS EVERY SENIOR PASTOR NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT SMALL GROUP MINISTRY](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-5-things-every-senior-pastor-needs-to-know/) - There are 5 things every senior pastor needs to know about small group ministry: First, senior pastors need to know that they are the most important champion of small group ministry If they want grouplife to happen, if they want to be a church OF groups, they must accept this role. They might hope to delegate the
- [Patrick Lencioni on Humility](https://www.markhowelllive.com/patrick-lencioni-on-humility/) - “Great team players lack excessive ego or concerns about status. They are quick to point out the contributions of others and slow to seek attention for their own. They share credit, emphasize team over self, and define success collectively rather than individually. It is no great surprise, then, that humility is the single greatest and
- [5 Things to Remember When Planning Connecting Events](https://www.markhowelllive.com/things-to-remember/) - There are certain things you must keep in mind as you're planning events or strategies to connect unconnected people. 1. Unconnected people care about what they care about. In other words, what already connected people care about or are curious about doesn't matter. When you are choosing a topic or a small group study, the
- [Quotebook: A Higher Standard than Jesus? (re:group Day Two)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-a-higher-standard-than-jesus-regroup-day-two/) - There are times every once in a great while when something a speaker says is so convicting it causes an audible gasp or sigh in the room. There was one of those times on Day Two of re:group in the session by Tim Cooper called Training Leaders to Engage Culture. It was a statement that
- [Quotebook: Following Jesus Entirely](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-following-jesus-entirely/) - What do those who follow Jesus' do? I love this quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship: "Those who follow Jesus’ commandment entirely, who let Jesus’ yoke rest on them without resistance, will find the burden they must bear to be light. In the gentle pressure of this yoke they will receive the strength to
- [Quotebook: The Choice Between Risk and Comfort](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-the-choice-between-risk-and-comfort/) - I love this line from John Ortberg's If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. As I've been thinking about next steps for our ministry (and challenging you to do to the same), this quote is a powerful reminder of an essential choice. The line also begs a
- [Quotebook: Albert Einstein on the Definition of Insanity](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-albert-einstein-on-the-definition-of-insanity/) - As the next ministry season approaches, are you preparing to do the same thing you did last season but expecting different results? To see the rest of my quotebook, click here. Image by Esther Perez
- [Jim Stockdale on Confronting the Brutal Facts](https://www.markhowelllive.com/jim-stockdale-on-confronting-the-brutal-facts/) - To see the rest of my quotebook, click here. Image by David Jones
- [Your Philosophy of Ministry and Decision-Making](https://www.markhowelllive.com/your-philosophy-of-ministry-and-decision-making/) - Have you ever really thought through your philosophy of ministry? How about the assumptions that shape your small group strategy? See also, 10 Ideas that Have Shaped My Philosophy of Ministry and 7 Assumptions that Shape My Small Group Strategy. I know, it may seem like something you will do someday or something that would
- [Supercharge Your Ministry Impact with These 5 Questions](https://www.markhowelllive.com/supercharge-your-ministry-impact-with-these-5-questions/) - Need to take your ministry impact to a new level? So often we find ourselves in meetings or planning sessions that could move things in the right direction, but it's almost like we're the guy who shows up with a knife to a gunfight! What can move things in the right direction? Sometimes the right
- [Top 10 Ways to Build a Culture of Celebration](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-ways-to-build-a-culture-of-celebration/) - Do you ever pause to celebrate when your team wins? Celebration is essential, you know. At least it is if you want to stay the course long enough to have any hope of reaching your preferred future. Arriving at your preferred future, or even enough milestones on the journey to be confident you will arrive
- [Top 10 Things You Need to Know to Build a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-things-you-need-to-know-to-build-a-thriving-small-group-ministry-2/) - Want to build a thriving small group ministry in your church? It won't be easy. It will require a commitment to the long haul, major determination, a willingness to commit resources, disappoint the guardians of the status quo, and much, much more. But...if you believe that unconnected people are always one tough thing away from
- [Add 5 to 10% More Hosts with This Jedi Move](https://www.markhowelllive.com/add-5-to-10-more-hosts-with-this-jedi-move/) - Tis the season where churches everywhere are launching church-wide campaigns. And churches everywhere are looking for ways to add a few more host homes, a few more open locations where a few more unconnected people can finally come in out of the cold. That's the motivation, right? That's what we're all trying to do. Your
- [5 Keys to Launching New Groups Year Round](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-keys-to-launching-new-groups-year-round-2/) - You don't have to be a fisherman to understand that you'll catch more fish by changing your bait, using a different lure, moving to another location, or fishing at a different time. And it is the same with small group launching strategies. What works well in the fall might not work as well in January.
- [A New Strategy We're Testing](https://www.markhowelllive.com/a-new-strategy-were-testing/) - Update: We've used this strategy for 2 years and are about to use it again this Easter (Easter's theme is Living Hope and we'll be promoting a short-term on-campus study using Louie Giglio's The Comeback. Great match. It will be easy to promote the next step. Here's the basic concept The basic concept of the
- [Last Minute Deals for GroupLife Southwest '19](https://www.markhowelllive.com/last-minute-deals-for-grouplife-southwest-19/) - GroupLife Southwest '19 is almost here! April 8th will be here in LESS THAN 3 WEEKS! But I've got some exciting news. We've just made 25 "Early Bird" registrations available, but when they're gone they're gone. $149 per person (and $129 per person for teams of 5 or more). And the offer is only good
- [Build the Bridge as You Walk On It](https://www.markhowelllive.com/build-the-bridge-as-you-walk-on-it/) - What kind of system builder are you? Are you the kind that needs every i dotted and every t crossed? Or can you roll with "good enough?" Do you need full disclosure and fine print? Or can you take your first steps with a handshake and the gut sense that you're heading in the general
- [What's the Right ROI for Your Small Group Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-the-right-roi-for-your-small-group-ministry/) - Note: This post was inspired by comments made by Jud Wilhite, senior pastor of Central Christian Church, on a recent Carey Nieuwhof podcast. See the end of the article for more. Does the return on your small group ministry investment cover its cost? Have you ever asked yourself that question? Or more to the point,
- [Is Your Small Group Ministry Ready for These 4 Steps?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/is-your-small-group-ministry-ready-for-these-4-steps/) - When you are a beginner, you do what beginners can do. Think about when a newborn turns over for the very first time. Or takes their first step. Or puts a phrase together. Clearly, there are things that you do when you are a beginner. And then there are things you can only do once
- [Can Your Small Group Ministry Take These Four Next Steps?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/four-next-steps/) - When you are a beginner, you do what beginners can do. Think about when a newborn turns over for the very first time. Or takes their first step. Or puts a phrase together. Clearly, there are things that you do when you are a beginner. And then there are things you can only do once
- [Sunday Worship = Defibrillator](https://www.markhowelllive.com/sunday-worship-defibrillator/) - In making a case for the power and necessity of small group ministry, I've often said that the weekend service is closest in kind to a defibrillator. It can restore an irregular spiritual heartbeat to regularity...but it's temporary. It's not surgery or even therapy. As soon as the service is over, you're back in the
- [Top 10 Reasons GroupLife Southwest '19 Is Calling Your Name](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-reasons-grouplife-southwest-19-is-calling-your-name/) - Registration at a great price (especially with this speaker lineup)! So...time is running out for you to join us (and bring your team)! *GroupLife Southwest is a great conference. Features the BEST speaker lineup of any small group ministry conference this year. And now, THRU March 1st still offers the Early Bird rate! Top 10 reasons* GroupLife
- [Andy Stanley on Creating a Culture That's All About Circles](https://www.markhowelllive.com/andy-stanley-on-creating-a-culture-thats-all-about-circles/) - Had the great privilege of attending the Re:Group conference recently and there was a moment in one of the main sessions that I just can't get out of my mind. Andy Stanley was speaking. It was a great session. And then suddenly...I couldn't write fast enough. What he said was just amazingly spot on. Today,
- [360 Leader: 10 Questions for Self-Leadership](https://www.markhowelllive.com/360-leader-10-questions-for-self-leadership/) - If you've been along for much of this conversation, you know how frequently I write about the need for small group point people to do to and for the coaches whatever you want them to do to and for your small group leaders. Why? Because "whatever you want to happen in the lives of the
- [What's Better? Rows or Circles?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-better-rows-or-circles/) - Circles are better than rows. I'd say that statement has kind of swept the small group ministry world in the last few years. In fact, it has probably replaced the line that "the optimal environment for life-change is a small group." Both good statements. Circles are better than rows has an edge to it.
- [Top 10 Signs Your Small Group Ministry Needs a Reboot](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-signs-your-small-group-ministry-needs-a-reboot/) - You know the painfully frustrating experience when your computer is just stuck and you can't get it to do what it's supposed to do? You sit there helplessly and watch the little twirly thing spin. Can't get any work done. Can't even shut down correctly. Know the feeling? Sometimes the best solution is to reboot
- [What Do Your Goals Say about Your Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-do-your-goals-say-about-your-ministry/) - You can learn a lot about ministries and organizations by analyzing their goals. Some churches have attendance goals. Some churches have baptism goals. Some multi-site church have goals for the number of sites. Some churches have church planting goals. Your church's goals are an indication of priorities (of your true priorities). Goals can be something
- [What Would You Say to Your First Year in Small Group Ministry Self?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-would-you-say-to-your-first-year-in-small-group-ministry-self/) - Maybe you've been asked a version of this question. Probably you've heard a version of it asked of a guest on a talk show or a podcast. Usually it's something like, "What would you say to the 25 year-old you?" Or, "What advice would you give the 21 year-old you?" I can tell you this,
- [An Analysis of the Semester System](https://www.markhowelllive.com/an-analysis-of-the-semester-system-2/) - There are no problem-free small group systems, models or strategies. And there is an upside and a downside to everything. Because of the popularity of both the sermon-based system and the free market system (two fairly common small group ministry systems) the semester system certainly has its advocates. Because of the inherent challenges of the
- [Bring Your Spouse to GroupLife Southwest '19 for Half Price!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/bring-your-spouse-to-grouplife-southwest-19-for-half-price/) - Thinking about joining us for GroupLife Southwest '19? Why not bring your spouse along? You'll want to share what you're learning and experiencing. And there's no better person to do that with than your spouse! Think of it as a Valentine's Day special! Through Monday, February 18th at midnight (PST), register for the conference at the Early-Bird
- [5 Questions You Should Be Asking When Choosing a Small Group Model](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-questions-you-should-be-asking-when-choosing-a-small-group-model/) - I've written a number of articles about how to choose a small group model, system or strategy. After all, choosing a small group model is serious business. You want to do it right. Remembering that "your ministry is perfectly designed to give you the results you are currently experiencing1," you can be sure that your
- [Good Intentions + Bad Decisions = Bad Results](https://www.markhowelllive.com/good-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: Image by Michael Ransburg
- [Chris McChesney on The Biggest Destroyer of Focus](https://www.markhowelllive.com/chris-mcchesney-on-the-biggest-destroyer-of-focus/) - “Nothing is more counterintuitive for a leader than saying no to a good idea, and nothing is a bigger destroyer of focus than always saying yes.” Chris McChesney The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by David Shankbone
- [Checklist: Prep to Hold the Largest Small Group Connection](https://www.markhowelllive.com/checklist-prep-to-hold-the-largest-small-group-connection/) - There are certain critical things that must be done if you want to maximize your small group connection. There is also a sequence in which these critical things must be accomplished. Here is what must be done and the sequence in which they must happen. Meet with senior pastor to get commitment for multi-week promotion.
- [This Concept Might Change Your Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/this-concept-might-change-your-strategy/) - Spoiler Alert: The most connected people in your congregation almost always have the fewest connections in the community. Four Things You Need to Know I use this drawing to illustrate an important concept. There are four things you need to know in order to understand the drawing, First, the circle represents your adult attendance on Easter.
- [The Real Reason Saddleback Connects So Many in Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-real-reason-saddleback-connects-so-many-in-groups/) - Ever heard the stories about Saddleback's thousands of small groups and wondered what they're really doing? Maybe you heard the rumor that with Transformed they launched enough new groups to break 8,000 groups for the first time. Not 8,000 people in groups. 8,000 groups! Want to know how they're doing it? I hint at the reason
- [These Are the Books You Need to Be Reading](https://www.markhowelllive.com/these-are-the-books-you-need-to-be-reading/) - "What should I be reading?!!" I get asked that question all the time. When I checked Google Analytics just now, I noticed again (for the millionth time) that the "reading list" tab in the menu bar was my 5th most popular page or post in the last 12 months. For years I've simply linked the
- [The Perils of the Inside-Outside Disconnect](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-perils-of-the-inside-outside-disconnect/) - How keenly is your organization aware of what's really going on externally? Think your front-line people know what's going on? Think your key people know? Do you know? According to John Kotter, "The disconnect between what insiders see, feel and think, on the one hand, and external opportunities and hazards, on the other, can be
- [Winston Churchill on Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/winston-churchill-on-strategy/) - However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results. —Winston Churchill Click here to find more from my quotebook collection.
- [5 Powerful Myths That Impact Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-powerful-myths/) - They're out there. They're sometimes hard to spot too, so nicely disguised as the truth. And the end of the day, though, these myths are very destructive and impact ministry. 5 Powerful Myths That Impact Ministry Myth #1: There is a problem-free solution If we keep looking, keep studying, and meet at least one more
- [5 Assumptions that Shape My Small Group Coaching Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-assumptions-that-shape-my-small-group-coaching-strategy/) - Quick! What goes through your mind when I say "small group coaching"? Were you thinking, "Small group coaching doesn't work"? Or maybe, "I tried that before and it doesn't work here?" Or how about, "It may work for some churches but we just don't have those kind of people here!" Regardless of what you were
- [What's the Best Way to Launch New Small Groups?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-the-best-way-to-launch-new-small-groups/) - What's the best way to launch new small groups? Ever asked that one? I get asked that question a lot...probably more than any other question. And for good reason, after all, who isn't trying to increase the number of groups (and the number of people in groups) in their church? So what's the answer? It's
- [New Mini-Course: How to Diagnose Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/new-mini-course-how-to-diagnose-your-small-group-ministry/) - According to Andy Stanley, "Your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing." You know this. It's not a new idea to you. And the obvious implication is, if you don't like the results you're experiencing...it's time to change the design. But there's the million dollar question. What is it that
- [10 Rules to Connect More People in 2018](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-rules-to-connect-more-people-in-2018-2/) - You know how there are rules or laws that are always true in life? Newton's laws, Moore's law, the Pareto Principle, and Occam's Razor? How about Murphy's Law? You probably know some and always obey them or follow them because they are true (at least most of the time) I want to suggest a set of
- [4 Lines That Shape My Convictions about the Future of Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-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
- [5 Questions to Ask as 2019 Begins](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-questions-to-ask-as-2019-begins/) - Albert Einstein said: “If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.” I love Albert Einstein’s thinking! So
- [5 Things You Need to Know about Your Small Group Model](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-your-small-group-model/) - When you choose a small group model, system or strategy there are several things you ought to know. Need to know, really. The model you choose should be based on an informed choice. One of the worst things you can do is flip abruptly or frequently between models. See also, 5 Totally Obvious Reasons Small
- [Here's a great one-two punch example of a small group "ask"](https://www.markhowelllive.com/heres-a-great-one-two-punch-example-of-an-small-group-ask/) - It doesn't happen every time, but when it does it is so powerful! As we prepare for a Life Group Connection (on February 25th), we've been inviting unconnected people to sign up for it in order to get connected. We've used announcements, program inserts, website promotions, a church-wide email to unconnected people, etc. The BEST
- [6 Shopping Days Until Christmas! Register Your Team for GroupLife Southwest '19!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/6-shopping-days-until-christmas-register-your-team-for-grouplife-southwest-19/) - Merry Christmas! Hope you're getting ready for a wonderful season! And giving is a big part of what makes the season wonderful. Nothing says, "I love you" and "I believe in you" more than investing in your team by bringing them to an out-of-town event! Bring them to GroupLife Southwest '19! Whether you bring along volunteers
- [🎄🎄🎄13 Shopping Days Until Christmas! Register your team for GroupLife Southwest '19! #GLSW19 ✅✅✅](https://www.markhowelllive.com/🎄🎄🎄13-shopping-days-until-christmas-register-your-team-for-grouplife-southwest-19-glsw19-✅✅✅/) - Santa's making a list and checking it twice! Are you? Don't forget your team! Nothing says, "I love you" and "I believe in you" more than investing in your team by bringing them to an out-of-town event! Bring them to GroupLife Southwest '19! Whether you bring along volunteers or staff...there's something for them at this conference.
- [5 Things to Do in January to Connect More People in 2019](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-to-do-in-january-to-connect-more-people-in-2019/) - Want to connect more people in 2019? There are a few things you can do now to exponentially increase the number you connect. Here are 5 things to do: 1. Plan a connecting event in early February. If you run the event on February 10th or 17th, you'll have several weeks to promote it. Use
- [A Simple Change You Can Make with Huge Implications](https://www.markhowelllive.com/a-simple-change-you-can-make-with-huge-implications/) - Sometimes the simplest changes have the biggest impact. I'm frequently asked questions like, "What's the best small group strategy?" or "When's the best time to launch new groups?" Right on the heels of those two questions I'm asked, "How to work around my senior pastor's lack of passion for grouplife?" and "How can we find
- [The Unexpected Twist in Saddleback's Exponential Growth Formula](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-unexpected-twist-in-saddlebacks-exponential-growth-formula/) - Don't miss the updated information below! Want to know the secret ingredient to Saddleback's Exponential Small Group Ministry Growth Formula? I've never written about this before...but this one ingredient is the unexpected twist in the formula. I talk with people every week who want to know Saddleback's secrets of growing a small group ministry. They've
- [The Big Idea Behind Small Group Coaching](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-big-idea-behind-small-group-coaching/) - Without a doubt, the struggle to build an effective coaching structure is one of the most challenging aspects in building a thriving small group ministry. I hear this again and again. I've probably heard this over a thousand times in my 20+ years of small group ministry. Taking my cue from Jim Collins and Great
- [Determining the Minimum and the Recommended Dose](https://www.markhowelllive.com/determining-the-minimum-and-the-recommended-dose/) - I was on a coaching call with several staff members from a church wrestling with a number of foundational grouplife issues. A fairly common situation, they had been following the conversation here and were not sure what their next steps were...so they set up a call to pull a pair of fresh eyes into their
- [Try This Simple Exercise to Identify Next Steps](https://www.markhowelllive.com/try-this-simple-exercise-to-identify-next-steps/) - Need a little push in order to get moving? Try this simple exercise to identify some next steps. It's based on this great Andy Stanley line: "Your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you're currently experiencing." The exercise? There are two steps. First, make a list of all the individual components in your
- [Ministry in a Fog? Here are 6 Critical Questions that Create Clarity](https://www.markhowelllive.com/ministry-in-a-fog-here-are-6-critical-questions-that-create-clarity/) - Yesterday I added a simple exercise you can use to identify next steps. It occurred to me as I wrote yesterday's post that even completing that simple exercise is very tough for many organizations, because they don't know the answers to a set of essential questions (what I often refer to as the Drucker Questions).
- [A Values-Driven Culture Is Essential](https://www.markhowelllive.com/a-values-driven-culture-is-essential/) - "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." Often attributed to Peter Drucker, this is a line right at the heart of an important challenge for all of us. We work hard on choosing our small group model, system or strategy and that is a very good thing. Strategy is important. But at the end of the day,
- [New from Rick Warren and Saddleback: 40 Days of Prayer](https://www.markhowelllive.com/new-from-rick-warren-and-saddleback-40-days-of-prayer/) - Finally got a look at 40 Days of Prayer, the newest church-wide campaign from Rick Warren and Saddleback Church. I've been really looking forward to this one and I should tell you, I got more excited and enthused about this campaign's potential as I worked my way through the contents. Has there ever been a
- [Everything You Need to Know about Small Group Models](https://www.markhowelllive.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-small-group-models/) - There are many things you need to know about small group models, systems and strategies. Too many to include in a single article! Here are three very important things to know (and links to other key posts on this topic): First, every small group model, system or strategy comes with a unique set of advantages
- [5 Things I Wish I Had Known about Small Group Coaches](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-wish-known-small-group-coaches/) - I led my first small group in 1983 and was coaching my first network of small group leaders in 1984. Over the last 30 years I’ve tried just about every system and experimented with so many different ideas I’ve actually been called a “mad scientist.” And while I’m glad I’ve had the experience, there are
- [6 Ways to Help Your Senior Pastor Make the Small Group Ask](https://www.markhowelllive.com/6-ways-to-help-your-senior-pastor-make-the-small-group-ask/) - I've had the privilege of helping 6 senior pastors champion small groups and make the small group ask (That doesn't include the hundreds of other senior pastors I've helped as a consultant and coach). They've all been different. No two have been completely alike. And yet...they have shared certain characteristics and all of them have
- [6 Steps to Building a Leader Development Process (that Meets Your Congregation's Needs and Expectations)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/6-steps-to-building-a-leader-development-process/) - 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
- [How to Launch Groups Using a Small Group Connection: Follow-Up](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-launch-groups-using-a-small-group-connection-follow-up/) - Note: I posted a 2016 update to this article right here. I've made significant improvements to the way I use the small group connection strategy.
- [How to Launch Groups Using a Small Group Connection: Execution Part 2](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-launch-groups-using-a-small-group-connection-execution-part-2/) - Note: I posted a 2016 update to this article right here. I've made significant improvements to the way I use the small group connection strategy.
- [How to Launch Groups Using a Small Group Connection: Execution Part 1](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-launch-groups-using-a-small-group-connection-execution-part-1/) - Note: I posted a 2016 update to this article right here. I've made significant improvements to the way I use the small group connection strategy.
- [How to Launch Groups Using a Small Group Connection: Preparation](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-launch-groups-using-a-small-group-connection-preparation/) - Note: I posted a 2016 update to this article right here. I've made significant improvements to the way I use the small group connection strategy.
- [The "Catch a Moving Train" Scenario](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-catch-a-moving-train-scenario/) - You know the feeling. No matter how many new groups you start, an equal number of groups lose interest and drop out. No matter how many apprentices you've recruited and trained, you're not starting new groups fast enough to keep up with the number of small group sign-ups. No matter that you even launched a
- [Your Senior Pastor as Small Group Champion Leads to a Church of Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/your-senior-pastor-as-small-group-champion-leads-to-a-church-of-groups/) - Some fantasies are just doggedly persistent. You know the kind. They don't go away on their own and they are really hard to shake! One of the most persistent fantasies of churches with small groups is that the small group champion role can be delegated. What makes it a fantasy? Because it can't be delegated!
- [You Know You Have the Right Small Group System When...](https://www.markhowelllive.com/you-know-you-have-the-right-small-group-system-when/) - How do you know you have chosen the right small group system? Can you know? I think you probably can. While there are at least half a dozen different small group systems, none of them are problem-free. Wise leaders simply choose the set of problems they'd rather have. See also, How to Choose a Small
- [Learning How to Pray Together](https://www.markhowelllive.com/learning-how-to-pray-together/) - Praying together at the end of a small group meeting is one of the real challenges for almost every small group. The very common fear of public speaking (number #1 fear for many) is compounded by the unspoken belief held by many that it's important to speak an unfamiliar dialect when praying (a thee and
- [10 of the Most Overused Small Group Ministry Buzzwords](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-of-the-most-overused-small-group-ministry-buzzwords/) - Ever heard someone use a word or a phrase and there was something about the way they said it that made you realize...they didn't know what it meant? I remember when a friend of mine kept talking about the long tail (a business term) and ecosystem (or some other buzzword, I don't remember) and it
- [5 Ways Senior Pastors Can Affirm the Value of Small Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-ways-senior-pastors-can-affirm-the-value-of-small-group-leaders/) - In yesterday's post I wrote that a very important thing a small group leader needs to know is that they are appreciated by their senior pastor. Can it happen in churches of all sizes? Absolutely. Whether your church is small, medium or large, your senior pastor can do a short list of things that will
- [Trending Now? "Come Over" vs "Meet Me" or "Come with Me"](https://www.markhowelllive.com/trending-now-come-over-vs-meet-me-or-come-with-me/) - As America shifts ever more to a post-Christian country, the invite to "meet me at my church" or "come with me to my church" will become less common and the invite to "come over to my house" or "meet me at Starbucks" will become more common. Are you seeing this happen where you are? In
- [What Are You Testing to Connect More People or Make Better Disciples?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-are-you-testing/) - Craig Groeschel once said: “If you want to reach people no one else is reaching, you have to do things no one else is doing.” Translation: If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep reaching who you’ve always reached. I like to modify that phrase to say, "If you want to connect people
- [Top 10 Reasons Your Small Group Ministry Is Tanking](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-reasons-your-small-group-ministry-is-tanking/) - Is your small group ministry struggling? Do you feel like you're spinning your wheels; not gaining traction; going nowhere fast? When a small group ministry is struggling---tanking---there is almost always a combination of the following issues. Top 10 Reasons Your Small Group Ministry Is Tanking 1. Your senior pastor is not the champion. The role
- [4 Predictable (and Unforgivable) Reasons for Adding New Members to Existing Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-predictable-and-unforgivable-reasons-for-adding-new-members-to-existing-groups-2/) - Can I ask about an important strategic decision? What makes the most sense to you? Adding new members to existing groups? Or launching new groups? Do you understand the strategic nature of the question? In my experience, this decision is one of a very short list of foundational decisions that determine effectiveness at building a
- [Insights That Sharpen Small Group Ministry Perspective](https://www.markhowelllive.com/insights-that-sharpen-small-group-ministry-perspective/) - Have you noticed that reading more books (and blogs) sometimes increases confusion and indecision about the best way to do small group ministry? Add the input from conferences you attend and experts you listen to and you can end up with a pretty complex soup. What should you do? It's good to read, right? Leaders
- [In search of...leaders who can influence culture (REGROUP 18 Day One)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/in-search-of-leaders-who-can-influence-culture-regroup-18-day-one-3/) - Yesterday I sat in on Four Characteristics of an Influential Leader: another eye-opening and insight-packed breakout with North Point Ministries' Tim Cooper. So helpful! I came away with too many insights to share in a single post, but I think you need to know about a powerful idea at the very heart of one of
- [Great Questions: "What would have to be true?"](https://www.markhowelllive.com/great-questions-what-would-have-to-be-true-2/) - "What would have to be true for that approach to work?" Or, “for the idea on the table to be a fantastic option?” I love these two questions from Roger Martin, Dean of the Rotman School of Management (p. 12, The Design of Business). Here are some additional posts that might be helpful: 6 Essential
- [5 Reasons I'm Holding GroupLife Southwest Again](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-reasons-im-holding-grouplife-southwest-again/) - I still get a lot of questions about GroupLife Southwest '19. "Why are you holding a small group ministry conference?" "Do we really need another small group ministry conference?" "Shouldn't you just stream the conference? Why host a live venue?" Good questions. And these are just a few. There have definitely been others. Here
- [You May Need This Simple Logic about Small Group Coaching](https://www.markhowelllive.com/you-may-need-this-simple-logic-about-small-group-coaching/) - Follow me on this simple logic about small group coaching: 1. Whatever we want to happen in the lives of the members of our small groups has to happen in the lives of our small group leaders first. I believe you know that too, even if this is the very first time you've ever thought
- [Andy Stanley: Random Thoughts on Leadership](https://www.markhowelllive.com/andy-stanley-random-thoughts-leadership/) - One of the highlights of Drive ’08 was Andy Stanley’s talk, Random Thoughts On Leadership. I’ve referenced it before and it is a great talk. Really one of those talks that the audio hangs in the consciousness for years. The basic gist was that Andy took 5 memorable quotes that had affected his thinking and riffed on how they
- [5 Major Trends for Small Group Ministries in 2017](https://www.markhowelllive.com/trends-in-small-group-ministry/) - "What do you see trending in small group ministry?" Might be one my most frequently asked questions. Probably because everyone wants to be in on what's working and no one wants to be left out, still driving their daddy's model. So what's trending? Here's what I'm seeing: A more intentional discipleship pathway What at least
- [5 Implications for Small Group Ministries As Powerful Trends Emerge](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-implications-for-small-group-ministries/) - Think about two powerful rivers merging to form one seemingly unstoppable force and you have a good image for the confluence of two accelerating trendlines. Call river #1 the rise of the nones (those who claim no religious affiliation) and call river #2, the decreasing frequency church attendance among churched Americans. See also, How Will
- [When Is the Best Time to Launch a Church-Wide Campaign?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-launch-a-church-wide-campaign/) - Yesterday I kicked off this series by suggesting that of all the ways to launch small groups, nothing compares to the power and potential of a well chosen, strategically timed and skillfully implemented church-wide campaign. Are there other effective methods? Absolutely. Do they pack as big of a punch? No. Definitely...no. But I need to qualify that answer.
- [Hoping for Problem-Free](https://www.markhowelllive.com/hoping-for-problem-free/) - What are the decisions you know you need to make but you just can't bring yourself to do it? Do you know the list by heart? Is it a long list? What's keeping you from pulling the trigger? Still searching for a problem-free solution? I've made the case for a long time now that the
- [4 Ingredients that Generate Intense Focus and Lead to Momentum](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-ingredients-that-generate-intense-focus-and-lead-to-momentum/) - Yesterday I wrote about creating momentum by adding the game-changing power of intense focus. All of us hope for momentum and some of us have felt it from time to time. What if we could learn to do the things that would produce an intense focus that leads to momentum? Here are the key ingredients
- [10 Simple Steps to a Great Church-Wide Campaign (6-10)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-simple-steps-great-church-wide-campaign-6-10/) - (This is part two of this article. You'll find Steps 1-5 in part one right here.) Preparing to launch a church-wide campaign? Or maybe wondering if you can still pull it off with the time you have remaining? While not easy...it might be simpler than you think. You'll need to make some strategic decisions and
- [10 Simple Steps to a Great Church-Wide Campaign (1-5)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-simple-steps-great-church-wide-campaign-1-5/) - Preparing to launch a church-wide campaign? Or maybe wondering if you can still pull it off with the time you have remaining? While not easy...it might be simpler than you think. You'll need to make some strategic decisions and depending on when you're reading this, you may need to act decisively, but you can do
- [H3 Leadership Is the Best Book on Leadership I've Read in a Long Time](https://www.markhowelllive.com/h3-leadership-is-the-best-book-on-leadership-ive-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
- [I just tripped across a goldmine](https://www.markhowelllive.com/i-just-tripped-across-a-goldmine/) - I don't know about you, but when we hold a life group connection it is easy to connect couples in couples groups, easier to connect women in women's groups, and a little bit of a challenge to connect men in men's groups. Okay... it's a BIG challenge to connect men in men's groups. Now, we've
- [How Keen Is Your Cross-Cultural Awareness?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-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
- [Would You Rather: Connect More People or Make More Disciples?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/would-you-rather-connect-more-people-or-make-more-disciples/) - Ever been caught up in a crazy game of "would you rather?" with your kids? You know what I'm talking about, right? Would you rather be 3 feet tall or 8 feet tall? Would you rather be rich and ugly, or poor and good looking? Would you rather eat a handful of hair or lick
- [FAQ: When Should We Begin Promoting a Church-Wide Campaign?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/when-should-we-begin-promoting/) - I get a lot of questions. This is a good one and one you need to be thinking about as you plan for your next church-wide campaign. When should we begin promoting a church-wide campaign? That is a good question; don't you think? And the answer might be a little different than you've assumed. My
- [5 Honest Thoughts about Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-honest-thoughts-about-small-group-ministry/) - I am a natural born analyst. Not a day goes by that I'm not analyzing what I'm reading, what I'm hearing, what I'm seeing. As I analyze any small group system or aspect of a strategy, I always add a few important understandings and questions. First, I am sure there are no problem-free solutions. Second, I'm
- [3 Steps to Take When the Flux Capacitor #FAILS](https://www.markhowelllive.com/steps-take-flux-capacitor-fails/) - I love Ed Stetzer's line that "If the 1950s came back, many churches are ready." I don't know what happens when you read the line, but here's what runs through my mind*: Sunday morning services featuring stanzas 1, 2 and 4 from two hymns from the 16th, 17th or 18th century (Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley,
- [3 Keys to a Coaching Tune-Up](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-keys-to-a-coaching-tune-up/) - You made it through the holidays. You're getting ready to start the second best run for new groups (see How to Build an Annual GroupLife Calendar). Now is a great time to evaluate the performance and readiness of your coaching team. First Key: Evaluate Your Coaching Team You're really looking for two things. First, you're
- [Top 5 Ways to Multiply Small Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-5-ways-multiply-small-groups/) - How can we start some new groups? We have 14 (or 34, 78, or 103) and we're stuck on how to add new groups. What's the best way to do it? What are some ways that we're not thinking of? This is a very frequent question. And it's a good one because it's rooted in
- [Preoccupied with the Needs and Interests of the Right People](https://www.markhowelllive.com/preoccupied-with-the-needs-and-interests-of-the-right-people/) - Who are you trying to connect? Have you ever slowed down long enough to figure out who's already in and who still needs to be connected? There might not be a more essential next step than this one. In fact, many grouplife point leaders miss this step altogether and are mystified why they're not seeing
- [Top 10 Articles on Launching New Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/launching-new-groups/) - I've written many articles on this subject over the last few years. Some people would say I have an obsession with new groups. I don't know about that. I do know this...if you want to build a thriving small group ministry, you better learn three things: New groups are the very best way to connect
- [Will you join me and hundreds of others at GroupLife Southwest '19?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/will-you-join-me-and-hundreds-of-others-at-grouplife-southwest-19/) - Will You Join Me (and hundreds of others) for GroupLife Southwest '19? I hope you’re planning to join us for GroupLife Southwest! And I really hope you’ll take advantage of the Super Early Bird Price of $109 (through 10/31/18)!!! But why should you join us at the GroupLife Southwest conference? That is a great question!
- [Must-Read: Add 4 Chair Discipling to Your Disciple-Making Resource List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/must-read-add-4-chair-discipling-to-your-disciple-making-resource-list/) - I spent some time this week with 4 Chair Discipling: Growing a Movement of Disciple-Makers by Dann Spader. Published in 2014, this one began hitting my radar a couple years ago, but is just now making it onto my reading stack (one of the books on my 2017 Summer Reading List). Dann Spader is the founder of
- [5 Easily Overlooked Secrets to Building a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-easily-overlooked-secrets-to-building-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - I hear from pastors all the time who are desperate to crack the small group ministry code. Many have tried multiple systems and strategies, only to be disappointed and discouraged. It's not hard to get in touch with their desperation. Often, it comes across as a mix of question and exclamation: What does it take
- [The Paradox of Expertise](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-paradox-of-expertise/) - The biggest obstacle for most stuck small group ministries? I think it's what Cynthia Barton Rabe refers to as "the paradox of expertise." Rabe, a former strategist at Intel, points out that: "What we know limits what we can imagine. When it comes to innovation, the same hard-won experience, best practice, and processes that are
- [The X Factor Is Near the Edge](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-x-factor-is-near-the-edge/) - If you've been along for the conversation here you know that one of my core assumptions is that there is no problem free. That is a huge help in the development of strategy. It frees you from the pursuit of problem-free and it frees you to choose the most effective. Very freeing. Another very important
- [The Exponential Power of a Church-Wide Campaign](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-exponential-power-of-a-church-wide-campaign/) - What is the most powerful way to impact your entire congregation? Many believe that a church-wide campaign, what Rick Warren refers to as a spiritual growth emphasis, is the most important spiritual innovation in the last 50 years...maybe the last century. Why? Read on. Although there are very basic church-wide campaigns that simply offer a
- [Coaching FAQ: How to Add Value to Experienced Small Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/coaching-faq-how-to-add-value-to-experienced-small-group-leaders/) - "None of my experienced group leaders want a coach. In fact, some of them seem mad that I assigned them a coach. And on top of that, the coaches that I assigned to existing small group leaders are already thinking about quitting because they don't think they're needed." Ever said something like that? If I
- [Coaching FAQ: What Are the Essential Ingredients of an Effective Coach?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/coaching-faq-what-are-the-essential-ingredients-of-an-effective-coach/) - One of the most frequent questions is, "Do you have to have led a small group before you can be a coach?" It's a fair question. But I think it's really part of a larger question. "What are the essential ingredients of an effective coach?" is a much better question. Here's what I've found to be
- [Problem-Free Leader Identification and Recruitment](https://www.markhowelllive.com/problem-free-leader-identification-and-recruitment/) - As we've discussed previously, there is no problem-free. Every solution comes with a set of problems. Knowing that, wise people simply choose the problems they'd rather have and select the solution they like based on that. Is there a problem-free way to identify and recruit small group leaders? No. Every method of identifying and recruiting
- [5 Decisions Delayed at Great Expense](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-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
- [10 Simple Things You Can Start Doing to Build a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-simple-things/) - While there is definitely a list of complicated things you can start doing to build a thriving small group ministry, there is a list of simple things you can start doing. It's important to remember that simple doesn't necessarily mean easy. Easy is the opposite of hard or challenging. Simple things are uncomplicated. They can
- [Critical Decision: Add Members to Existing Groups vs. Start New Groups?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/critical-decision-add-members-to-existing-groups-vs-start-new-groups/) - I had an interesting question last week that prompted this post. Here's the question: Hey Mark, I am looking for a small group resource that will help a group become more aware of guests - inviting, welcoming, etc. Suggestions? Thinking I understood the situation, I sent the reader a link to Skill Training: Top 10
- [How to Build a Small Group Ministry in a Sunday School Culture, Part 1](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-build-a-small-group-ministry-in-a-sunday-school-culture-part-1/) - In this five part series I take a look at one of my most frequently asked questions. There's a chance it's the question that keeps you up at night. There's an even better chance you know someone struggling with this question right now. Here's the question: Q: Is it possible to build a small group
- [Great Question: What Does Love Require of Me?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/great-question-what-does-love-require-of-me/) - You probably know by now I love a great question. In fact...I guess I'm a collector of great questions. I came across a great question last night in our Life Group meeting. We've been using an Andy Stanley study called Christian: It's Not What You Think for the last couple months (It is a fantastic study,
- [Five Clues That Reveal Your Small Group Ministry's Best Next Step](https://www.markhowelllive.com/five-clues-that-reveal-your-small-group-ministrys-best-next-step/) - Apparently Solomon was right. There is nothing new under the sun. The issues and challenges that you face have been faced before by many. Why do they feel like original and unique problems? I'm not sure. I do know this, when I talk with small group ministry point people, I find the same issues and
- [Is It Time for a Fresh Look at Your Assumptions?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/time-fresh-look-assumptions/) - I don't know about you, but I bet you're not that different than me. I regularly find myself surprised by divergent opinions about things that I assumed everyone would be on board with. Just yesterday in a staff retreat virtually everyone at my table saw an idea from a completely different perspective than my senior
- [Conducting a GroupLife Audit 1.0](https://www.markhowelllive.com/vibrant-and-pervasive-grouplife-audit-1-0/) - How would your church come out on a grouplife audit? I wondered about this last week when my church was visited by the Generis team who were conducting a generosity audit. It was a fascinating day. I sat in on several conversations. And it made me wonder about the benefit of developing a grouplife audit.
- [Hearing a Ringing Sound? It May Be the Clue Phone](https://www.markhowelllive.com/hearing-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,
- [If I Was Starting Today...Part 6](https://www.markhowelllive.com/if-i-was-starting-today-part-6/) - (This is part 6 of a 7 part series. You can read part 1 right here) If I knew then what I know now...I'd work harder to make heroes out of the right people. That is, I'd carefully select the stories I'd make a big deal out of...and I'd make a big deal out of
- [Required Reading for the Small Group Pastor: Systems](https://www.markhowelllive.com/required-reading-for-the-small-group-pastor-systems/) - Building a small group ministry? The first set of books that I think of as required reading fall in the category of systems. These 7 books provide an overview of what I view as the major systems in use right now. I have my system of preference. You will too. My preferred system has problems.
- [Saddleback's Not-So-Secret Strategy of Launching New Groups in Waves](https://www.markhowelllive.com/saddlebacks-not-so-secret-strategy-of-launching-new-groups-in-waves/) - What is Saddleback's not-so-secret strategy of launching new groups in waves? I think you already know what it is, but before I reveal the mystery, I just want to point out several features of the strategy: First, the strategy really does launch groups in waves. This is significant because if you want to reach the
- [Moving from "Come and See" to "Come and Die"](https://www.markhowelllive.com/moving-from-come-and-see-to-come-and-die/) - Ever had the conversation where Insider Bob passionately lets you know that he doesn't think much about your strategy to provide easy first steps for unconnected people? Or maybe Bob gets wind of the study you've chosen for the fall church-wide campaign and lets you know that it's nowhere deep enough or challenging enough for
- [Growth or Control? Which Do You Really Want?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/growth-or-control-which-do-you-really-want/) - I often get a good conversation going when I write about the small group connection strategy or the HOST strategy (two small group strategies that seem to include high risk). Comments always include things like, "How do you know the people who are hosting a group aren't ax murderers and adulterers?" Or, "How can you
- [Does your small group ministry system need to be refreshed? Or replaced?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/does-your-small-group-ministry-system-need-to-be-refreshed-or-replaced/) - I'm regularly having this conversation now. Sometimes a small group pastor, but often a senior pastor, will ask for help and this will be their comment: We don't know what to do! Our small group ministry needs a lot of help! We don't know if it can be salvaged! Ever said something like that? Thought
- [4 Essentials of Execution: Plan, Rehearse, Evaluate, and Adjust](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-essentials-of-execution-plan-rehearse-evaluate-and-adjust/) - Note: This post was published in 2016. The execution principles are timeless. And...we're off. We're now two weekends into our fall launch. The way our strategy is designed we will focus exclusively on casting vision for the series (Finding Your Way Back to God) and recruiting hosts for the first three weekends. By hosts, we
- [I've Just Added Two New Assumptions to My List of Assumptions](https://www.markhowelllive.com/two-new-assumptions/) - We've talked many times about assumptions. If you've been along for much of this adventure, you've probably read more than your share of articles on assumptions. If the idea of assumptions is unfamiliar to you, I've linked to a few of my favorites below. I'm thinking about my assumptions about small group ministry today because
- [Quotebook: How to Become Like Jesus](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-how-to-become-like-jesus/) - I am discovering so much from Bill Hull’s, The Complete Book of Discipleship: On Being and Making Followers of Christ. When you're determining what you need to make when you're making disciples, the first task is to figure out what the preferred future actually looks like. Can you see how this concept might figure in to your
- [How Saddleback Online Has Started 1700 Small Groups in 4 Years](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-saddleback-online-has-started-1700-small-groups-in-4-years/) - Online. Many churches are currently making worship services (or at least the sermons) available for viewing online. Some are streaming their services. Others are simply making them available for viewing on-demand. A few churches are creating a true online campus. Do you know the difference? If your church has an online presence (whatever the type),
- [Introduction: Minimum Viable Product for Effective Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/introduction-minimum-viable-product-for-effective-small-group-ministry/) - What is your minimum viable product? Ever thought about your small group ministry that way? In this article I want to do three things: introduce and define the term minimum viable product (for small group ministry), provide a simple explanation for why you need to know your minimum viable product, and give you an assignment
- [If You Want to Get There You Must Change Paths](https://www.markhowelllive.com/if-you-want-to-get-there-you-must-change-paths/) - One of my most frequent conversations with consulting or coaching clients goes like this: Them: "We'd like to try a scaled back version of the small group connection strategy." Me: "Tell me what you mean by scaled back?" Them: "We can't devote three weekends to promoting just the connection. Actually, the weekend prior is all
- [True or False: Leaders with Apprentices Leads to More Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/true-or-false/) - What do you think? Would you answer true? Or false? Not sure? Early in my ministry I attended a small group ministry conference at Willow Creek. At that conference I learned that "healthy groups grow and birth" and every small group leader needs an apprentice so that groups can grow and birth (multiply). While at
- [Top 10 Signs Your Small Group Ministry Is Schizophrenic](https://www.markhowelllive.com/signs-your-small-group-ministry-is-schizophrenic/) - Schizophrenia is no laughing matter. It's serious business. Still...it's a perfect way to think about ministry that needs therapy or medication. Here are the top 10 signs your small group ministry is schizophrenic: 1. You do the same thing year after year and expect different results. You remember what Albert Einstein said. "The definition of
- [Could Our Lack of Empathy Be Limiting Our Ministry Impact?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/could-our-lack-of-empathy-be-limiting-our-ministry-impact/) - Could Our Lack of Empathy Be Limiting Our Ministry Impact? Empathy: em-pə-thē, "the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another" Important Note: Don't skip this post because it doesn't seem immediately applicable to what you do. I'm not sure when I first began to
- [Are You a Leader? Or a Functionary?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/are-you-a-leader-or-a-functionary/) - One of my objectives at Canyon Ridge is the development of a robust leadership culture. That objective informs the way we identify, recruit and develop coaches. It also gives focus to the development of our leadership pathway. The pursuit of the development of a robust leadership culture has added a theme to my reading this
- [5 Secrets of Building Ministry Momentum](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-secrets-of-building-ministry-momentum/) - Momentum. Few of us have it. All of us want it. How do you generate momentum? And how do you build and sustain momentum once you have it? I believe there are some secrets to building momentum. I also believe that none of these secrets are easy to do. If they were, everyone would have
- [If I Was Starting Today...Part 2](https://www.markhowelllive.com/if-i-was-starting-today-part-2/) - (This is part 2 of a 7 part series. If you missed part 1, you can read it right here) If I knew then what I know now...I would have worked harder to be crystal clear on who my real customer was and designed my strategy to fit them. I realize that to some of
- [When Do You Begin Thinking about What's Next?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/when-do-you-begin-thinking-about-whats-next/) - I don't know about you...but I'm wired to begin thinking about what's next right after I finish the conversation that puts what's happening now into the receiving hands and minds of someone else (usually a team member or my assistant). I am a borderline finder/conceiver on the thinking wavelength* assessment. I struggle with attending to
- [If I Was Starting Today...](https://www.markhowelllive.com/if-i-was-starting-today/) - If I knew then what I know now... That's where this post finds its roots. I've been at this a while and I'm often asked what I'd do if I was starting fresh but armed with what I know now. Have you ever thought about what you'd do differently if you could do it over
- [How to Build Volunteer Teams that Expand Your Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-build-volunteer-teams-that-expand-your-ministry/) - In yesterday's post I gave 7 tips that will help optimize your small group ministry. Tip #3 was to Make identifying and recruiting a volunteer team of men and women who are passionate about small groups part of what you do all the time. I went on to write that "some of the most enthusiastic potential volunteers
- [The Illusion of Knowledge](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-illusion-of-knowledge/) - Think you have it figured out? What if it turned out that the very thing you thought was a fact...was actually more or less an old wive's tale? I've always loved this line by a former Librarian of Congress: "The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance - it is the illusion of knowledge." Daniel
- [Books that Have Shaped My Thinking](https://www.markhowelllive.com/books-that-have-shaped-my-thinking/) - I read continually. I can't remember the last time there hasn't been a stack of books on the bedside table and another in my office. One of my early mentors told me you could tell when someone's brain died by the copyrights dates on his library shelves. I believed him. Still, not every book truly
- [Do NOT Miss Designed to Lead: The Latest from Eric Geiger and Kevin Peck](https://www.markhowelllive.com/do-not-miss-designed-to-lead-the-latest-from-eric-geiger-and-kevin-peck/) - Spent some time this week with Designed to Lead: The Church and Leadership Development, a new book from Eric Geiger and Kevin Peck. If Geiger's name sounds familiar it's because he is the co-author (with Thom Rainer) of best-seller Simple Church, one of the most influential ministry books in the last decade. If you're unfamiliar with Peck
- [Challenge #1: Aligning Your Personal Vision with the Corporate Vision](https://www.markhowelllive.com/challenge-1-aligning-your-personal-vision-with-the-corporate-vision/) - Whether you are a small group pastor or director or the small group ministry role is one of several hats you wear, you face a set of challenges. Can the challenges you face be overcome? Probably. Can they be overcome easily? Some can, but honestly, some will take some work to accomplish. My hope for
- [Top 10 Reasons North Coast Has Consistently Connected Over 80%](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-reasons-north-coast-has-consistently-connected-over-80/) - One of the most effective small group systems is the one made popular by Larry Osborne's Sticky Church. Osborne is the Senior Pastor of North Coast Church, a multisite church in southern California. Every system has a distinctive (or several). North Coast's is what I refer to as a semester system (participants sign up for a
- [You're Invited! My 2019 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network is taking applications now!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/youre-invited-my-2019-small-group-ministry-coaching-network-is-taking-applications-now/) - My 2019 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network is designed to give you the tools and strategies you need in order to build a small group ministry that works in the 21st century. The coaching network experience will expose you to a new perspective. While it makes sense that in order to get different results you
- [Overview: Here Are Our Four Strategies for Launching New Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/overview-here-are-our-four-strategies-for-launching-new-groups/) - Over the last several years we've identified four key strategies for launching new groups. Two of the four strategies are very up-front and explicitly invite unconnected people to "join a six-week life group." Strategies that launch off-campus groups: 1. An annual church-wide campaign, usually in the fall, allows us to really leverage our senior pastor's
- [Have You Made These 3 Game-Changing Observations about Small Group Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/have-you-made-these-3-game-changing-observations-about-small-group-ministry/) - I had lunch yesterday with a couple new friends from another church in town. We ended up having a wide ranging conversation about the rationale or underlying philosophy that makes certain small group ministry decisions obvious. Their answers to my battery of questions led to several observations about best practices. Sometimes you can see things
- [Exponential Outreach](https://www.markhowelllive.com/exponential-outreach/) - Does who you invite to host a small group make a difference? Clearly. I've included a diagram that I hope will help you think through the question. Take a look: Here's how to read it: First, the circle represents your Easter or Christmas Eve attendance. Most places that is the best attended service all year.
- [How to Choose a Small Group System or Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-choose-a-small-group-system-or-strategy/) - What is the best way to do small group ministry? Is it better to use a free-market approach? Does a sermon-based group strategy make sense in a seeker-sensitive church? Can we kind of do a mash-up of several strategies and come up with one that really works for our community and our congregation? These are
- [Skill Training: Help Your Newest Groups Survive the Summer](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-help-your-newest-groups-survive-the-summer/) - You've worked hard to help jump start some new small groups this year. Some of your new groups are less than 3 or 4 months old! Don't let the death valley days of summer get the best of them! Instead, take advantage of some simple strategies to help them survive the summer (and be ready
- [Who Is Your Small Group Ministry Designed to Connect?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/who-is-your-small-group-ministry-designed-to-connect/) - Who is your small group ministry designed to connect? Have you ever spent any significant time evaluating who your small group ministry is designed to connect? Have you ever evaluated who your small group ministry is actually connecting? What if your ministry is designed to connect a kind of person that is disappearing? What if
- [10 Articles on Building Community](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-articles-on-building-community/) - Building community has been at the heart of my mission for a very long time. I can't imagine my life without it. I cannot imagine the loneliness of so many who don't have what we have. I know that when I do the percentage connected calculation there are many, many people in my church that
- [This Is Why We Need Community](https://www.markhowelllive.com/this-is-why-we-need-community/) - If you haven't heard, we lost our youngest son last Thursday when he was killed in a motorcycle accident. Eric was 19. He was full of life. He was known for his amazing smile and the relentless way he included people. Our last conversation with Eric centered on his excitement about next week's meeting of his small
- [What Does the Future of Small Group Ministry Look Like?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-does-the-future-of-small-group-ministry-look-like/) - What Does the Future of Small Group Ministry Look Like? Yesterday I posted 3 Reasons Your Old School Small Group Model Is Failing and as I published it I felt a little pang of regret. Why? I think I realized that I was sharing bad news without pointing you to what I believe is the preferred future.
- [Behind the Scenes: Preparing for a Church-Wide Campaign](https://www.markhowelllive.com/behind-the-scenes-preparing-for-a-church-wide-campaign/) - Behind the Scenes: Preparing for a Church-Wide Campaign What do you do to prepare for a church-wide campaign? When do you start preparing? What are the first steps that lead in the direction that maximizes your results? These are all good questions. And along with many other questions, these are the right questions. In today's
- [Launching a Church-Wide Campaign This Fall?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/launching-a-church-wide-campaign-this-fall/) - Launching a Church-Wide Campaign This Fall? What's your plan for the fall ministry season? Launching a church-wide campaign? I sure hope so! After all, it is the very best way to launch the largest number of new groups and connect the largest number of unconnected people. There are several ways I can help you: First,
- [Behind the Scenes: Promote Your Church-Wide Campaign Early and Often](https://www.markhowelllive.com/behind-the-scenes-promote-your-church-wide-campaign-early-and-often/) - One of our biggest ahas in learning to maximize the reach and impact of a church-wide campaign is that you gain a major advantage by promoting early and often. Although that may seem obvious (like, "good one Captain Obvious"), and you may think you're promoting early enough and often enough, it's very possible that just
- [Top 10 Reasons Church-Wide Campaigns Miss the Mark](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-reasons-church-wide-campaigns-miss-the-mark-2/) - Top 10 Reasons Church-Wide Campaigns Miss the Mark While there is no question that a church-wide campaign is the most powerful strategy for launching a wave of new groups, there is quite a difference between the results of a well conceived, well planned and well executed campaign and anything less. See also, Ranking the Most
- [FAQ: What's in a Host Kit?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-whats-in-a-host-kit/) - FAQ: What's in a Host Kit? I get questions. In fact, I get a LOT of questions. Sometimes they come directly to me via email or a comment here on the blog. Other times they come to me via a Facebook post or some other indirect route. Here’s one I get fairly often, even frequently. I get
- [[Review] Planning Small Groups with Purpose: A Field Tested Guide to Design and Grow Your Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/review-planning-small-groups-with-purpose-a-field-tested-guide-to-design-and-grow-your-ministry/) - I worked my way through, Planning Small Groups with Purpose: A Field Tested Guide to Design and Grow Your Ministry, the newest book from Steve Gladen, over the last couple weeks. I knew it was about to publish and asked for a review copy. Let me just say this: You are going to need a copy.
- [[Review] No Silver Bullets: 5 Small Shifts that Will Transform Your Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/review-no-silver-bullets-5-small-shifts-that-will-transform-your-ministry/) - Spent some time this week with No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry. The newest book from Daniel Daniel Im, director of Church Multiplication for NewChurches.com and LifeWay Christian Resources, No Silver Bullets is a very engaging read. While No Silver Bullets is not a small group ministry book, it has plenty
- [5 Things You Can Do in July that Lead to Way More Groups in the Fall](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-you-can-do-in-july/) - 5 Things to Do in July that Lead to Way More Groups in the Fall In April I gave you a list of 5 Things You Can Do in May that Lead to Way More Groups This Fall. Assuming you’re on target with April’s five…here’s what’s next. 5 things to do in July: Plan New
- [Leading Missional Communities: A Must-Read Resource](https://www.markhowelllive.com/leading-missional-communities/) - Spent some time with the newest book from Mike Breen and the 3DM team this week. Leading Missional Communities was released last fall and is the fourth and final book of their current series (includes Building a Discipling Culture, Multiplying Missional Leaders, and Leading Kingdom Movements). I really like the way the ideas of Building a
- [My 2018 Summer Reading List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/my-2018-summer-reading-list/) - I don't know about you, but summer always comes with the hope of a little slower pace and windows of time to read. Not that summer doesn't have its own important tasks, but there just seems to be a little extra time to push pause...and develop knowledge and abilities that will be needed in the
- [Get the Super Early-Bird Price for a few more days!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/get-the-super-early-bird-price-for-a-few-more-days/) - Will you take advantage of the Super Early Bird Price for GroupLife Southwest '18? I hope you’re planning to join us for GroupLife Southwest! And I really hope you’ll take advantage of the Super Early Bird Price of $129. But why should you join us at the GroupLife Southwest conference? That is a great question!
- [Better Together: Discover the Power of Community](https://www.markhowelllive.com/better-together-discover-the-power-of-community/) - Had a chance this week to spend some time with Better Together: Discover the Power of Community, a new book from Rusty George, Lead Pastor of Real Life Church in Valencia, California. I requested a copy of Better Together after I heard about the book in an interview with Rusty on the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast. I was
- [Win a FREE Bundle of Five Dates: Don't Work on Your Problems, Work on Your Togetherness](https://www.markhowelllive.com/win-a-free-bundle-of-five-dates/) - See Five Dates contest info below! I've spent some time with the newest resource from Mike Foster and I think you're going to want to know about this. Over the last several years Mike and his team have produced several of the most creative small group resources out there (Freeway, Wonderlife, Rescue Academy, etc.). Although
- [Add This Exercise to Your Innovation Toolkit](https://www.markhowelllive.com/add-this-exercise-to-your-innovation-toolkit/) - I don't know about you, but I love a good group exercise that will get a team talking about the way things are going. As we've talked about recently, it's one thing to vaguely know that you're not where you need to be. It's an entirely different thing to acknowledge the truth about where you
- [Are you a learner? (Note: Only Learners Succeed)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/are-you-a-learner-note-only-learners-succeed/) - My team is here in Atlanta to join 1100 others at RE;GROUP18 (North Point Ministries) small group ministry conference. It is a GREAT conference. For me, it is a can't-miss event. Why? Like everything North Point does, it is done with excellence, It is super creative. Tons of their Groups staff from all 6 of their
- [Will you take advantage of the Super Early Bird Price for GroupLife Southwest '18?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/will-you-take-advantage-of-the-super-early-bird-price-for-grouplife-southwest-18/) - Will you take advantage of the Super Early Bird Price for GroupLife Southwest '18? I hope you’re planning to join us for GroupLife Southwest! And I really hope you’ll take advantage of the Super Early Bird Price of $129. But why should you join us at the GroupLife Southwest conference? That is a great question!
- [[Review] Finding Favor: God's Blessings Beyond Health, Wealth and Happiness](https://www.markhowelllive.com/review-finding-favor-gods-blessings-beyond-health-wealth-and-happiness/) - [Review] Finding Favor: God's Blessings Beyond Health, Wealth and Happiness You know how there are some books you intend to read and you plan to read but it's like life gets in the way and you put off reading? I finally spent some time with Finding Favor over the weekend...and it was very timely. New
- [Would a leader training resource like this help you?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/would-leader-training-resource-like-this-help-you/) - I'm not sure about you, but as a small group pastor I'm always looking for better ways to develop small group leaders. Because I've been writing small group leader skill training articles for about a decade, if I want to help my leaders learn a particular skill, I just have to find the right article
- [What's the Best Way to Close a Meeting in Prayer?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-the-best-way-to-close-a-meeting-in-prayer/) - What's the Best Way to Close a Meeting in Prayer? I get a lot of questions. Some from readers and some from attendees at a workshop I'm giving. Here's a very common question, especially when I'm talking with new leaders. "What is the best way to close a group meeting in prayer?" Great question! But
- [[Review] The Problem of God](https://www.markhowelllive.com/review-the-problem-with-god/) - I've spent the last couple weeks working my way through a new book from Mark Clark. The Problem of God: Answering a Skeptic’s Challenges to Christianity is Clark's first book, but will certainly not be his only book. Well-written and engaging, it's easy to hear his voice all through it. Mark Clark is the Lead Pastor of
- [Will You Join Me (and hundreds of others) for GroupLife Southwest '18?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/will-you-join-me-and-hundreds-of-others-for-grouplife-southwest-18/) - Will You Join Me (and hundreds of others) for GroupLife Southwest '18? I hope you’re planning to join us for GroupLife Southwest! And I really hope you’ll take advantage of the Super Early Bird Price of $129. But why should you join us at the GroupLife Southwest conference? That is a great question! Here's why
- [3 Simple Changes You Can Make](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-simple-changes-you-can-make/) - Change is difficult for many people. Face it! Change is difficult for many of us! But, while some changes are big and take months of planning and loads of effort (not to mention a sleepless night or several), other changes can be quite powerful but be relatively easy to pull off. Know what I mean?
- [How to Make Next Steps Easier to Choose](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-make-next-steps-easier-choose/) - I've written about the importance of providing next steps that are easy, obvious, and strategic (see Think Steps, Not Programs and Making GroupLife On-Ramps Easy, Obvious, and Strategic). I've pointed out that we need to build strategies that feature next steps for everyone in your ministry and first steps for their friends. And I've ranted about
- [Could "Too Many Options" Be Limiting Your Small Group Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/could-too-many-options-be-limiting-your-small-group-ministry/) - Could "Too Many Options" Be Limiting Your Small Group Ministry? It may be counterintuitive, but it turns out that you can offer too many options. In what may seem to be one of the strangest paradoxes ever, it turns out that although we tend to believe more is better and we like to have options,
- [[Review] The Neighboring Church: Getting Better at What Jesus Says Matters Most](https://www.markhowelllive.com/review-the-neighboring-church-getting-better-at-what-jesus-says-matters-most/) - Spent the last week with The Neighboring Church: Getting Better at What Jesus Says Matters Most by Brian Mavis and Rick Rusaw. I read The Art of Neighboring in 2013 and frankly wasn't sure another book on the subject was needed, but let me tell you...another book was needed and it was The Neighboring Church. I'm so glad
- [Top 10 Reasons Leprechauns Rarely Join a Small Group](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-reasons-leprechauns-rarely-join-small-group/) - Today bein' St. Patrick's Day 'n all, I thought it might be somthin' fine to talk about some of the reasons Leprechauns rarely join a small group. Who really wants to share the pot of gold? Very few leprechauns are others-centered. Much too busy. Most leprechauns spend all of their time making shoes. What leprechaun
- [My Spring Sale Ends Tomorrow!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/my-spring-sale-ends-tomorrow/) - My Spring Sale ends TOMORROW! Click here to take advantage of the best price all year! Maybe you're tired of hearing this. Maybe you've just been ignoring my offer. And maybe, you've already decided GroupLife Insider is not for you. Regardless of what you might think at first glance, I hope you'll do me the
- [3 Misunderstandings that Limit Effective Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-misunderstandings-that-limit-effective-small-group-ministry/) - Have you been completely stuck in fixing something or repairing something or assembling something and realized much later that the reason you couldn't fix it or repair it and assemble it was that you didn't understand how it worked? Does this sound like something that's happened to you? And then later, when you finally understood
- [[Review] Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices of Apex Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/review-timeless-10-enduring-practices-of-apex-leaders/) - [Review] Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices of Apex Leaders I spent some time these last few days with a new book from Brian K. Dodd, a leading expert on leadership (and a prolific blogger on the topic). Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices of Apex Leaders is both personally challenging and a great read! The product of years
- [Win Two Free Registrations to re:group! (North Point's Groups Conference)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/win-two-free-registrations-to-regroup-north-points-groups-conference/) - Join Andy Stanley and the North Point Groups team for re:group, one of the very best small groups conferences I’ve ever attended! May 7-8, 2018 at North Point Community Church in Atlanta, Georgia. You’ll be inspired and equipped with the nuts and bolts of building a small group culture for adults. And they’ll do it in
- [Where do you get personal ministry coaching?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/where-do-you-get-personal-ministry-coaching/) - It takes all kinds. You might be the kind of person that skips over or avoids personal questions. But if you are that kind of person...I want to encourage you to spend 5 minutes and think about a few important ministry things. Can you do that? Okay? Good. Here are today's questions: Are you getting
- [Two BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS to make today](https://www.markhowelllive.com/two-big-announcements-to-make-today/) - Two BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS to make today That's right! I've making two big announcements today. Definitely big to me. Hopefully they are to you! GroupLife Southwest '18 First, GroupLife Southwest '18 is about to begin taking registrations! If you joined us in 2017, you know what you're in for (the feedback was very, very positive). If
- [[Review] I'd Like You More If You Were More Like Me](https://www.markhowelllive.com/review-id-like-you-more-if-you-were-more-like-me/) - I got to spend some time this week with the newest study from John Ortberg. I'd Like You More If You Were More Like Me is a 6 session DVD-driven study based on John Ortberg's newest book by the same title. Designed to help people in your church cultivate deep connections with one another and be a
- [Why We Do What We Do](https://www.markhowelllive.com/why-we-do-what-we-do/) - Why We Do What We Do Sometimes the life of a small group pastor/director is challenging.. Months of behind the scenes preparation and planning. Weeks of quiet attention to details. Waking up in the night remembering a detail that must be attended to. Recruiting volunteers. And then recruiting more volunteers. Coaxing, pleading, begging, gently challenging
- [The Quest: An Excursion Toward Intimacy with God](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-quest-an-excursion-toward-intimacy-with-god/) - Spent some time this week with the newest study from Beth Moore. The Quest: An Excursion Toward Intimacy with God is a 6 session study with an interesting new approach. First, different than the typical approach of a Beth Moore study (in-depth studies of the patriarchs of Genesis and books of the Bible) The Quest, focuses "entirely
- [Hero Maker: 5 Essential Practices for Leaders to Multiply Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/hero-maker-5-essential-practices-for-leaders-to-multiply-leaders/) - I've spent the last 10 days working my way through a new resource from Dave Ferguson and Warren Bird. Hero Maker: 5 Essential Practices for Leaders to Multiply Leaders is set to publish on March 13, 2018. Personally, I can't wait to pick up copies for both of the teams I serve on! Note: discover some special
- [How to Take Full Advantage of an Early Easter to Launch New Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-take-full-advantage-of-an-early-easter-to-launch-new-groups-2-2/) - In case you missed it, Easter 2018 is April 1st! Just about the earliest Easter can occur. This is big news for all of us, because an early Easter offers a third really good opportunity to connect unconnected people in groups (normally late September/early October and late January/early February are far better than post-Easter). Ordinarily,
- [Discerning the Voice of God: Revised and Expanded](https://www.markhowelllive.com/discerning-the-voice-of-god-revised-and-expanded/) - I spent some time this week with the revised and expanded version of Priscilla Shirer's classic study, Discerning the Voice of God. Have you seen it yet? So good! Shirer is one of today's most powerful speakers and Voice of God is a great example of what happens when she is in her element. The daughter
- [Review: The Forgotten Jesus: How Western Christians Should Follow an Eastern Rabbi](https://www.markhowelllive.com/review-the-forgotten-jesus-how-western-christians-should-follow-an-eastern-rabbi/) - Spent some time this week with a new DVD-driven study from Robby Gallaty and LifeWay.com. The Forgotten Jesus: How Western Christians Should Follow an Eastern Rabbi is a 6 session, DVD-driven study that offers western Christians fresh insights into the life and ministry Jesus, an eastern rabbi. You may recognize the author's name. I've reviewed several
- [How are you doing...really?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-are-you-doing-really-2/) - How are you doing...really? My senior pastor is one of those people that asks how you're doing and really wants to know. "How are you doing...really?" Anyone ask how you're doing like that? How about asking how your ministry is doing...really? How's your ministry doing...really? How would you answer that...today? "It's really doing great!" "It's
- [How deeply do you believe what you believe (about connecting people and making disciples)?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-deeply-do-you-believe-what-you-believe/) - How deeply do you believe what you believe (about connecting people and making disciples)? Have you ever really thought through what you believe about small group ministry? How it works? Why you do what you do? Ever found yourself waffling between on strategic initiative or another and really lack clarity about what makes the most
- [Start with Why](https://www.markhowelllive.com/start-with-why/) - I love this inspiring presentation by Simon Sinek. Filmed at the TED conference in September, 2009, it should be mandatory viewing if you are designing, developing or leading ministry of any kind. I've watched it at least 5 times. There are two fabulous illustrations (if you hang out here very much, you know why I
- [Here's the latest on GroupLife Insider](https://www.markhowelllive.com/heres-the-latest-on-grouplife-insider/) - GroupLife Insider Launched in Fall of 2017 Some of you have been asking about GroupLife Insider, the membership site I've been been planning and working on for over a year. Here's an update: GroupLife Insider is coming soon! I'm working hard behind the scenes, putting some finishing touches to the concept (what will be included,
- [Testing a Feature of GroupLife Insider on June 27th](https://www.markhowelllive.com/testing-a-feature-of-grouplife-insider-on-june-27th/) - GroupLife Insider Launched in Fall of 2017 I'm continuing to work on a new service I'll be launching soon. GroupLife Insider, a new member site, will allow me to focus more of my time helping a select group of small group ministry point people. Membership rates will be very affordable and available with a monthly or discounted
- [Testing a Feature of GroupLife Insider](https://www.markhowelllive.com/testing-a-feature-of-grouplife-insider/) - GroupLife Insider Launched in Fall 2017! Earlier this week I announced a new service I'll be launching soon. GroupLife Insider, a new member site, will allow me to focus more of my time helping a select group of small group ministry point people. Membership rates will be very affordable and available with a monthly or discounted
- [Coming Soon: GroupLife Insider](https://www.markhowelllive.com/coming-soon-grouplife-insider/) - GroupLife Insider Launched in Fall of 2017! To find out more about my membership site, please visit GroupLifeInsider.com. If you’ve ever wished for a coach, someone who could walk you through how to build a thriving small group ministry that really makes disciples…GroupLife Insider might be for you. If you’ve ever wished you could take
- [Frequently Asked Questions about Small Group Ministry 101: SGM101](https://www.markhowelllive.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-small-group-ministry-101-sgm101/) - Here are the most frequently asked questions (and the answers!) about SMALL GROUP MINISTRY 101 (SGM101) I've been leading our small group ministry for a couple years. Will Small Group Ministry 101 still help me? Almost certainly! If you got your start without a solid foundation, you could easily be trying to build something that can't be
- [The Challenge I Shared with the Groups Team Last Thursday](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-challenge-i-shared-with-the-groups-team-last-thursday-2/) - Where will you go in 2018? Where will you take your small group ministry? Last Thursday I shared two thoughts with the team I lead at Canyon Ridge. First thought: The first thought I shared was based on an Andy Stanley quote I've shared with you a million times over the last 10 years here
- [Top 10 Posts of 2017 (1 to 5)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-posts-of-2017-1-to-5/) - Top 10 Posts of 2017 (1 to 5) These are the top 5 new posts (written in 2017). If you read yesterday's post (Top 10 Posts of 2017 (6 to 10), you will surely notice the trend. And you can count on more in 2018! With that...take a look at my most popular posts of
- [Top 10 Posts of 2017 (6 - 10)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-posts-of-2017-6-10/) - We had a great year around here! Thanks for being part of the community! Every year I track the most popular posts (written in the current year). Here's #6 through 10. (See if you can spot the trend) You might want to review several of them. I think they'll help you as you prepare for
- [Life.Church's Open Network is a Powerful Resource...and it's FREE](https://www.markhowelllive.com/life-churchs-open-network-is-a-powerful-resource-and-its-free/) - Life.Church's Open Network is a Powerful Resource...and it's FREE Yesterday I posted an update about Anthology, North Point's FREE resource, Today, I want to make sure you know about Life.Church's Open Network resource. Although it's been open (see what I did there?) for several years now, there's a good chance you've missed out on all
- [Anthology: A FREE Resource from North Point Ministries You Need to Know About](https://www.markhowelllive.com/anthology-a-free-resource-from-north-point-ministries-you-need-to-know-about/) - Anthology: A FREE Resource from North Point Ministries If you're looking for ways to resource your small group leaders, North Point Ministries Anthology: Group Studies for Life & Faith needs to be on your radar. Have you already checked it out? Good for you! Are you using it? Hopefully! (Even if you already know about
- [My 2017 Christmas Reading List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/my-2017-christmas-reading-list/) - My 2017 Christmas Reading List Leaders are readers. What have you read in 2017? What will you read in 2018? My senior pastor while on staff during seminary told me you could tell when a person's mind died by the last copyrights on their bookshelves. I've always found that something to guard myself against. And
- [Here's What's on My Ministry "To Do" List for 2018](https://www.markhowelllive.com/heres-whats-on-my-ministry-to-do-list-for-2018/) - Here's What's on My Ministry "To Do" List for 2018 Every year about this time I begin assembling my "to do" list for the next year. This year is no different. But...this may be the most ambitious list I've made in quite a while! Here's what's on my list for 2018: Help build a leadership
- [Friday's List | December 1](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-december-1/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: The Death Of News, Re-Tribalization And The Future Church by Carey Nieuwhof. A great read! And a great insight into the Church. 5 Grave Dangers For Any Local Church by Dan Reiland. This post
- [Miss My 2018 Strategy Call Webinar? Get the Replay Right Here](https://www.markhowelllive.com/miss-my-2018-strategy-call-webinar-get-the-replay-right-here/) - Made your plans for 2018 yet? Why not take advantage of a little FREE coaching? Believe me, those who already watched the webinar would tell you It's an action packed hour and you will come away with four very actionable insights! You can watch the full replay* by signing up below. I'll also include the
- [Take Advantage of Black Friday Prices!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/take-advantage-of-black-friday-prices/) - Sorry! This promotion is over! Why should everybody else have all the fun? From Monday, November 20th thru Monday the 27th, take advantage of special pricing and save! GroupLife Insider Click here to get a one-year subscription to GroupLife Insider for $125! (save $25 to $55 off the normal price!). "I can't believe you're offering
- [It's HAPPENING! Don't Miss Out on My Black Friday Sale](https://www.markhowelllive.com/its-happening-dont-miss-out-on-my-black-friday-sale/) - Sorry! This promotion is over. That's right! I've cut prices on GroupLife Insider and many of my most popular mini-courses! And right now you can get them for 25 to 40% off my list price...but only thru Monday, November 27th! Here's a look at what I'm offering: GroupLife Insider is on sale! GroupLife Insider is
- [5 Keys to a Great Start in 2018](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-keys-to-a-great-start-in-2018-2/) - 5 Keys to a Great Start in 2018 Does it feel like it was just 2016? I don't know about you, but 2017 is a blur! It feels like I was planning 2017 just yesterday! Regardless of how it feels though, it is time to firm up plans for January/February and get going on some
- [Friday's List | November 17](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-november-17/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: EIGHT WAYS CHURCHES CAN LEVERAGE THE UBIQUITY OF SMARTPHONES by Thom Rainer. So plugged in to what is happening, Thom gives a good, simple look into the future that's already here. Pruning: Biblical
- [Are you getting the most out of MarkHowellLive.com?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/are-you-getting-the-most-out-of-markhowelllive-com/) - Are you getting the most out of MarkHowellLive.com? Almost every day I get a question from at least one long-time reader. And very often I get one from a new reader. And as much as I love getting questions, they remind me of the fact that with nearly 2300 articles, there's a lot here and
- [Plan Your 2018 GroupLife Strategy with These Concepts in Mind](https://www.markhowelllive.com/plan-your-2018-grouplife-strategy-with-these-concepts-in-mind/) - Do you want to connect people no one else is connecting? You know, not just the men and women that are looking for a group but the ones that never seem to respond to ordinary and routine groups campaigns. Not just the same old people that sign up and then don't show up...but the people
- [Join Me for GroupLife Strategy Call '18?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/join-me-for-grouplife-strategy-call-18/) - Join Me for GroupLife Strategy Call '18? Is your grouplife strategy ready for 2018? It's coming, you know! Depending on when you're reading this...you have less than 7 weeks to get ready for what could be the year you launch more new groups and connect more unconnected people than ever before! But the clock is
- [Friday's List | November 10](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-november-10/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: Sean Parker on Facebook’s Brain Hacking by Cal Newport on the Study Hacks blog. Leading Effectively When You Inherit a Mess by Ron Carucci on HBR. Great article and very applicable to many of
- [Thinking Thursday: Take "The Other" to Lunch](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thinking-thursday-take-the-other-to-lunch/) - "There's an angry divisive tension in the air that threatens to make modern politics impossible. Elizabeth Lesser explores the two sides of human nature within us (call them "the mystic" and "the warrior”) that can be harnessed to elevate the way we treat each other. She shares a simple way to begin real dialogue --
- [If I Was Starting Today...Part 7](https://www.markhowelllive.com/if-i-was-starting-today-part-7/) - (This is part 7 of a 7 part series. You can read part 1 right here) If I was starting over and knew then what I know now...I'd take advantage of the central role of the senior pastor. This is a huge concept and absolutely explains a key difference between churches that with groups and
- [FAQ: What about leaders that don't do what we want them to do?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-what-about-leaders-that-dont-do-what-we-want-them-to-do/) - I get questions. In fact, I get a LOT of questions. Sometimes they come directly to me via email or a comment here on the blog. Other times they come to me via a Facebook post or some other indirect route. Here's one I get fairly often, even frequently. I get you've asked or wondered a
- [3 Important Learnings from Bring Life (our 2017 fall campaign)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-important-learnings-from-bring-life-our-2017-fall-campaign/) - This year we produced Bring Life, a 7 week church-wide campaign at Canyon Ridge. We produced our own video content and also wrote the study guide and a 40 day devotional (we combined the two in a 160 page book). It wasn't the first campaign we've produced. We produced campaigns in 2012 and 2013 (and
- [Friday's List | November 3](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-november-3/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 4 Ways to Get Better at Deferred Gratification by Michael Hyatt. I don't know about you, but I'm very determined and can hold out for delayed gratification. But I can always get
- [Ray Dalio on Building a Company Where the Best Ideas Win](https://www.markhowelllive.com/ray-dalio-on-building-a-company-where-the-best-ideas-win/) - What if you knew what your coworkers really thought about you and what they were really like? Ray Dalio makes the business case for using radical transparency and algorithmic decision-making to create an idea meritocracy where people can speak up and say what they really think -- even calling out the boss is fair game.
- [If I Was Starting Today...Part 5](https://www.markhowelllive.com/if-i-was-starting-today-part-5/) - If I Was Starting Today...Part 5 (This is part 5 of a 7 part series. You can read part 1 right here) If I knew then what I know now, I'd work smarter to get the right people in the right seats on the bus. What do I mean? If I knew then what I know
- [If I Was Starting Today: Part 6](https://www.markhowelllive.com/if-i-was-starting-today6/) - (This is part 6 of a 7 part series. You can read part 1 right here) If I knew then what I know now...I'd work harder to make heroes out of the right people. That is, I'd carefully select the stories I'd make a big deal out of...and I'd make a big deal out of
- [RESOURCE: Andy Stanley on The Complexity of Purpose](https://www.markhowelllive.com/resource-andy-stanley-on-the-complexity-of-purpose/) - I spent some time this last weekend re-listening to a two-part Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast that I think you need to listen to, take notes, and put into practice. The Complexity of Purpose, Part One and Two, is so good and really too good to miss. It will have an immediate impact on your ministry
- [Hope you don't wait too long to get GroupLife Insider at the FOUNDER's Price!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/hope-you-dont-wait-too-long-to-get-grouplife-insider-at-the-founders-price/) - Hope you don't wait too long to get GroupLife Insider at the FOUNDER's price! As I roll out GroupLife Insider (GLI), my new membership site, I've been offering a screaming deal one year subscription for $125 (the regular price is $150 annually or $15 monthly). Many of my readers have told me I'm crazy to include
- [If I Was Starting Today...Part 4](https://www.markhowelllive.com/if-i-was-starting-today-part-4/) - If I Was Starting Today...Part 4 (This is part 4 of a 7 part series. You can read part 1 right here) If I knew then what I know now...I'd work harder to develop a sequence of spiritual next steps and I'd narrow our focus to include only the steps that actually lead to where
- [If I Was Starting Today: Part 5](https://www.markhowelllive.com/if-i-was-starting-today5/) - (This is part 5 of a 7 part series. You can read part 1 right here) If I knew then what I know now, I'd work smarter to get the right people in the right seats...on the bus. What do I mean? One of the most important principles from Jim Collins' Good to Great is
- [2 October Steps that Sustain New Groups through the Holidays](https://www.markhowelllive.com/2-october-steps-that-sustain-new-groups-through-the-holidays/) - I often say, "there's an upside and a downside to almost everything." Take starting new groups in September, for example. One of the real upsides of launching new groups in September is a fairly long run together before they hit the holidays. As those early weeks of September and October go by, group members are
- [Want to Help Me Test This: New to Small Group Ministry?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/want-to-help-me-test-this-new-to-small-group-ministry/) - A few weeks ago I launched Small Group Ministry Basic Training. It's FREE. It's designed to help people who are new to small group ministry (or perhaps need to look at it from a fresh point-of-view). I'd love your feedback. Want to help me test a new program? Here's the sign-up form: Subscribe to our
- [Looking for a New Church-Wide Campaign?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/looking-for-a-new-church-wide-campaign/) - Looking for a new church-wide campaign? Who isn't?!! One of the results of campaigns like the 40 Days of Purpose is that many churches have woken up to the potential of supplying their small groups with material that accompanies their message series. Often referred to as an alignment, getting everyone in your congregation involved in
- [The Latest On Church-Wide Campaigns (2010)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-latest-on-church-wide-campaigns-2010/) - CLICK HERE FOR MY 2017 LIST If you want to give your members a gift they'll never forget...use a church-wide campaign. What Rick Warren calls a spiritual growth emphasis can have an impact that your people will still be talking about 10 years from now. More importantly, done in the right way, a church-wide campaign
- [The Latest on Church Wide Campaigns (2012)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-latest-on-church-wide-campaigns-2012/) - 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
- [The Latest on Church-Wide Campaigns - 2016](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-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
- [The Latest on Church-Wide Campaigns (2014)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/latest-church-wide-campaigns-2014/) - 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 time.
- [THE LATEST ON CHURCH-WIDE CAMPAIGNS - 2017](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-latest-on-church-wide-campaigns-2017/) - 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 time. I’ve reviewed many of them
- [New Church-Wide Campaign from Bill Hybels: The Power of a Whisper](https://www.markhowelllive.com/new-church-wide-campaign-from-bill-hybels-the-power-of-a-whisper/) - The latest church-wide campaign is a 4 week DVD-driven experience called The Power of a Whisper. Featuring Bill Hybels and published by Zondervan, this one's going to get a lot of use in churches that are intent on developing fully devoted Christ followers...who really are following God's lead. The Power of a Whisper Curriculum Kit
- [Follow Me: A Powerful New DVD-Driven Study and Church-Wide Campaign](https://www.markhowelllive.com/follow-me-a-powerful-new-dvd-driven-study-and-church-wide-campaign/) - Are you truly a follower of Jesus? That is the central question of Follow Me, David Platt's new Bible study. Based on his new book by the same title, this is a challenging and important study that takes his teaching from Radical to a whole new depth. Anchored by a six session DVD, each of
- [HAVE YOU LOOKED INTO GROUPLIFE INSIDER? Get the FOUNDER'S Rate for a limited time](https://www.markhowelllive.com/have-you-looked-into-grouplife-insider-get-the-founders-rate-for-a-limited-time/) - HAVE YOU LOOKED INTO GROUPLIFE INSIDER? Get the FOUNDER'S Rate for a limited time! After preparing for over a year to launch GroupLife Insider it has finally happened! My new membership site is open for business and delivering lots of value for subscribers who want more! If you're serious about building thriving small group ministries
- [The Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders Is a Must-Add Resource](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-essential-guide-for-small-group-leaders/) - Finally had an opportunity this week to spend some time with a new resource from Bill Search. The Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders is Bill's first small group offering since Simple Small Groups was published in 2008. I loved his first book and was excited to dig into his new book. I was NOT disappointed. The
- [Skill Training: How to Add Meaningful Prayer Together to Your Group Meeting](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-add-meaningful-prayer-together/) - Skill Training: How to Add Meaningful Prayer Together to Your Group Meeting Two things are true about many small groups (if not almost every group): When your group is brand new feeling comfortable praying together is very challenging. New members often don't know each other and aren't yet sure they can trust each other. Lots
- [GroupLife Insider is launching today! Take Advantage of "Founder" Pricing](https://www.markhowelllive.com/grouplife-insider-is-launching-today-take-advantage-of-founder-pricing/) - GroupLife Insider is launching today! Take Advantage of "Founder" Pricing Well...I've been preparing to launch a membership site for over a year...AND IT'S FINALLY HAPPENED! If you're serious about building thriving small group ministries that connect people and make disciples in the 21st century, you're going to want to give GroupLife Insider serious consideration. As much
- [Organizational Culture: Must-Read and Listen Resources](https://www.markhowelllive.com/organizational-culture-must-read-and-listen-resources/) - Organizational Culture: Must-Read and Listen Resources You may consider the subject of organizational culture above your pay grade or a field of expertise that you don't need or that has little to do with building a thriving small group ministry. If that's you...I'm sorry, but I must beg you to reconsider. Instead, I believe it
- [The Most Recent Things I've Learned...AGAIN](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-most-recent-things-ive-learned-again/) - The Most Recent Things I've Learned...AGAIN "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Whether this famous one-liner was first said by Winston Churchill, Edmond Burke or George Santayana may be up for debate, but the truth of the statement isn't. One of the most important things we can do is
- [Growth's Counterintuitive First Step](https://www.markhowelllive.com/growths-conterintuitive-first-step/) - What do you do when you're trying to grow your ministry? Read a book? Go to a conference? Hire a consultant? Brainstorm? According to Peter Drucker, "The first step in a growth policy is not to decide where and how to grow. It is to decide what to abandon (Inside Drucker's Brain, p. 101)." Peter
- [5 Keys to Eliminating Embarrassing Oversights](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-keys-to-eliminating-embarrassing-oversights/) - 5 Keys to Eliminating Embarrassing Oversights You know that slap on the forehead moment when you realize you overlooked an important detail? Say, in your church-wide campaign or groups launch? Or in a small group leader gathering? Or maybe in your weekly team huddle? Those are the worst, aren't they?!! That moment when you realize
- [Dear Senior Pastor...](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dear-senior-pastor/) - Dear Senior Pastor... Just wanted to take a moment to remind you of a few things. Most of them you probably already know. A few you might've forgotten. One might be a complete surprise. First, if you want your church to be a church of groups you have to be the small group champion. First, if
- [Would you take a moment and help me with a couple things?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/would-you-take-a-moment-and-help-me-with-a-couple-things/) - I know it's not really our arrangement, but I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor. See...I've got a couple projects I'm working on and I'd love your opinion. If you're willing to help me, here's what I'd like to ask you to do: First, I've just announced the dates for GroupLife
- [Sunday* Tips for Small Group Pastors](https://www.markhowelllive.com/sunday-tips-for-small-group-pastors/) - Have you ever gotten to Sunday afternoon and then wished you would have remembered to talk with a group leader or coach about getting coffee? Or maybe realized as you were pulling out of the parking lot that you really should have reconfirmed what was going to be said in the announcements (or in your
- [New from Tony Evans - Add Detours to Your Recommended List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/add-detours-to-your-recommended-list/) - I spent some time this week with Detours: Lessons from Joseph: The Unpredictable Path to Your Destiny, the newest study from Tony Evans. Evans, has been the Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship for close to four decades and is one of America’s most dynamic preachers. A six session study, Detours uses the epic faith, life, and
- [You're Invited: Join My 2018 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network](https://www.markhowelllive.com/youre-invited-join-my-2018-small-group-ministry-coaching-network/) - My 2018 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 that works in the 21st century. The coaching network program will expose you to a new perspective. While it makes sense that in order to get different results
- [Friday's List | September 8](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-september-8/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 4 WAYS TO STAY POSITIVE IN WORK AND LIFE by Michael Hyatt. Michael's been reading Jon Gordon's newest book! How To Tell If A New Volunteer Is A Truly A Leader (Or Simply
- [Enter to Win Saddleback's New Small Group Leadership Training Kit](https://www.markhowelllive.com/enter-to-win-saddlebacks-new-small-group-leadership-training-kit/) - I spent some time this week with the Small Group Leadership Training Kit, a great new comprehensive resource from Steve Gladen and the Saddleback Small Group Team. The Small Group Leadership Training Kit includes everything (and I mean everything) you need to engage, equip, empower, and energize your small group leaders "to do life with purpose."
- [3 Game-Changing Adjustments You Can Make](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-game-changing-adjustments-you-can-make/) - 3 Game-Changing Adjustments You Can Make They say one of Bill Belichick's (head coach of New England Patriots) greatest strengths is his ability to make adjustments at halftime. Not every coach has that ability. Some play on hoping that the second half will be different (Einstein's definition of insanity). Others explain difficulties away as flukes
- [You'll Be Amazed by My Labor Day Flash Sale Prices (20% to 50% OFF)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/youll-be-amazed-by-my-labor-day-flash-sale-prices-20-to-50-off/) - Sorry! This sale has ended! Need to take your small group ministry to the next level but not sure what to do first or how to do it? I might be able to help! 20% to 50% Off Mini-Courses and Coaching Calls One of my small group ministry mini-courses might be just the thing you
- [How are you doing...really?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-are-you-doing-really/) - How are you doing...really? Do you have one of those people in your life? You know, the ones that ask how you're doing and actually want to know? Or to be correct, really want to know? "Hey, good morning. How ya doin? We all have the people that ask as a pleasantry. Or even a
- [Friday's List | September 1](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-september-1/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: ONE SIMPLE TRICK TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE by Michael Hyatt. This is a great roadmap. I'm putting several of these to work next week. 5 Good Reasons A Church
- [Add "You Are Free" to Your Recommended List (New from Rebekah Lyons)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/add-you-are-free/) - Next up on my stack of small group studies to review is You Are Free: Be Who You Already Are, a new study for women by Rebekah Lyons. Lyons is probably best known as the co-founder of Q Ideas (with her husband Gabe), a non-profit that convenes and equips Christians to influence culture. She's also a best-selling
- [How to Reach Milestones (on the way to your preferred future)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-reach-milestones/) - How to Reach Milestones (on the way to your preferred future) In today's post I want to explain a process that I think will help all of you. Since all of us are attempting to build a thriving small group ministry, one of the things we must learn is how to identify the preferred future
- [Visualize, Prioritize, Optimize and Supersize (Your Small Group Ministry)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/visualize-prioritize-optimize-and-supersize-your-small-group-ministry/) - Visualize, Prioritize, Optimize, and Supersize (Your Small Group Ministry) You know how they say what got you here won't get you there? How sometimes what worked before definitely isn't working anymore? Or isn't working the way it needs to for continued growth and momentum? With over 25 years experience in small group ministry I've learned that
- [Friday's List | August 25](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-august-25/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: Radical Candor — The Surprising Secret to Being a Good Boss by Kim Scott. Hands down, the best thing I've read or listened to this week. HT @TerryStorch. WHEN DELEGATION BECOMES ABDICATION by
- [New from James Bryan Smith: The Magnificent Story Is a Great Addition](https://www.markhowelllive.com/new-from-james-bryan-smith-the-magnificent-story-is-a-great-addition/) - My review copy of The Magnificent Story by James Bryan Smith arrived a few days ago and I've been spending some great time with it. A new book from Smith is something I can't wait to see and regularly come back to. I read and give away a lot of books. I never part with
- [Add We Saved You a Seat to Your Recommended List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/add-we-saved-you-a-seat-to-your-recommended-list/) - Spent some time with We Saved You a Seat: Finding and Keeping Lasting Friendships, a new study by Lisa-Jo Baker. As you should be able to tell by the title, this study is designed from the outset as something more than understanding friendship. It really is designed to help members get past the barriers that limit
- [Friday's List | August 18](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-august-18/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 7 THINGS TO ASK WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN by Michael Hyatt. I love questions and this post is packed with great questions. 3 Easy Ways To Know The Quality Of Your Leadership by Carey
- [Thinking Thursday: Angela Lee Duckworth on Grit](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thinking-thursday-angela-lee-duckworth-on-grit/) - If you missed the Global Leadership Summit and didn't get to hear Angela Lee Duckworth talk about as a predictor of success...here is her TED talk on the topic. P.S. Her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance is next up on my reading list. You can read the rest of my Thinking Thursday posts right here.
- [FAQ: WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO LAUNCH NEW SMALL GROUPS?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-whats-the-best-way-to-launch-new-small-groups/) - FAQ: WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO LAUNCH NEW SMALL GROUPS? What’s the best way to launch new small groups? Ever asked that one? I get asked that question a lot…probably more than any other question. And for good reason, after all, who isn’t trying to increase the number of groups (and the number of people
- [Would this help you launch more new groups this fall?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/would-this-help-you-launch-more-new-groups-this-fall/) - Would this help you launch more new groups this fall? If your church is like most churches, the fall ministry season is an important part of your annual strategy. As school begins and summer vacations come to an end there is often an attendance bump. In some communities the end of summer and the beginning
- [Friday's List | August 11](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-august-11/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 5 Unfortunate Trade-Offs Churches Are Making Today by Austin Savage on TonyMorganLive.com. Very interesting. The Content Battle: When Google Has the Answers to Questions the Church Should be Addressing by Tiffany Deluccia on TonyMorganLive.com.
- [HELP YOUR NEW AND EXPERIENCED SMALL GROUP LEADERS THIS FALL](https://www.markhowelllive.com/help-your-new-and-experienced-small-group-leaders-this-fall/) - HELP YOUR NEW AND EXPERIENCED SMALL GROUP LEADERS THIS FALL There are a few things you can do to help your newest leaders and your most experienced leaders this fall. Help them choose the right study for their group. Obviously, if you're launching a church-wide campaign you'll be encouraging all of your group leaders to
- [Friday's List | August 4](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-august-4/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: THESE 6 QUESTIONS WILL REVEAL HOW WELL YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS by Karina Kreminski on Outreach.com. Great set of questions. Very, very compelling. How To Respond To A Culture You Don’t Like Anymore by Carey
- [Friday's List | June 23](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-june-23/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: The Top 7 Reasons Guests Return To Your Church by Dan Reiland. How does your church stack up with this list?. THESE 6 QUESTIONS WILL REVEAL HOW WELL YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS by Karina Kreminski
- [Must-Read: Add Gospel Fluency to Your Discipleship Resource List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/must-read-add-gospel-fluency-to-your-discipleship-resource-list/) - Spent some time over the last couple weeks with a new book from Jeff Vanderstelt. Let me tell you, if you're trying to make more and better disciples...you're going to want to read this one. Gospel Fluency: Speaking the Truth of Jesus into the Everyday Stuff of Life is the latest book from Vanderstelt, the visionary leader
- [4 THINGS TO WORK ON IN AUGUST (that will launch more groups in September)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-things-to-work-on-in-august-that-will-launch-more-groups-in-september/) - What's there to do in August? You might think it's the dog days of summer, but it's really the calm before the storm! And there are some pretty important things to do that if you do them...you will reap a bigger harvest. 4 THINGS TO WORK ON IN AUGUST First, there's still time to recruit
- [Friday's List | July 28](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-july-28/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 4 Work-Life Questions to Ponder on Vacation This Summer by Art Markman on Fast Company. HT Tim Stevens. Are You Too Busy? Read This Before You Answer by Phil Cooke. Very much a challenging
- [Take a Look at Proven - New from Jennie Allen](https://www.markhowelllive.com/take-a-look-at-proven-new-from-jennie-allen/) - Proven: Where Christ's Abundance Meets Our Great Need Spent some time this week with the latest study from Jennie Allen. Proven: Where Christ's Abundance Meets Our Great Need appeared on the scene earlier in 2017 and it needs to be on your radar. I've reviewed two of Allen's previous studies (Restless and Chase) and have routinely been impressed with
- [4 THINGS YOU CAN DO THAT IMMEDIATELY LAUNCH MORE GROUPS AND CONNECT MORE PEOPLE](https://www.markhowelllive.com/things-you-can-do/) - Some strategies take time to work. For example, changing your small group ministry model will make a big difference, but probably a little less immediate. Running a "turbo group" of potential leaders with the assumption that after they have experienced healthy and authentic community as they've participated can lead to a number of new groups...eventually.
- [Frequently Asked Questions about How to Choose the Best Small Group Model for Your Church](https://www.markhowelllive.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-how-to-choose-the-best-model/) - Here are the most frequently asked questions (and the answers!) about How to Choose the Best Small Group Model for Your Church: Is the small group model we're using really that important? Great question! The model you use is vitally important because it really is the design of your ministry. And, as Andy Stanley has well
- [Friday's List | July 21](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-july-21/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: How To Respond To A Culture You Don’t Like Anymore by Carey Nieuwhof. Read this TODAY. If you find what I write occasionally challenging, you'll be challenged by this article...in a very good
- [Add this Hearing God DVD (featuring Dallas Willard) to Your Recommended List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/add-this-hearing-god-dvd-featuring-dallas-willard-to-your-recommended-list/) - I had a rare privilege this week. I spent several hours with Dallas Willard, Richard Foster and John Ortberg. Not live, but on a very special video captured at a Renovaré event designed to introduce the core themes of Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God, Willard's classic, first published in 1999. This paragraph, from
- [Growing in Gospel Fluency](https://www.markhowelllive.com/growing-in-gospel-fluency/) - "Those who are growing in gospel fluency are experiencing ongoing transformation themselves. They are experiencing ongoing change as the truths of the gospel are brought to bear on their thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and actions, transforming them into greater Christlikeness every day. They are growing up into Christ in every way because they are learning to
- [Friday's List | July 14](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-july-14/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 5 Ways To Become A Better Leader…Today by Carey Nieuwhof. Apply these today! Not profound, but very timely for all of us. Marc Andreessen: “Take the Ego out of Ideas” This is a great
- [Don't Miss The Apostles Creed by Matt Chandler](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dont-miss-the-apostles-creed-by-matt-chandler/) - Finally had an opportunity this week to spend some time with The Apostles' Creed, the newest small group study from Matt Chandler. Chandler, Lead Teaching Pastor of the Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas, and President of the Acts 29 Network, is widely regarded as one of America's finest communicators. He's also the author of
- [HAS THE POST-CHRISTIAN METRIC ALTERED YOUR STRATEGY YET?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/has-the-post-christian-metric-altered-your-strategy-yet/) - HAS THE POST-CHRISTIAN METRIC ALTERED YOUR STRATEGY YET? I hope you're actively aware of and already beginning to address the realities of what many are calling "the post-Christian era." If you're not, there is a very good chance that some of your connecting and discipling strategies are actually outdated and no longer suitable for a
- [TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY SKILL TRAINING SERIES (for leaders, hosts and coaches)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/take-advantage-of-my-skill-training-series/) - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY SKILL TRAINING SERIES (for leaders, hosts and coaches) Over the last several years I've written over 50 articles designed to help small group leaders, hosts and small group coaches improve in an essential skill. For example, how to find new members for your group, learn to pray together, or stimulate better discussions.
- [10 IDEAS THAT SHAPE MY PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-ideas-that-shape-my-philosophy-of-ministry/) - 10 IDEAS THAT SHAPE MY PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY Have you spent much time thinking about your philosophy of ministry? Your own philosophy of ministry (whether you've ever written it down or verbalized it) is actually the foundation for many of the decisions you make. Why do you choose the strategies you choose? Why do you
- [Friday's List | July 7](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-july-7/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: The Agile Church: 5 Ways to Lead Through Change by Tony Morgan. Short and sweet, this will give you some important things to chew on. The Surprisingly Little Known Secret to Reaching More People
- [What Does Your Percentage Connected Say about Your Ministry Design?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-does-your-percentage-connected-say-about-your-ministry-design/) - What Does Your Percentage Connected Say about Your Ministry Design? As Thomas Jefferson pointed out in the Declaration of Independence, some truths are self-evident. "That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Another truth that I
- [Friday's List | June 30](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-june-30/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 40 Years From Now, The U.S. Could Look Like Las Vegas by Jed Kolko on FiveThirtyEight. You may not live in Las Vegas, but this is a fascinating look at diversity (age, race
- [Add The Culture Engine to Your Personal Development List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/add-the-culture-engine-to-your-personal-development-list/) - I've been spending some time this month with The Culture Engine by S. Chris Edmonds. Edmonds is the founder and CEO of The Purposeful Culture Group and the best selling author or co-author of seven books, including his latest book, The Culture Engine, and Ken Blanchard’s Leading at a Higher Level. I picked The Culture Engine up because this
- [5 Things to Do in July that Lead to Way More Groups This Fall](https://www.markhowelllive.com/things-to-do-in-july/) - 5 Things to Do in July that Lead to Way More Groups This Fall In May I gave you a list of 5 Things You Can Do in May that Lead to Way More Groups This Fall. Assuming you’re on target with May’s five…here’s what’s next. 5 things to do in July: Plan New HOST
- [What Do You Believe about Groups that Actually Isn't True?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-do-you-believe-about-groups-that-actually-isnt-true/) - What Do You Believe about Groups that Actually Isn't True? When you think about small groups and small group ministry, the way they work and don't work, what they are and aren't, what they can do and can't do...what do you believe about groups, that actually isn't true? What do you believe about groups...that actually isn't true?
- [Friday's List | June 16](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-june-16/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 3 Truths About The Accelerating Pace Of Change And Leadership by Carey Nieuwhof. So good! Read this today! How to Lead Your Team in the Same Direction by Dan Reiland. Always great stuff.
- [Don't Miss The Disciple Maker's Handbook! A Great Addition](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dont-miss-the-disciple-makers-handbook-a-great-addition/) - Worked my way through a new book by Bobby Harrington and Josh Patrick. The Disciple Maker’s Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle is Harrington's latest contribution to the relational disciple-making conversation. Harrington is the lead pastor of Harpeth Christian Church in Franklin, TN, and also the founder of Discipleship.org (along with Todd Wilson of Exponential). Although I found
- [My Top Small Group Ministry Learnings 2016 - 2017](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-small-group-ministry-learnings-2016-2017/) - I like to think of myself as a learner. On the StrengthsFinder tool I am also futuristic with a twist of ideation. I've been called a mad scientist (and it's one of my favorite tags). At one stop I almost convinced my boss that my new title should be The Destructor of the Status Quo.
- [4 Things Small Groups Are Not (or shouldn't be)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/4-things-small-groups-are-not/) - 4 Things Small Groups Are Not (or shouldn't be) I've written a lot about what small group ministries should be (to thrive, to be effective, etc.). But I don't think I've ever written about what small groups aren't or shouldn't be. See also, 10 Powerful Benefits of a Thriving Small Group Ministry. Take a few minutes
- [FAQ: What's the Best Way to Connect the Largest Number of Unconnected People?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-whats-the-best-way-to-connect-the-largest-number-of-unconnected-people/) - What's the Best Way to Connect the Largest Number of Unconnected People? There are frequently asked questions...and then there are FREQUENTLY asked questions. This is one of the most frequent questions I am asked. "What's the best way to connect the largest number of unconnected people?" Usually, the asker has done the math and realized
- [Friday's List | June 9](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-june-9/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: One Thing That Separates Good Leaders From Great Leaders by Dan Reiland. This is a great article. Love the quote from Jim Collins. 3 Strategic Questions to Help Your Church Get “Unstuck.” by
- [2017 Summer Reading List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/2017-summer-reading-list/) - Every summer I create a list of books I think you should read. Sometimes the books I include are strictly about small group ministry, discipleship or spiritual formation. Most 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 didn’t
- [Friday's List | June 2](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-june-2/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 7 Things That Get Harder As Your Church Grows by Carey Nieuwhof. Things do change and get harder and more complicated. How to Lead Your Church Through Adversity by Dan Reiland. Always good.
- [To Do List: Start These Projects Before Summer](https://www.markhowelllive.com/to-do-list-start-these-projects-before-summer/) - Earlier this month I posted 5 Things You Can Do in May that Lead to WAY More Groups This Fall. Whether you acted on that list or not, here are the projects you should be starting before summer: Pitch or Plan a Fall Church-Wide Campaign If you haven't pitched or planned a fall church-wide campaign...NOW is
- [Friday's List | May 26](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-may-26/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: John Grisham’s 15-Hour Workweek by Cal Newport on the Study Hacks blog. Very interesting. 7 Ways Otherwise Great Leaders Blow It When Leading Change by Carey Nieuwhof. Great read for everyone leading change. A
- [Francis Chan on Making Disciples](https://www.markhowelllive.com/francis-chan-on-making-disciples/) - "Making disciples is all about seeing people transformed by the power of God's Word. If you want to see that happen in others, you need to be experiencing such transformation yourself." Francis Chan You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Sam Greenhalgh
- [5 Signs It's Time to Reroute Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-signs-its-time-to-reroute-your-small-group-ministry/) - GPS systems have been around for some time now. These days you've got one in your pocket whether you use an Android or an iPhone. The first time I used a Garmin (GPS) I was driving from Charlotte, NC, to Abingdon, VA. My commuter flight from Charlotte had been cancelled and the next flight would
- [Friday's List | May 19](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-may-19/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: Myth of Balance Between Ministry, Work, and Life by Frank Bealer on TonyMorganLive.com. Great read for today. Hope you read it! How I Recovered From Burnout: 12 Keys To Finding Your New Normal by
- [Friday's List | May 12](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-may-12/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 5 Things That Are NOT A Badge Of Honor In Leadership by Carey Nieuwhof. This is an important list for a lot of us. Me included. EIGHT REASONS CHURCHES BECAME TOO BUSY
- [Dann Spader on the Signature Card of True Disciples](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dann-spader-on-the-signature-card-of-true-disciples/) - "Love is the signature card of true disciples. Disciple making cannot happen apart from loving, caring relationships--both tough and tender." Dann Spader You can read more from my Quotebook right here.
- [Take a Look at Life.Church's Open Network](https://www.markhowelllive.com/take-a-look-at-life-churchs-open-network/) - I've pointed you to what Life.Church is doing in the past. Small group ministry ideas, church-wide campaigns and a number of Craig Groeschel's books. As I was scouting for church-wide campaign ideas, I remembered one I had heard about earlier this year from Craig Groeschel and Life.Church. Two or three minutes of poking around in
- [What's your most recent learning?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-your-most-recent-learning/) - What's your most recent learning? What's your most recent learning? I've been thinking a lot about this recently. I remember sitting in a staff meeting at the first church I ever got paid to work at and hearing my pastor say that you could tell what year someone stopped learning by looking at the copyright dates
- [Friday's List | May 5](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-may-5/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 5 Core Essentials Far Too Many Christian Leaders Stupidly Sacrifice by Carey Nieuwhof. Please don't skip this one. So important for all of us. THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK OF YOUR CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS
- [Cause and Effect in Corporate Culture](https://www.markhowelllive.com/cause-and-effect-in-corporate-culture/) - "A company's culture evolves over time based upon the beliefs and thoughts of its leaders (cause) and that logically leads to consistent behavior, decisions, and actions demonstrated by members that live in that company's culture (effect)." The Culture Engine, p. 9 You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Craig Sunter
- [Would Small Group Ministry Basic Training Help You?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/would-small-group-ministry-basic-training-help-you/) - I want to invite you to join me for my new 6 session mini-course: Small Group Ministry Basic Training. Whether you're on the paid staff as a small group pastor or director or a passionate volunteer dedicating your time and energy to champion small group ministry...this course will help you understand and implement the basics. Here's
- [Friday's List | April 28](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-april-28/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 20 Life And Leadership Lessons I Learned From Reggie Joiner by Carey Nieuwhof. Very good read on one of ministry's best thinkers. 7 Things Every Leader Should Banish Starting Today by Carey Nieuwhof.
- [Dilbert on Organizational Culture](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dilbert-on-organizational-culture/) - Sometimes, you just need to laugh... More from Dilbert on our kind of stuff.
- [An Analysis of the Church-Wide Campaign-Driven Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/an-analysis-of-the-church-wide-campaign-driven-strategy/) - An Analysis of the Church-Wide Campaign-Driven Strategy Unlike the Free Market system or the Sermon-Based system (both of which are also very commonly semester systems), the Church-Wide Campaign-Driven strategy is actually part of a system and not the whole shebang. For example, at Canyon Ridge we use several different strategies designed to connect people to
- [Simon Sinek on Living on Purpose](https://www.markhowelllive.com/simon-sinek-on-living-on-purpose/) - "Most of us live our lives by accident - we live it as it happens. Fulfillment comes when we live our lives on purpose." Simon Sinek You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by ThoroughlyReviewed
- [Friday's List | April 21](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-april-21/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 5 Key Principles Every Leader Should Master by Carey Nieuwhof. Very important read. Read it today. RECOVERING THE LOST ART OF NOTE TAKING by Michael Hyatt. Very helpful and motivating. Early Signs
- [Dallas Willard on the Most Important Thing in Life](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dallas-willard-on-the-most-important-thing-in-life/) - “The most important thing in your life is not what you do; it’s who you become. That’s what you will take into eternity." Dallas Willard You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Robert Young
- [Can you imagine THIS?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/can-you-imagine-this/) - Imagine a world where people were skeptical of what we believed, but envious of how well we treated one another, and shocked at how well we treated them!” Andy Stanley I love this line!
- [What would this be worth to you?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-would-this-be-worth-to-you/) - What would this be worth to you? (I'd love your feedback! I've included a short survey below) If you've been reading what I've been posting at MarkHowellLive.com for very long, you are just the person I want to ask a few questions! (And if you are new to my blog, I want to ask you
- [Friday's List | April 14](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-april-14/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: The Lie Of Inspiration (5 Reasons Waiting Almost Never Makes You Better) by Carey Nieuwhof. Very insightful and several very practical ideas. 3 Questions About Your Key Relationships by Dan Reiland. A
- [Friday's List | April 7](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-april-7/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 10 Best Practices Of Super Healthy Leaders by Carey Nieuwhof. Great stuff. The Danger of Restlessness by Dan Reiland. Now, what I've seen has a name. Why Are Maker Schedules So Rare? by Cal
- [What Do You Do for Fun...with Your Groups Team?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-do-you-do-for-fun/) - What Do You Do for Fun...with Your Groups Team? Couple assumptions here. First, whether you're in a church of a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand, I'm assuming you are building the groups team you'll need if you want to build a thriving small group ministry. And trust me, this is not about staffing. This is
- [New from Andy Stanley: Christian: It's Not What You Think](https://www.markhowelllive.com/new-from-andy-stanley-christian-its-not-what-you-think/) - Had a chance this week to review Andy Stanley's newest DVD-driven study, Christian: It's Not What You Think. Wow! So good. Based on a series that North Point did about this time last year, this 8 week series will be a great study for many groups. Stanley's central idea is that the words used today
- [Friday's List | March 31](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-march-31/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 7 Signs What’s Driving You Is Beginning To Destroy You by Carey Nieuwhof. I needed this. You might too. Your Congregation May Experience “Request Fatigue." by Dan Reiland. Very thought-provoking. Does Your Church Website
- [Simon Sinek on Goals](https://www.markhowelllive.com/simon-sinek-on-goals/) - "The goal is not to be perfect by the end, the goal is to be better today." Simon Sinek This is a great way to think about your preferred future and the milestones along the way. Keeping one eye on the preferred future and the other on the next milestone propels you in the right
- [The Truth at the Very Center of What I Do](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-truth-at-the-very-center-of-what-i-do/) - The Truth at the Very Center of What I Do I've been preparing for this week for months. Monday and Tuesday small group pastors and teams showed up from around the country for GroupLife Southwest '17. Today and tomorrow the members of my 2017 coaching network are here for 8 hours of intensive work on
- [What Are You Expecting?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-are-you-expecting/) - “For God wishes to be seen, and He wishes to be sought, and He wishes to be expected, and He wishes to be trusted.” –Julian of Norwich. I heard a many great lines today at GroupLife Southwest '17. Mindy Caliguire used this quote from Julian of Norwich (a 14th century Christian mystic and theologian) to
- [Easter 2017 Comes Once. Take Advantage of It!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/easter-2017-comes-once-take-advantage-of-it/) - I should make a list of the things that make me angry. At least the ministry things that make me angry. So far, I haven't turned over a table or anything. But there are definitely things that make me mad. One of them is when leaders decide to wait until next year. That is a
- [Want to Peek into GroupLife Southwest '17?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/want-to-peek-into-grouplife-southwest-17/) - Want to Peek into GroupLife Southwest '17? GroupLife Southwest '17 begins this morning! Can't wait to hear what our speakers have in store. I wish we were able to stream the conference, but we can't (at least this year). But...I plan to livestream on Facebook moments throughout the next two days. If you've liked and/or
- [Friday's List | March 24](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-march-24/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: When Large Churches Get Stuck: Reducing the Span of Care by Tony Morgan. Several great insights that will help you think about growing your church and what might be keeping you stuck. Does
- [Dilbert on Reasons vs Excuses](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dilbert-on-reasons-vs-excuses/) - Sometimes...you just need to laugh. And sometimes, we can see past the laugh to see ourselves. You can have more laughs right here.
- [Peter Thiel on Best Practices and Dead Ends](https://www.markhowelllive.com/peter-thiel-on-best-practices-and-dead-ends/) - "Today's Best Practices lead down dead ends; the best paths are new and untried" Peter Thiel, Zero to One Sometimes we are on a hunt for best practices. The truth is, a best practice can take you quickly to the best way a particular thing can be done. Thiel's point is that there are times
- [YOU can still make it to GroupLife Southwest '17!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/you-can-still-make-it-to-grouplife-southwest-17/) - YOU can still make it to GroupLife Southwest '17! That's right! It's not too late! Call a friend (or two). Throw a few things in an overnight bag, Find your sunglasses and flip flops. Redeem those miles you've been saving for a last minute getaway. And come to GroupLife Southwest '17 in Las Vegas! Listen,
- [How to Launch a Short-Term On-Campus Strategy (that leads to off-campus groups)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-launch-a-short-term-on-campus-strategy/) - How to Launch a Short-Term On-Campus Strategy (that leads to off-campus groups) I've written about this several times, but haven't ever put the nuts-and-bolts in one place. This short-term on-campus strategy (that leads to off-campus groups) is so effective it has become a third component of our yearly approach (alongside an annual church-wide campaign and
- [Friday's List | March 17](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-march-17/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 3 Key Components for Healthy Leadership Development: An Interview with Eric Geiger. Good stuff here and a great look into Designed to Lead: The Church and Leadership Development Yuval Harari Works Less Than
- [Quotebook: Speaking the Last 10 Percent](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-speaking-the-last-10-percent/) - "Sometimes love must be bold. Bold enough to say things to one another that we usually lack the courage to say. Bill Hybels calls it 'saying the last 10 percent.' We will usually say 90 percent of the encouraging words, or 90 percent of the hard-to-hear words of truth, but we usually hold back from
- [Insight: The Upside of a Scorecard over a Job Description](https://www.markhowelllive.com/insight-the-upside-of-a-scorecard/) - I'm frequently asked for a sample job description for small group pastors. Generally it is a senior pastor or executive pastor asking for a copy (to use as they enter the hunt to hire a small group pastor). I tell them, "We don't use a job description at Canyon Ridge, but I can share my
- [Friday's List | March 10](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-march-10/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: Amazon's Leadership Principles This is a very interesting page in the Amazon's Jobs section of their site. Even a quick look will reward and probably prompt a more thorough examination. Should provoke some
- [Quotebook: Unconnected People](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-unconnected-people/) - "Unconnected people are one tough thing away from never being at your church again. Loss of a job. Divorce or separation. A devastating diagnosis. A child in trouble." You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Jan Nagalski
- [Still Time to Grab the Insider Discount for GroupLife Southwest!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/still-time-to-grab-the-insider-discount-for-grouplife-southwest/) - GroupLife Southwest '17 Is Less Than 3 Weeks Away! Special Note: I've included a discount code below to allow you to take advantage of a discount code for an even better price on registration. What's an EVEN BETTER price? How about $124.95? If you think that's a good price, you can register today by entering
- [Friday's List | March 3](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-march-3/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: Want To Be More Creative? Start Acting Like Children by Phil Cooke. Excellent! The State of the Plate 2016 by Greg Atkinson. Very good insights from a report authored by Brian Kluth of
- [Bill Taylor on the True Measure of Success](https://www.markhowelllive.com/bill-taylor-on-the-true-measure-of-success/) - "The goal today, the true definition of success, is not to try to be the best at what lots of other people are already doing. It's to be the only one who does what you do. What do you promise that no one else can promise." Bill Taylor You can read more from my Quotebook
- [Take Advantage of an INSIDER Discount for GroupLife Southwest '17](https://www.markhowelllive.com/take-advantage-of-an-insider-discount-for-grouplife-southwest-17/) - GroupLife Southwest '17 is 4 Weeks Away! Special Note: I've included a discount code below to allow you to take advantage of a discount code for an even better price on registration. What's an EVEN BETTER price? How about $124.95? If you think that's a good price, you can register today by entering the
- [GroupLife Southwest '17 is 6 Weeks Away! (Don't miss THIS price)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/grouplife-southwest-17-is-6-weeks-away-dont-miss-this-price/) - GroupLife Southwest '17 is 6 Weeks Away! Just Added: Mike Foster! You may be getting tired of hearing about it. If you are...please forgive me. I just can't let this learning opportunity and experience slip past without doing everything in my power to encourage you, persuade you, and even twist your arm a little
- [3 Things You Can Do This Week to Connect More People After Easter](https://www.markhowelllive.com/3-things-you-can-do-this-week-to-connect-more-people-after-easter/) - 3 Things You Can Do This Week to Connect More People After Easter There are three ideal times to connect unconnected people every year. In most churches, late September/early October has the most potential followed by late January/early February. A couple weeks after Easter presents a third very promising option to connect unconnected people. It's
- [Friday's List | February 24](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-february-24/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: The 46 Rules of Genius by Brian K. Dodd. First of all, be sure you're subscribed to Brian's blog. He regularly posts some very good stuff and his weekly top 10 Leadership
- [FAQ: What Is the Best Way to Connect Member Sign-Ups with Leaders?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-what-is-the-best-way-to-connect-member-sign-ups-with-leaders/) - FAQ: What Is the Best Way to Connect Member Sign-Ups with Leaders? I get questions. I get a LOT of questions. Sometimes they come directly to me via email or a comment here on the blog. Other times they come to me via a Facebook post or some other indirect route. Here's a question that
- [Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3](https://www.markhowelllive.com/testing-testing-1-2-3/) - I test things. I test new small group strategies. I test new ways to appeal to unconnected people. I test new ways to identify potential group leaders and coaches. I test new ways to communicate with leaders. I test things. And I hope you do too! Right now I am testing the potential of Facebook
- [Is Point of View Hiding the Answer to Your Problem?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/is-point-of-view-hiding-the-answer-to-your-problem/) - Is Point of View Hiding the Answer to Your Problem? One of my favorite quotes, so packed with insight, is that “perspective is worth 80 IQ points.” Coined by the brilliant Alan Kay, this quote reminds us that identifying the best answer to a problem is directly related to perspective or point-of-view. I like to say,
- [Hey there, Friend, I could use your help today](https://www.markhowelllive.com/hey-there-friend-i-could-use-your-help-today/) - First, good morning! Or good afternoon or goodnight...depending on where in the world you are reading this email! I could use your help today! I'm testing a couple ideas and need some feedback. Also, don't miss a GREAT price on GroupLife Southwest '17 registrations below! First, I wanted to let you know I'll be testing
- [Friday's List | February 17](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-february-17/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 10 MAJOR CHURCH TRENDS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT by Thom Rainer (via Outreach Magazine). 7 Ways to Help Your Team Believe They Belong by Gavin Adams of TonyMorganLive. 7 Questions That Can Help
- [Wes Jackson on Thinking Big](https://www.markhowelllive.com/wes-jackson-on-thinking-big/) - "If your life's work can be accomplished in your lifetime, you're not thinking big enough." Wes Jackson You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Siddie Nam
- [GroupLife Southwest 2017 Launches TODAY!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/grouplife-southwest-2017-launches-today/) - Update: You're looking at a post from September of '16 Click here to read my latest update. It's official! I launched the website for GroupLife Southwest 2017 this morning! It's been on my mind for a number of years to hold a small group ministry conference here in Las Vegas. And it finally happens March
- [Distinctives of the Three Types of Small Group Connecting Events](https://www.markhowelllive.com/distinctives-of-the-three-types-of-small-group-connecting-events/) - While every church has its own names for the three main types of small group connecting events (I'll also tell you about a twist that I've found interesting and effective), there are certain key distinctives that set them apart. I think it's important to make these distinctions because sometimes people will tell me they've already
- ["Growing Up" Is a Must Add Discipleship Resource](https://www.markhowelllive.com/growing-must-add-discipleship-resource/) - I've been working my way through a new book from Robby Gallaty this week. You may not recognize the name, but you will definitely recognize the name of Robby's mentor. David Platt, senior pastor of The Church at Brookhills and author of Radical and Follow Me writes the forward and invited Gallaty, a new follower
- [Friday's List | February 10](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-february-10/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 7 Things Christians Should Give Up to Reach Unchurched People by Carey Nieuwhof. Would be a great discussion to have with your team. Andy Stanley -- The Agile Apologetic, Part One Wow! Just
- [Joining Us for GroupLife Southwest? Take Advantage of THIS Price](https://www.markhowelllive.com/joining-us-for-grouplife-southwest-take-advantage-of-this-price/) - Joining Us for GroupLife Southwest? Take Advantage of THIS Price So it's like this. This is the best speaker lineup for a small group ministry conference in 2017. Period. I can say that, because I've seen the other lineups. Here is the lineup for GroupLife Southwest '17: Bill Willits from North Point. Bill has been
- [Small Groups with Purpose: New from Steve Gladen](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-groups-with-purpose-new-from-steve-gladen/) - I’ve said this a number of times, but I want to be sure and say this again. Steve Gladen is a couple of things. First, he’s one of the smartest GroupLife guys on the planet. He’s also one of the most helpful small group experts on the planet. Steve's new book, Small Groups with Purpose:
- [Don't Miss Exponential Groups! (New from Allen White)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dont-miss-exponential-groups-new-from-allen-white/) - There's a new book on the small group scene you should know about. Allen White's, Exponential Groups: Unleashing Your Church's Potential is a great addition to my recommended list for both small group pastors and senior pastors trying to figure out small group ministry. Although I always include a disclosure when I review a book, Exponential Groups
- [Friday's List | February 3](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-february-3/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: How To (Finally) Stop Giving In To The Pressure To Add More Ministries In Your Church by Carey Nieuwhof. Take this and call me in the morning. Meet Generation Z: Understanding and
- [MUST-Read: Meet Generation Z: Understanding and Reaching the New Post-Christian World](https://www.markhowelllive.com/must-read-meet-generation-z-understanding-and-reaching-the-new-post-christian-world/) - Got my hands on a copy of Meet Generation Z: Understanding and Reaching the New Post-Christian World a couple days ago. Honestly...couldn't put it down. The newest book by James Emery White, the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church, Meet Generation Z takes an important look at the generation that follows the Millennials (born approximately
- [The Rise of the Nones: A Must Read](https://www.markhowelllive.com/rise-nones-must-read/) - Worked my way through The Rise of the Nones this week. New from James Emery White, the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church, this is a must read in my opinion. White is an insightful observer of culture and culture shifts and the implications of this particular shift ought to be a front
- [I'm launching a new podcast!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/im-launching-a-new-podcast/) - I'm launching a new podcast! Yesterday was a very cool day. I decided over a year ago that I really needed to launch a podcast. Went online. Bought everything I needed to get started. And then got busy with everything else I was doing and left the new equipment unopened in the closet. Until a
- [FAQ: I Need Some Help with Small Group Strategy!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/faq-i-need-some-help-with-small-group-strategy/) - I get a lot of questions. A LOT of questions. And I love it! Sometimes I can just point to a blog post. Other times I'll answer with an email. Here's an email from a reader with some questions I thought you might be helped by my answer: I read several books before starting and
- [FAQ: How Do You Lead a Small Group Connection in a Smaller Context?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-connection-in-a-smaller-context/) - I get questions. A LOT of questions. This one didn't come directly to me, but came instead from someone over on the Small Group Network Facebook page. No matter. It was a great question and I wanted to answer it in a way that would help you too! Here's the question: Has anyone done a
- [Video That Recruits Hosts](https://www.markhowelllive.com/video-that-recruits-hosts/) - I've written about how to use a video testimony to recruit hosts for church-wide campaigns here and here. Here's an example of one that worked very well. A few things to note. First, these were people who had hosted previously. Second, this is a great story. To have one of their members tell their side
- [How to Make the HOST ASK: The 2012 Version](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-make-host-ask-the-2012-version/) - Getting ready to recruit HOSTs for an upcoming church-wide campaign? Let me give you my best shot at some keys to maximizing your impact. I've written about this same topic in the past, but so much has changed since the earliest articles, I wanted you to have the 2012 version! Here are what I think are
- [Friday's List | January 27](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-january-27/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 7 Ways To Live Out The Gospel In A Post-Truth, Post-Fact Culture by Carey Nieuwhof. As always this is great and a must-read. Top 5 Benefits of the Small Group Network by Judy
- [Simon Sinek on Discovering Possibilities](https://www.markhowelllive.com/simon-sinek-on-discovering-possibilities/) - "Intelligence looks for what is known to solve problems. Creativity looks for what is unknown to discover possibilities." Simon Sinek You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Mark Iocchelli
- [Friday's List | January 20](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-january-20/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: January Is the Perfect Time to Add More Groups by Rick Warren. 7 Practices for Great Staff Chemistry by Dan Reiland. Beyond the E-Myth: The Evolution of an Enterprise: From a company of
- [Albert Einstein on Absurd Ideas](https://www.markhowelllive.com/albert-einstein-on-absurd-ideas/) - “If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.” Albert Einstein You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Oregon State University
- [Is THIS What's Keeping You from Your Goals?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/keeping-you-from-your-goals/) - Is THIS What's Keeping You from Your Goals? If I know you, you've worked very hard to start the small groups you've started. You've recruited leaders that worked out for the most part and you've made announcements, and run blurbs in weekend bulletins, and sent out emails, and even got your pastor to mention small
- [Top 5 Church-Wide Campaigns for 2017](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-5-church-wide-campaigns-for-2017/) - Have you pulled the trigger yet on church-wide campaign for 2017? It's not too late, but now is the time if you plan to incorporate a church-wide campaign (an alignment between your weekend message series and a small group study). Although you would really have to hustle to take advantage of a campaign in February
- [10 of My Favorite Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes](https://www.markhowelllive.com/10-of-my-favorite-martin-luther-king-jr-quotes/) - I've had a plaque on my office wall for many years. It features a picture taken at Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. It also has a button that when pushed starts the speech. I love the sound of it and the words that he spoke (and I
- [Don't Miss Rescue Academy (a New Resource from SecondChance.org)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dont-miss-rescue-academy-a-new-resource-from-secondchance-org/) - Spent some time this week with a new resource from People of the Second Chance. Whether it finds a place in your resource library or you use it to train small group leaders or coaches, it really looks like something you may want to take a look at. Resource Academy is "a 7-part video and workbook
- [Will You Join Me (and hundreds of others) for GroupLife Southwest 2017?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/will-you-join-me-and-hundreds-of-others-for-grouplife-southwest-2017/) - Will You Join Me (and hundreds of others) for GroupLife Southwest 2017? I hope you’re planning to join us for GroupLife Southwest! And I really hope you’ll take advantage of the Early Bird Price of $149.95 (the Early Bird Price ends on 2/27/17). But why should you join us at the GroupLife Southwest conference? That
- [Bill Taylor on The Risk of Playing It Safe](https://www.markhowelllive.com/bill-taylor-on-the-risk-of-playing-it-safe/) - "Your first job as a leader or a change agent, is to convince your colleagues (and maybe even yourselves) that playing it safe may be the riskiest course of all. Change begins to happen when people finally conclude that the risk of trying something new is less than the cost of what's worked in the
- [7 Things You Might Be Missing about Unconnected People](https://www.markhowelllive.com/7-things-you-might-be-missing-about-unconnected-people/) - 7 Things You Might Be Missing about Unconnected People Ever wish you could suddenly unravel the mystery of how to connect the unconnected people in your church? You know--the ones that no matter what you try, no matter how hard you try--they really don't seem to want to do anything more than sit in a
- [How to Communicate with Leaders (and Hosts)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-communicate-with-leaders-and-hosts/) - How are you communicating with your small group leaders and hosts (remember, I'm differentiating between those just getting a toe in the water and those stepping onto the leadership conveyor belt)? How hard (or easy) is it for you to get the word out about upcoming events, recommended curriculum, and leader development? How do you
- [Leveraging Communication Tools](https://www.markhowelllive.com/leveraging-communication-tools/) - How are you communicating with your small group leaders and hosts? How hard (or easy) is it for you to get the word out about upcoming events, recommended curriculum, and leader development? How do you do it? Still using a print newsletter? Sending an email out to a list? Smiling and dialing? In this post
- [Friday’s List | January 6th](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-january-6th/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: TEN MAJOR TRENDS FOR CHURCHES IN 2017 by Thom Rainer. An important list to take in. 6 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2017 by Carey Nieuwhof. Must Read! Preparing Your Group Ministry
- [Simon Sinek on Differentiation and an Excess of "What"](https://www.markhowelllive.com/simon-sinek-on-differentiation-and-an-excess-of-what/) - "Companies that offer lots of options are often struggling to differentiate. Differentiation comes from clarity of Why not excess of What." Simon Sinek You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Bryan
- [5 Things to Do in January to Connect More People in 2017](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-to-do-in-january/) - 5 Things to Do in January to Connect More People in 2017 Want to connect more people in 2017? 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
- [Best Posts of 2016 (Third Quarter)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/best-posts-of-2016-third-quarter/) - A LOT happened on MarkHowellLive.com in 2016. I published over 250 articles on small group ministry, connecting people, making disciples, identifying, recruiting and developing coaches, curriculum reviews, etc. A lot happened. Looking back over the year, I thought it might be helpful to identify the best posts of 2016 by quarter. With over 250 articles
- [Best Posts of 2016 (Second Quarter)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/best-posts-of-2016-second-quarter/) - A LOT happened on MarkHowellLive.com in 2016. I published over 250 articles on small group ministry, connecting people, making disciples, identifying, recruiting and developing coaches, curriculum reviews, etc. A lot happened. Looking back over the year, I thought it might be helpful to identify the best posts of 2016 by quarter. With over 250 articles
- [2016's Most Popular Posts (First Quarter)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/2016s-most-popular-posts-first-quarter/) - A LOT happened on MarkHowellLive.com in 2016. I published over 250 articles on small group ministry, connecting people, making disciples, identifying, recruiting and developing coaches, curriculum reviews, etc. A lot happened. Looking back over the year, I thought it might be helpful to identify the best posts of 2016 by quarter. With over 250 articles
- [Happy New Year! Now Let's Get 2017 Started!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/happy-new-year-now-lets-get-2017-started/) - Okay, maybe it's just me, but it seems like it's been way too long since we talked about your plans for 2017! You have plans right? Can I help you develop them? Or maybe you've been saying for weeks, "I need to get my plans for 2017 (or at the very least, January and February)
- [Friday's List | December 30th](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-december-30th/) - Every Friday I post a short list of the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: The Best Business Books I Read in 2016 via Michael Hyatt. 9 Brutal Questions for Any CEO to Answer in 2017 by Bryan Miles on Brian K. Dodd's blog. Leadership Network Top 10
- [Best Posts of 2016 (Fourth Quarter)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/best-posts-of-2016-fourth-quarter/) - A LOT happened on MarkHowellLive.com in 2016. I published over 250 articles on small group ministry, connecting people, making disciples, identifying, recruiting and developing coaches, curriculum reviews, etc. A lot happened. Looking back over the year, I thought it might be helpful to identify the best posts of 2016 by quarter. With over 250 articles
- [Friday’s List | December 23](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-december-23/) - I’ve been meaning to do this for quite awhile. I’m asked for recommendations all the time. I’ll be posting a short list every Friday. Here are the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 20 Things Leaders Need To Be Thinking In 2017 via Brian K. Dodd.
- [Herbert Simon on Designers and the Preferred Future](https://www.markhowelllive.com/herbert-simon-on-designers-and-the-preferred-future/) - "Everyone designs who devises courses of action aimed at changing existing situations into preferred ones." Herbert Simon You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by Jesse Garcia
- [Will You Take Advantage of My 2017 Coaching Network?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/will-you-take-advantage-of-my-2017-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 2017 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 that
- [My 2016 Christmas Reading List](https://www.markhowelllive.com/my-2016-christmas-reading-list/) - 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, spiritual formation or leadership. 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
- [5 Questions to Ask as 2016 Comes to a Close](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-questions-to-ask-as-2016/) - Albert Einstein said: "If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes." I love Albert Einstein's thinking! So
- [Friday’s List | December 16](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-december-16/) - I’ve been meaning to do this for quite awhile. I’m asked for recommendations all the time. I’ll be posting a short list every Friday. Here are the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 5 Eye-Opening Reasons Other People Don't Value Your Time by Carey Nieuwhof. 15
- [Don't Miss This Powerful Study: Starting Over: Your Life Beyond Regrets](https://www.markhowelllive.com/starting-over/) - Finally had an opportunity to take a look at a powerful new book (and study) from Dave and Jon Ferguson. Starting Over: Your Life Beyond Regrets is the newest project from the authors of Finding Your Way Back to God. Starting Over was developed as a result of many conversations the Ferguson's had with people
- [What's Your New Year's Plan for Stewarding Well Your Responsibility?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whats-your-new-years-plan-for-stewarding-well-your-responsibility/) - It's not always popular...but this is the way I think. And I'm pretty sure it is the right way to think about what we do. When I read Matthew 25 (the Parable of the Talents), I am very confident that one of Jesus' points is that we've each been given something to steward "according to
- [31 Days to a Better Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/31-days/) - Invest 31 days and I'll help you build a better small group ministry. Have big hopes and dreams for your small group ministry? Got a list of improvements sitting in the ‘someday’ basket? Want to kickstart your small group ministry into a new gear? Accomplish some things you've been meaning to but haven't found the
- [Top 10 Ways to Launch New Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-ways-launch-new-groups/) - There are many ways to launch new groups. If you've limited your attempts to one strategy...you truly do not know what you are missing. Here are my top 10 ways to launch new groups: Launch a church-wide campaign. If you want to launch a wave of groups, there is absolutely no better way. This strategy
- [New from LifeWay: Disciples Path is a Series You Need to See](https://www.markhowelllive.com/disciples-path/) - I spent some time with a new resource from LifeWay that I think you're going to want to know about. Disciples Path is a 6 study journey (a one-year intentional plan for discipleship, specifically designed to make disciples who make disciples). "Created by disciple-makers for disciple-makers, fourteen disciple-making church leaders were brought together to think
- [Friday’s List | December 9](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-december-9/) - Friday’s List: December 9 I’ve been meaning to do this for quite awhile. I’m asked for recommendations all the time. I’ll be posting a short list every Friday. Here are the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 10 Things an Effective Church Vision Must Do by
- [Friday’s List | December 2](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-december-2/) - Friday’s List: December 2 I’ve been meaning to do this for quite awhile. I’m asked for recommendations all the time. I’ll be posting a short list every Friday. Here are the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: Craziness, Consumerism and Making Christmas Awesome by Brandon Cox.
- [How to Answer the Questions of Unconnected People](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-answer-the-questions-of-unconnected-people/) - First News flash: Joining a small group is a foreign concept to most unconnected people. With the exception of currently unconnected people who have been in a group before, everyone with no experience hears "small group" and either wonders what you're talking about and why it is so important or has a wide range of
- [Take Advantage of My Black Friday LONG Weekend Sale!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/take-advantage-of-my-black-friday-long-weekend-sale/) - Take Advantage of My Black Friday LONG Weekend Sale! This is a once a year thing and it's happening right now! Wednesday, November 23rd through Monday, November 28th at 9:00 p.m. PST you can get some great deals on many of my most popular mini-courses, coaching call packages, GroupLife Southwest 2017, and even my 2017
- [New from Bill Hybels: Wiser Together Is a Very Good Addition](https://www.markhowelllive.com/wiser-together/) - Worked my way through a new study from Bill Hybels. Wiser Together: Learning to Live the Right Way "challenges you and your small group to make doing life together a priority, exploring from the book of Proverbs the inseparable connection between experiencing community and growing in wisdom." DVD-driven, Wiser Together is a short study, just 5
- [Friday's List | November 18](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-november-18/) - Friday’s List: November 18 I’ve been meaning to do this for quite awhile. I’m asked for recommendations all the time. I’ll be posting a short list every Friday. Here are the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: 7 Ways a Pastor Should Think Like an Entrepreneur
- [The Most Important Book I've Read This Year: The 4 Disciplines of Execution](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-most-important-book-ive-read-this-year-the-4-disciplines-of-execution/) - I've been working my way through The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals by Chris McChesney over the last few weeks. Can I tell you something? This book, the ideas and practices in this book, truly have game-changing qualities. You need to drop what you're doing and order it right now. I really think,
- [Friday's List | November 11](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-november-11/) - Friday’s List: November 11 I’ve been meaning to do this for quite awhile. I’m asked for recommendations all the time. I’ll be posting a short list every Friday. Here are the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: Panic at the Church: Dealing with Less Frequent Attendance
- [Simon Sinek on Innovation](https://www.markhowelllive.com/simon-sinek-on-innovation/) - "Pure pragmatism cannot imagine a bold future. Pure idealism cannot get anything done. It is the delicate blend of both that drives innovation." Simon Sinek You can read more from my Quotebook right here. Image by PopTech
- [Friday's List: November 4](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-november-4/) - Friday’s List: November 4 I’ve been meaning to do this for quite awhile. I’m asked for recommendations all the time. I’ll be posting a short list every Friday. Here are the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: How to Make Your Church Feel Smaller Than It
- [Friday's List: October 28](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-october-28/) - Friday’s List: October 28 I’ve been meaning to do this for quite awhile. I’m asked for recommendations all the time. I’ll be posting a short list every Friday. Here are the things I’m reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here’s what I’m reading right now: Steve Jobs on communicating your core values ow.ly/PM1u305qkDm by Garr
- [Celebrating 2000 Posts: My 20 Favorites](https://www.markhowelllive.com/celebrating-2000-posts-my-20-favorites/) - Earlier this month I published my 2000 post here at MarkHowellLive.com. I knew I was closing in on it, but honestly it slipped by without me noticing. I began blogging here in early 2008. Although I don’t have accurate stats on readers and pageviews until 2009, I know it was a slow beginning in terms
- [Who's coaching you? Anyone?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/whos-coaching-you-anyone/) - Who's coaching you? Anyone? Who's coaching you? Now before you even think about that, take a moment and think about the following: You realized a long time ago that whatever you want to happen in the lives of small group members has to happen in the lives of their leaders first. It was one of
- [Top 10 Reasons My Church Has a Long Way to Go (in small group ministry)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-reasons-my-church-has-a-long-way-to-go-in-small-group-ministry/) - Top 10 Reasons My Church Has a Long Way to Go (in small group ministry) I've shared a few top 10 lists with reasons Saddleback, North Point and North Coast have had great success with their small group ministries. I thought it might be time for me to share why my church still has a
- [Friday's List: October 21](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fridays-list-october-21/) - Friday's List: October 21 I've been meaning to do this for quite awhile. I'm asked for recommendations all the time. I'll be posting a short list every Friday. Here are the things I'm reading, listening to, loving and wrestling with: Here's what I'm reading right now: 5 Emotional Intelligence Hacks that Can Immediately Improve Your
- [Dallas Willard on Trust without Obedience](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dallas-willard-on-trust-without-obedience/) - “The idea that you can trust Christ and not intend to obey him is an illusion…. In fact, you can no more trust Jesus and not intend to obey him than you could trust your doctor or your auto mechanic and not intend to follow their advice. If you do not intend to follow their
- [Can I help you? It's actually why I do this!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/can-i-help-you-its-actually-why-i-do-this/) - Can I help you? It's actually why I do this! I created my first conference in 1996 (or maybe it was '97). It was a children's ministry conference (think about that!) I invited Sue Miller to bring some of her Promiseland team to the Houston area. I got ahold of a mailing list of Willow
- [Do You Have a Personal Huddle?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/do-you-have-a-personal-huddle/) - I have been thinking about this lately. Most of us are playing important roles in our churches. We are working hard, running hard, to connect people and make disciples. We're working to develop leaders and coaches. And many of us are going it alone or nearly alone. I hope you are finding ways to connect
- [Will You Take Advantage of This Price for GroupLife Southwest?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/will-you-take-advantage-of-this-price-for-grouplife-southwest/) - Will You Take Advantage of THIS Price for GroupLife Southwest? I hope you’re planning to join us for GroupLife Southwest! And I really hope you’ll take advantage of the Extra Super Early Bird Price of $99.95 (the Extra Super Early Bird Price ends on the 15th...and that's Saturday!). But why should you join us at
- [Dilbert on Overcoming the Biggest Obstacle](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dilbert-on-overcoming-the-biggest-obstacle/) - Sometimes...you just need to laugh! You can see the rest of my Dilbert posts right here.
- [Simon Sinek on Curiosity](https://www.markhowelllive.com/simon-sinek-on-curiosity/) - "Curiosity is essential for progress. Only when we look to worlds beyond our own can we really know if there's room for improvement." Simon Sinek Further Reading: Resolve to Be a Student Never Stop Questioning Quotebook: Thoroughly Conscious Ignorance A Bias Toward What's Next Image by Mohammad Abdullah
- [You’re Invited! Join My 2017 Coaching Network!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/youre-invited-join-my-2017-coaching-network/) - My 2017 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 that works in the 21st century. The coaching network program will expose you to a new perspective. While it makes sense that in order to get different results
- [Quotebook: Vision, Dancing, and Hearing the Music](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-vision-dancing-and-hearing-the-music/) - “Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.” Angela Monet (quoted in On the Verge by Alan Hirsch and Dave Ferguson) Image by Michael Ryan
- [Mike Foster's People of the Second Chance Is a MUST-READ](https://www.markhowelllive.com/mike-fosters-people-of-the-second-chance-is-a-must-read/) - Spent some time this week with the newest resource from Mike Foster. Very powerful and one you definitely will want to take a look at yourself. Not exactly sure how I should say this, but People of the Second Chance: A Guide to Bringing Life-Saving Love to the World feels like Bob Goff's Love Does, only more
- [Simon Sinek on the Value of Experimentation](https://www.markhowelllive.com/simon-sinek-on-the-value-of-experimentation/) - "The value of experimentation is not the trying. It's the trying again after the experiment fails." Simon Sinek I don't know about you, but I love this line from Simon Sinek. I've said before that one of my proudest moments was when my prospective boss at Parkview was told "if you're okay with a mad
- [Still Time to Catch the Extra Super Early Bird Price for GroupLife Southwest](https://www.markhowelllive.com/still-time-to-catch-the-extra-super-early-bird-price-for-grouplife-southwest/) - I hope you're planning to join us for GroupLife Southwest! And I really hope you'll take advantage of the Extra Super Early Bird Price ($99.95 until October 15th)! A powerful lineup of trusted small group ministry experts and leading practitioners (Bill Willits and Tim Cooper from North Point, Chris Surratt from LifeWay, Dave Enns from
- [Top 10 Reasons Saddleback Has Connected Over 130% In Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/top-10-reasons-saddleback-has-connected-over-130-in-groups/) - Update: I wrote this article in 2009 and have updated it slightly to reflect subtle changes in strategy. _____________ I'm regularly asked how Saddleback can have more adults in groups than they have in worship. People everywhere scoff when they hear the numbers. And I have to admit, it is pretty wild. After all, during
- [An Analysis of the Sermon Based Small Group Strategy](https://www.markhowelllive.com/an-analysis-of-the-sermon-based-small-group-strategy/) - I am regularly asked about the wisdom or effectiveness of a sermon-based strategy. Underlying the question many times is the sense that providing a study to be used will keep groups from straying from the well trodden pathway. And I have to admit that at some level there is wisdom behind what they are asking.
- [5 Reasons I Launched GroupLife Southwest: a New Small Group Ministry Conference](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-reasons-i-launched-grouplife-southwest-a-new-small-group-ministry-conference/) - 5 Reasons I Launched GroupLife Southwest I get a lot of questions. I've had a lot over the last few weeks as I've moved closer to launching GroupLife Southwest 2017. "Why are you launching a new small group ministry conference?" "Do we really need another small group ministry conference?" "Shouldn't you just stream the conference?
- [Quotebook: Bill Taylor on Imagination](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-bill-taylor-on-imagination/) - "How do you make sure that what you know doesn’t limit what you can imagine?" Bill Taylor, Simply Brilliant Image by Thomas Hawk
- [Pssst. I'm Launching a Small Group Ministry Conference](https://www.markhowelllive.com/pssst-im-launching-a-small-group-ministry-conference/) - Pssst. I'm Launching a Small Group Ministry Conference That's right. I'm launching a small group ministry conference in Las Vegas. And I could use a little help. Here are the details: March 27th and 28th, 2017 (Las Vegas has great weather in March). The conference is for small group ministry point leaders (paid and unpaid).
- [Patrick Lencioni's The Ideal Team Player is a Must-Read](https://www.markhowelllive.com/the-ideal-team-player/) - I spent some time with Patrick Lencioni's newest book this week. Like every one of Lencioni's books, The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues is a great read. Like virtually all of his books (with the exception of The Advantage), The Idea Team Player is part fable (a very compelling and
- [Today Only! These Mini-Courses Are 25% Off](https://www.markhowelllive.com/today-only-these-mini-courses-are-25-off/) - Sorry! Times up! You can find out about my regularly priced mini-courses right here: How to Design, Build and Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry launches this Thursday and is my newest 4 session mini-course that will take you through what I believe are four essential steps. This course is based on my most requested and most popular workshop, it
- [New "Double Shot" Mini-Course: Basic Training for New Coaches](https://www.markhowelllive.com/new-double-shot-mini-course-basic-training-for-new-coaches/) - Basic Training for New Coaches - 2016 If you're using my strategies to build an effective coaching structure, you may have wondered how to train the coaches you've identified and recruited. After all, it's possible to end up with the great coaching candidates who simply don't know what to do. It's possible to end up
- [Add Intentional Living: Choosing a Life that Matters to Your Leadership Training](https://www.markhowelllive.com/intentional-living/) - I've been making my way through John Maxwell's latest book these last couple weeks. Intentional Living: Choosing a Life that Matters wasn't on my radar when the summer began, but a few things Maxwell said at the Global Leadership Summit prompted me to think this book might be required reading for small group pastors and
- [Quotebook: John Maxwell on Doing What We Can Do](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-john-maxwell-on-doing-what-we-can-do/) - "We should never let what we cannot do keep us from doing what we can do." Intentional Living: Choosing a Life that Matters, p. 6 Image by Michael Bentley
- [How to Design, Build and Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry (My Next Mini-Course)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-design-build-and-sustain-a-thriving-small-group-ministry-my-next-mini-course/) - How to Design, Build and Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry Coming to the conclusion that you might need a new design for your small group ministry? Concerned that there may be something (or a collection of factors) preventing you from taking your small group ministry where you need to go? You're Invited! I want
- [Earlybird's Closing Tomorrow! How to Design, Build and Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/earlybirds-closing-tomorrow-how-to-design-build-and-sustain-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - The earlybird rate ended Friday How to Design, Build and Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry Coming to the conclusion that you might need a new design for your small group ministry? Concerned that there may be something (or a collection of factors) preventing you from taking your small group ministry where you need to
- [Dilbert on the Purpose of Dashboards](https://www.markhowelllive.com/dilbert-on-the-purpose-of-dashboards/) - Sometimes you just need to laugh...
- [Test-Drives, Taste Tests, and Toes-in-the-Water](https://www.markhowelllive.com/test-drives-taste-tests-and-toes-in-the-water/) - Test-Drives, Taste Tests, and Toes-in-the-Water Buying without trying is down. Contracts and long commitments are out. File these under #ThingsYouMustKeepInMind Test-Drives, Taste Tests, and Toes-in-the-Water are in. Question: How does this affect you and me? I think it ought to affect us in two ways: First, it ought to reshape our thinking about the importance
- [Redeemed: Grace to Live Every Day Better than Before](https://www.markhowelllive.com/redeemed-grace-to-live-every-day-better-than-before/) - I spent some time this week with a new study from Angela Thomas-Pharr and LifeWay that I think you may want to take a look at. Redeemed: Grace to Live Every Day Better Than Before explores the practical side of redemption and what it means to experience the grace to live every day better than before.
- [Quotebook: Bill Hybels on Leadership Development Plans](https://www.markhowelllive.com/quotebook-bill-hybels-on-leadership-development-plans/) - "A leadership development plan has to address these three phases: Identifying emerging leaders. Investing in the development of emerging leaders. Entrusting responsibility to emerging leaders." Courageous Leadership, Bill Hybels The most important role of our Groups Team is to identify, recruit and develop high capacity leaders of leaders. Further Reading: 4 Essential Skills Most New
- [New from Louie Giglio | relat(able): Making Relationships Work](https://www.markhowelllive.com/new-from-louie-giglio-relatable-making-relationships-work/) - I spent some time this week with a new study you're probably going to want to know about. Relatable: Making Relationships Work is the newest study from Louie Giglio and when I read the title and a little bit of a description I knew I needed to take a look at it. Why? Because there are very
- [Ooops! Today's Important Message Didn't Include the Link!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/ooops-todays-important-message-didnt-include-the-link/) - Hi friends! My blog post this morning went out on time but without a way you could respond! Dohhh! (you can respond right here). This has happened before, but I think this is the first time I've ever immediately emailed you to make sure you got everything I intended. GroupLife Insider I really wanted to give
- [Review: Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business](https://www.markhowelllive.com/review-smarter-faster-better-the-secrets-of-being-productive-in-life-and-business/) - I've been working my way through Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive In Life and Business, the newest book from Charles Duhigg. In 2012, If his name sounds familiar, Duhigg's The Power of Habit spent 60 weeks on the New York Times Best-Seller list. He's also had a couple of interviews I've passed on to you on
- [Need Help? Here's How I Can Help You...](https://www.markhowelllive.com/need-help-heres-how-i-can-help-you/) - Need help? Here's how I can help you... With 13 years experience consulting and coaching a wide variety of church clients around the country, my exposure to a wide variety of styles and philosophies (ranging from cutting-edge contemporary to very traditional), in addition to serving on the staff at a number of well-known churches (Woodlands Church,

## Pages

- [Welcome](https://www.markhowelllive.com/) - Strategies, ideas and tips about how to launch, build and sustain dynamic small group ministries.
- [Services](https://www.markhowelllive.com/services/) - Services With almost 20 years experience consulting and coaching a wide variety of church clients around the country, my exposure to a wide variety of styles and philosophies (ranging from cutting-edge contemporary to very traditional), in addition to serving on the staff at a number of well-known churches (Woodlands Church, Lake Avenue Church, Parkview Christian
- [SEARCH](https://www.markhowelllive.com/search/) - Hi there! Looking for something in particular? You'll find over 2500 articles here on MarkHowellLive.com! I've tried to cover as many small group ministry topics as possible, updating strategies and tactics as the culture has shifted. Just type your desired subject into the box below and tap "search".
- [Supercharge Your Fall Ministry Season - 2022](https://www.markhowelllive.com/supercharge-your-fall-ministry-season-2022/) - Want to Dramatically Increase the Impact of Your Fall Ministry Season? When was the best fall ministry season you've ever had? Probably wasn't 2023! 2019? 5 or 6 years ago? Too long ago to remember the exact date? What did you do? Do you remember what worked? Could you do it again? Would it be
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- [GLI COURSES CATALOG](https://www.markhowelllive.com/gli-courses-catalog/) - IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CURRENT MEMBERS OF GROUPLIFE INSIDER The content on this page will serve as a table of contents (with links to all 13 of my courses), making access easier for current members of GroupLife Insider. Note: If you've previously purchased any of my courses, you will already have a link and password to
- [Cool! You're still on my list.](https://www.markhowelllive.com/cool-youre-still-on-my-list/) - Whew! That was close! Thanks for sticking around! Mark
- [How to Jumpstart January](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-jumpstart-january/) - Late January/early February is one of the very best times to launch a wave of new groups and connect lots of unconnected people. Second only to late September/early October, late January/early February is a very big opportunity. When you plan effectively and execute the plan skillfully, you have the potential to launch and sustain a lot of new groups.
- [Thanks for Purchasing HOW. TO. JUMPSTART. JANUARY. '23!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-how-to-jumpstart-january-23/) - Thanks for purchasing HOW. TO. JUMPSTART. JANUARY. '23! 5 very important details and logistics: First, the email you used for your PayPal purchase will be what I use to contact you (unless you Email Me to let me know your preferred email address). Second, you will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to the
- [THANKS FOR PURCHASING JUMPSTART JANUARY '21](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-jumpstart-january-21/) - Thanks for purchasing JUMPSTART JANUARY '21! 5 very important details and logistics: First, the email you used for your PayPal purchase will be what I use to contact you (unless you Email Me to let me know your preferred email address). Second, you will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to the password protected
- [Courses](https://www.markhowelllive.com/courses/) - Courses to Help You Build a Thriving Small Group Ministry JUMPSTART JANUARY '23: Plan, Launch and Sustain More Groups than Ever Before Video Course Early Bird $50.00 Learn More Making More and Better Discipes in Groups Video Course $50.00 Learn More Small Group Ministry 101 Video Course $75 Learn More How to Design NEXT Steps
- [About](https://www.markhowelllive.com/about/) - I'm the founder of MarkHowellLive.com, offering consulting and coaching services that help churches across North America launch, build and sustain healthy small group ministries. In addition, I'm the guy behind MarkHowellLive.com, GettingToThere.com and @MarkCHowell. With over 30 years in ministry, I've served in a number of roles. In addition to planting a church, I've also served
- [Start Here](https://www.markhowelllive.com/start-here/) - Start Here My name is Mark. Thanks for stopping by! If you're new here, let me give you the scoop on what this site is designed to do: everything I do is about helping you connect people and make disciples in the 21st century. Everything. If you're like most of us, you've already tried a
- [Small Group Ministry Basic Training - Details](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-basic-training-details/) - You're Invited! I want to invite you to join me for my new 6 session mini-course: Small Group Ministry Basic Training. Whether you're on staff as a small group pastor or director or a passionate volunteer dedicating your time and energy to champion small group ministry…this course will help you understand and implement the basics. Here's what you'll
- [Basic Training for New Coaches](https://www.markhowelllive.com/campaign-coach-basic-training-2016/) - Basic Training for New Coaches If you're using my strategies to build an effective coaching structure, you may have wondered how to train the coaches you've identified and recruited. After all, it's possible to end up with the great coaching candidates who simply don't know what to do. It's possible to end up with great
- [Thanks for Purchasing Basic Training for New Small Group Coaches](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-basic-training-for-new-small-group-coaches/) - Thanks for purchasing Basic Training for New Small Group Coaches! You will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to the password protected resource page (where you'll find all of the session outlines and downloadable resources for each session. This page is also where you'll find the recordings of the live video sessions. Your
- [How to Diagnose Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-diagnose-your-small-group-ministry/) - According to Andy Stanley, "Your ministry is perfectly designed to produce the results you are currently experiencing." You know this. It's not a new idea to you. And the obvious implication is, if you don't like the results you're experiencing...it's time to change the design. But there's the million dollar question. What is it that
- [Thanks for purchasing How to Diagnose Your Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-how-to-diagnose-your-small-group-ministry/) - Thanks for purchasing How to Diagnose Your Small Group Ministry! You will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to the password protected resource page (where you'll find all of the session outlines and downloadable resources for each session. This page is also where you'll find the recording of the live video sessions Your
- [Thanks for purchasing Building an Effective Coaching Structure - 2019](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-building-an-effective-coaching-structure-2019/) - Thanks for purchasing Building an Effective Coaching Structure - 2019! You will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to the password protected resource page (where you'll find all of the session outlines and downloadable resources for each session. This page is also where you'll find the recording of the live video sessions (uploaded
- [How to Design Next Steps and First Steps (Mini-Course)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-design-next-steps-and-first-steps-mini-course/) - You're Invited! Join me for my newest mini-course: How to Design Next Steps and First Steps (that connect unconnected people and make better disciples)! This four session online workshop will help you rethink your current plan and reimagine a more effective and more productive next step strategy. Here's what you'll learn: How to develop a
- [Making More and Better Disciples in Groups](https://www.markhowelllive.com/making-more-and-better-disciples-in-groups/) - I've argued for many years that we should never settle for connecting people OR making disciples. Instead, we should always be working at connecting people AND making disciples. 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
- [How to MAXIMIZE Your Church-Wide Campaign - 2020](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-maximize-your-church-wide-campaign-2020/) - If you Google church wide campaign or church wide campaigns, you'll find that many of the top 10 links are mine. You know why? It's simple. I've been planning and running campaigns for over 20 years and in 7 different churches. And that's not including the hundreds I've coached to do it over the years.
- [Building an Effective Coaching Structure - 2019](https://www.markhowelllive.com/building-an-effective-coaching-structure-2019/) - Without a doubt, one of my most frequently asked questions is, "How do you build a truly effective small group coaching structure?" Actually, this question is almost always phrased this way: "HELP! We've tried to add coaching to our small group ministry and we Just. Can't. Figure It. Out." As you probably know, I am
- [Design, Build & Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry - 2020 Version](https://www.markhowelllive.com/design-build-sustain-a-thriving-small-group-ministry-2020-version/) - Coming to the conclusion that you might need a new design for your small group ministry? Concerned that there may be something (or a collection of factors) preventing you from taking your small group ministry where you need it to go? You're Invited! I want to invite you to take advantage of Design, Build &
- [Thanks for Purchasing a THIS. WEEKEND. ONLY. COURSE!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-a-this-weekend-only-course/) - Thanks for investing in your small group ministry (and trusting me to help)! Three Important Details: First, the email you used for your PayPal purchase will be what I use to contact you (unless you Email Me to let me know your preferred email address). Second, you will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to
- [Watch Session One of Supercharge FREE](https://www.markhowelllive.com/watch-session-one-of-supercharge-free/) - There's a reason so many food vendors offer a free taste of their latest creation. There's a reason mattress companies offer a 100 night risk free trial. And there's a reason automobile dealerships offer free test drives. What's the reason? They're confidant that after you've sampled what they're selling you'll be ready to buy what
- [Thank you for helping me know you better!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thank-you-for-helping-me-know-you-better/) - Thank you so much for sharing with me your role in your small group ministry! I'm hoping in the days ahead to be better able to send you skill trainings, ideas and strategies that will better match your needs and interests. As always, if you have ideas about how I could better help you, I
- [WATCH SESSION ONE FREE](https://www.markhowelllive.com/watch-session-one-free/) - As promised, here's a FREE all-access pass to session one of Supercharge Your Fall Ministry Season! (And if you like it, here's a link to purchase the course.) Watch Session One FREE! (When you click the link for the session video it will open up a video player. You may be able to simply click
- [5 Things You Can Do This Summer to 10X Your Fall Groups Launch](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-you-can-do-this-summer-to-10x-your-fall-groups-launch/) - Have you figured out what you need to do now, what you need to do in the next 3 months, what you need to do this summer if you want to 10X your fall ministry launch? That's how it works, you know. If you want to 10X your fall ministry launch... If you want to
- [Thanks for your interest in my 10X Your Fall Webinar!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-your-interest-in-my-10x-your-fall-webinar/) - Thanks for your interest in my 10X Your Fall Ministry Launch Webinar! Now check your email inbox to confirm your subscription!
- [5 Things You Must Do This Summer to 10X Your Fall Launch - Webinar](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-things-you-must-do-this-summer-to-10x-your-fall-launch-webinar/) - Have you figured out what you need to do now, what you need to do in the next 3 months, what you need to do this summer if you want to 10X your fall ministry launch? That's how it works, you know. If you want to 10X your fall ministry launch... If you want to
- [Thanks for Making a Flash Sale Purchase](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-making-a-flash-sale-purchase/) - Three Important Details: First, the email you used for your PayPal purchase will be what I use to contact you (unless you Email Me to let me know your preferred email address). Second, you will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to your course's password protected resource page (where you'll find all of the
- [Thanks for Purchasing Supercharge Your Fall Ministry Season](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-supercharge-your-fall-ministry-season/) - 3 very important details and logistics: First, the email you used for your PayPal purchase will be what I use to contact you (unless you Email Me to let me know your preferred email address). Second, you will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to the password protected resource page (where you'll find all of
- [How to Build a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-build-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - I've written about the powerful benefits of a thriving small group ministry and the five easily overlooked secrets to building a thriving small group ministry. But it turns out I've never written a how to guide. What follows is my best shot at a step-by-step guide to building a thriving small group ministry. And this is
- [Small Group Ministry 101 (SGM101)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-101-sgm101/) - Developed to provide a solid grounding in the essentials, think of SGM101 (SGM101) as the foundation for next-level leadership in small group ministry. While I've built an extensive online video course library, this is the first course I've offered that truly assumes the need for a basic foundational understanding of small group ministry. Who needs
- [Thanks for Purchasing Small Group Ministry 101](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-small-group-ministry-101/) - A confirmation email will be sent to the email you used to purchase this online video course. The confirmation email will contain a link to the password protected resource page (where you'll find all of the session videos, outlines and downloadable resources for each session. Your confirmation email will also contain the password for the
- [Take Advantage of My Introductory Coaching Call Offer](https://www.markhowelllive.com/take-advantage-of-my-introductory-coaching-call-offer/) - Need help with your small group ministry? Not sure what to do first? Or next? Why not test-drive a coaching call with me? For a limited time you can take advantage of a special introductory* price ($75) for a 60 minute coaching call (I normally charge $125 an hour). Upon purchase, you'll receive a brief
- [Schedule a Coaching Call](https://www.markhowelllive.com/schedule-a-coaching-call/) - Sometimes you just need a pair of fresh eyes. Someone who brings a lot of experience and can quickly diagnose an issue or identify an unseen solution. Other times, what's really called for is a regularly scheduled conversation. Something like a monthly call that is part progress report on the previous month and part planning
- [Supercharge Your Fall Ministry Season - 2018](https://www.markhowelllive.com/supercharge-your-fall-ministry-season-2018/) - Want to Dramatically Increase the Impact of Your Fall Ministry Season When was the best fall ministry season you've ever had? Last year? 2 or 3 years ago? Too long ago to remember the exact date? What did you do? Do you remember what worked? Could you do it again? Would it be enough? What if the
- [REFRESH 2020](https://www.markhowelllive.com/refresh-2020/) - Do you ever wish you could begin again? Thomas Merton said, "We do not want to be beginners. But let us be convinced of the fact that we will never be anything else but beginners, all our life!" I don't know about you, but I often find myself needing a new beginning; a kind of
- [Thanks for Purchasing Visualize,Prioritize, Optimize, and Supersize (Your Small Group Ministry)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-visualizeprioritize-optimize-and-supersize-your-small-group-ministry/) - Thanks for purchasing Visualize, Prioritize, Optimize, and Supersize (Your Small Group Ministry)! You will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to the password protected resource page (where you'll find all of the videos, session outlines and downloadable resources for each session. If you purchased a coaching call along with the course, you'll receive
- [Visualize, Prioritize, Optimize, and Supersize (Your Small Group Ministry)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/visualize-prioritize-optimize-and-supersize-alumni/) - Visualize, Prioritize, Optimize, and Supersize (Your Small Group Ministry) You know how they say what got you here won't get you there? How sometimes what worked before definitely isn't working anymore? Or isn't working the way it needs to for continued growth and momentum? With over 25 years experience in small group ministry I've learned that
- [Launch or Relaunch a Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/launch-or-relaunch-a-small-group-ministry/) - Whether you're trying to launch a small group ministry for the very first time...or you've tried in the past and it just hasn't worked out...I can help you. In addition to over 20 years hands-on experience in small group ministry, I helped develop the coaching program for Purpose Driven and helped over a thousand churches
- [Church-Wide Campaign Coaching](https://www.markhowelllive.com/church-wide-campaign-coaching/) - If you want to maximize the impact of your next church-wide campaign, why not take advantage of my experience? After all, in the last decade I've... Led many of the largest churches in America through the campaign process Consulted with many of the fastest growing churches and led them through the campaign process Provided coaching
- [Speaking and Training](https://www.markhowelllive.com/speaking-and-training/) - I'm available to speak at your retreat, staff training, or conference on these and other topics: Leadership Strategic Alignment Leading a Dynamic Small Group Building a Small Group Coaching Structure Developing a church-wide campaign Email Me about a speaking engagement at your church or conference. Endorsements | Email Me
- [THANKS FOR YOUR BLACK FRIDAY PURCHASE!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-your-black-friday-purchase/) - Thanks for your BLACK FRIDAY purchase! First, the email you used for your PayPal purchase will be what I use to contact you (unless you Email Me to let me know your preferred email address). Second, you will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to the password protected resource page (where you'll find all of
- [Thanks for Purchasing Jumpstart January - 2019](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-jumpstart-january-2019/) - Thanks for purchasing How. To. Jumpstart. January! 4 very important details and logistics: First, the email you used for your PayPal purchase will be what I use to contact you (unless you Email Me to let me know your preferred email address). Second, you will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to the password
- [Thanks for sticking with me!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-sticking-with-me/) - Thanks for sticking with me; for hanging in during a crazy season! Every reader means a lot to me. Although I don't post a new article every day, I spend a lot of time trying to send the right content that will help you built a thriving small group ministry. Hopefully, you're continuing to find
- [Frequently Asked Questions about Coaching Calls](https://www.markhowelllive.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-coaching-calls/) - I get a lot of questions about coaching calls. How they work? What to expect? Is preparation necessary? How to get the most out of them? Maybe this list of my most frequently asked questions will help you! Will my coaching call be a phone call or a video call? It is more and more common
- [THANKS FOR PURCHASING AN INTRODUCTORY COACHING CALL](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-an-introductory-coaching-call/) - Thanks for purchasing an introductory coaching call! I always look forward to providing fresh eyes to challenging situations! Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to small group ministry, I can't wait to get started! When you purchased this coaching call, an email was entered into PayPal's payment button. Please make sure to watch for
- [How to Design, Build and Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry 2016](https://www.markhowelllive.com/design-build-and-sustain-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - The updated and revised version Design, Build and Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry is now available right here.
- [Thanks for Purchasing Design, Build & Sustain - 2020](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-design-build-sustain-2020/) - Thanks for purchasing Design, Build & Sustain a Thriving Small Group Ministry - 2020 Version! You will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to the password protected resource page (where you'll find all of the session outlines and downloadable resources for each session. This page is also where you'll find the recording of
- [Subscribe](https://www.markhowelllive.com/subscribe-to-marks-blog-three-methods/) - Subscribe To My Newsletter Want to stay up to date on small group ministry strategy? Want to learn how to build a thriving small group ministry in the 21st century? Connect unconnected people AND make more and better disciples? Sign up here for my free small group ministry newsletter. It's easy to get started. And
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- [Thanks for Purchasing REFRESH 2020](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-purchasing-refresh-2020/) - Thanks for purchasing REFRESH 2020! Important Details and Logistics First, the email you used for your PayPal purchase will be what I use to contact you (unless you Email Me to let me know your preferred email address). Second, you will receive a confirmation email soon with a link to the password protected resource page (where
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- [How to Choose the Best Small Group Model (for YOUR Church)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-choose-the-best-small-group-model-for-your-church-2/) - You're invited! Take advantage of my new 4 session mini-course: How to Choose the Best Small Group Model for Your Church Here's the question: Is there really a best small group model for your church? And if there is, what would happen if you were able to identify it and implement it? What do you
- [Small Group Ministry Coaching Network](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-coaching-network/) - My 2013 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 that works in the 21st century. The coaching network program will expose you to a new perspective. While it makes sense to many that in order to get
- [Frequently Asked Questions about How to Design Next Steps and First Steps](https://www.markhowelllive.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-how-to-design-next-steps-and-first-steps/) - Here are the most frequently asked questions (and the answers!) about How to Design Next Steps and First Steps (DNSFS19) I lead the small group ministry. Will DNSFS19 help me? Yes! If you want to see more unconnected men and women take first steps out of the auditorium you need this training. I lead several
- [Small Group Ministry Training and Development](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-training-and-development/) - I'm excited to launch my newest course! Small Group Ministry Training and Development (SGMT&D) is designed to provide a guided experience, covering a comprehensive set of the topics essential to building and leading a thriving small group ministry in the 21st century. SGMT&D is a guided experience, designed to fully leverage the in-depth training I offer with
- [Will You Join Me at GroupLife Southwest '19?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/will-you-join-me-at-grouplife-southwest-19/) - Will you join me and hundreds of small group ministry practitioners at GroupLife Southwest '19? I know, I know! We keep asking you whether you'll join us in Las Vegas for our conference...but we really, really, really want you to come! We don't want you to miss it. And we don't want your team to
- [Welcome to the journey!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/welcome/) - Hey there! Thank you so much for joining me on the journey to build a thriving small group ministry! If you don't know it already, I am all about connecting people and making disciples in the 21st century. By joining my email list you'll begin to receive my updates (both new posts and timely reminders
- [2019 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network Taking Applications Now](https://www.markhowelllive.com/2019-small-group-ministry-coaching-network-taking-applications-now/) - My 2019 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network is designed to give you the tools and strategies you need in order to build a small group ministry that works in the 21st century. The coaching network experience will expose you to a new perspective. While it makes sense that in order to get different results you
- [Small Group Ministry Health Assessment](https://www.markhowelllive.com/small-group-ministry-health-assessment/) - An honest evaluation of your small group ministry's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats can provide the boost you need to move to a new trajectory. My small group ministry health assessment includes: A diagnostic assessment designed to generate fresh insights into the maximum potential and design limits of your current system. A comprehensive report with
- [Thanks for your interest in my Skill Training Series!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-your-interest-in-my-skill-training-series/) - Hey there! Thanks for your interest in my Skill Training Series. Once a month I'll be sending a skill training article, designed to be shared with small group leaders. The article can be forwarded to your list, or if you prefer, you can simply have your group leaders add their name and email to the
- [Awesome! Thanks for continuing on the journey!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/awesome-thanks-for-continuing-on-the-journey/) - Nice! Thanks for continuing on the journey! Seriously...I'm always hoping and praying that what you're learning here will help you build a thriving small group ministry. A small group ministry that will connect people and make disciples in the 21st century. Mark
- [Clients](https://www.markhowelllive.com/clients/) - I've provided coaching and consulting for a wide variety of great churches including: Austin Christian Fellowship (Austin, Texas) Bon Air Baptist Church (Richmond, Virginia) Canyon Hills Assembly of God (Bakersfield, California) Christ Chapel Bible Church (Fort Worth, Texas) Christ Fellowship - Miami (Miami, Florida) Cypress Bible Church (Cypress, Texas) Discovery Church (Simi Valley, California) EastLake
- [What They're Saying](https://www.markhowelllive.com/what-theyre-saying/) - "Mark is a small groups guru..he was there to consult LifeChurch.tv in a critical time of small group growth. He's one of the best." John Davis, LifeChurch.tv "Mark Howell fuses a heart for relationships and a mind for strategy like few can. His focus on group ministry makes him a valuable asset to church leadership
- [Contact](https://www.markhowelllive.com/contact/) - Contact Me Small Group Resources 7065 W. Ann Rd., STE 130-502. Las Vegas, NV 89130 t: 702 900 3875 on Facebook on Twitter on Instagram
- [New to Small Group Ministry? Start Here!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/new-small-group-ministry-start/) - New to small group ministry? Trying to figure out where to begin? Or maybe you're trying to figure out how to reboot the small group ministry you have? Whether you're just starting out or you're already some ways down the road, if you'd like to make sure you're heading in the right direction, you might
- [Coaching, Consulting, Online Mini-Courses, Speaking & Training](https://www.markhowelllive.com/practical-resources-test/consulting-coaching-and-speaking/) - With 13 years experience consulting and coaching a wide variety of church clients around the country, my exposure to a wide variety of styles and philosophies (ranging from cutting-edge contemporary to very traditional), in addition to serving on the staff at a number of well-known churches (Woodlands Church, Lake Avenue Church, Parkview Christian Church, and Canyon
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- [Take Advantage of my Online Short Courses](https://www.markhowelllive.com/take-advantage-of-my-online-short-courses/) - Can't make it to one of my workshops? Take advantage of one of my online short courses! Supercharge Your Fall Ministry Season - 2018 will provides a jump start for a powerful fall launch. I've only given this course two other times and I've revamped it to include our latest learnings and a number of very
- [Visualize, Prioritize, Optimize, and Supersize (Your Small Group Ministry)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/visualize-prioritize-optimize-and-supersize-early-bird/) - Visualize, Prioritize, Optimize, and Supersize (Your Small Group Ministry) You know how they say what got you here won't get you there? How sometimes what worked before definitely isn't working anymore? Or isn't working the way it needs to for continued growth and momentum? With over 25 years experience in small group ministry I've learned that
- [Practical Resources (test)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/practical-resources-test/) - This is a test page
- [How to Maximize YOUR Church-Wide Campaign](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-maximize-your-church-wide-campaign-2016/) - How to Maximize YOUR Church-Wide Campaign If you Google church wide campaign or church wide campaigns, you'll find that 8 of the top 10 links are mine. You know why? It's simple. I've been planning and running campaigns for over 15 years and in 7 different churches. And that's not including the hundreds I've coached
- [Thanks for your interest!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-your-interest-3/) - Almost There! Hi! Thanks for your interest in my newest resource, How to Build a Thriving Small Group Ministry (and for filling in your email address)!!! You should receive an email soon with a link to download How to Build a Thriving Small Group Ministry! Fun fact: did you know that one of the most
- [Looking for a Great Small Group Ministry Conference?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/looking-for-a-great-small-group-ministry-conference/) - Do you know about GroupLife Southwest '17? Featuring a powerful lineup of trusted small group ministry experts and leading practitioners, this promises to be an excellent way to expose your small group ministry team to the strategies and practices that will build thriving small group ministries in the 21st century. I've even got a code that
- [Your Subscription Has Been Confirmed!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/your-subscription-has-been-confirmed-3/) - Your subscription to my email list has been confirmed! Thanks for opportunity to stay in touch with you! You can download my revised and updated How to Launch New Groups with a Small Group Connection right here! Return to MarkHowellLive.com
- [Will You Join Me at GroupLife Southwest '17?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/its-great-to-have-friends/) - I'd love it if you'd join me at GroupLife Southwest '17! I've even got a code that will get you a discount on registration through January 13th (save you $25!). The code is FRIEND2 I'm giving two different breakouts and joining a great list of other small group ministry speakers. You can see the list of
- [Will You Join Me at GroupLife Southwest '17?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/will-you-join-me-at-grouplife-southwest-17/) - GroupLife Southwest '17 is a new small group ministry conference happening March 27-28, 2017. Featuring a powerful lineup of trusted small group ministry experts and leading practitioners, this might be the best small group ministry conference in 2017! I'd love it if you'd join me at GroupLife Southwest '17! I've even got a code that
- [12 Days of Christmas](https://www.markhowelllive.com/12-days-of-christmas/) - Ready for Christmas? Finished your shopping? Maybe you still need to pick up something for your small group ministry? Every day until Christmas I'll be posting a different deal. Here's today's deal! On the fourth day of Christmas: Take advantage of a FREE download! I'll send you a free copy of How to Build a
- [31 Days to a Better Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/31-days-mini-course/) - Invest 31 days and I'll help you build a better small group ministry. Have big hopes and dreams for your small group ministry? Got a list of improvements sitting in the ‘someday’ basket? Want to kickstart your small group ministry into a new gear? Accomplish some things you've been meaning to but haven't found the
- [Almost There!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/almost-there/) - Almost There! Hi! Thanks for your interest in 31 Days to Build a Better Small Group Ministry! And thanks for filling out your name and email address. To help protect my email list, I just sent you a quick email asking you to please confirm that you are actually real. It should arrive in your inbox
- [About Mark Howell (@markchowell)](https://www.markhowelllive.com/about-markchowell/) - Thanks for clicking the URL in my Twitter profile -- let me give you a little background on who I am and what I do. My name is Mark Howell (not Mark Chowell ; ) ) and I'm the guy behind MarkHowellLive.com, SmallGroupResources.net, StrategyCentral.org and @MarkCHowell. I’m the Pastor of Communities at Canyon Ridge Christian Church in
- [About MarkHowellLive.com](https://www.markhowelllive.com/about-markhowelllive-com/) - Hey there! Thanks for your interest in my blog! I launched MarkHowellLive.com in 2008 and there are now more than 2000 free articles here. If you're looking for help building a thriving small group ministry...there's probably not a better resource on the internet. And that's not just my opinion. I've been told that by hundreds
- [2017 Coaching Network](https://www.markhowelllive.com/2017-coaching-network/) - My 2017 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 that works in the 21st century. The coaching network program will expose you to a new perspective. While it makes sense that in order to get different results
- [Skill Training: 7 Things You Need to Do TO and FOR Your Small Group Leaders](https://www.markhowelllive.com/skill-training-7-things-you-need-to-do-to-and-for-your-small-group-leaders/) - Can I let you in on a little corner of reality? Small group leaders are no different than the rest of us. A few of them (maybe 5 to 10%) are self-starters and have the internal wiring to take the right steps to grow on their own. The other 90-95% of all small group leaders
- [Thanks for Subscribing!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-subscribing/) - Almost There! Hi! Thanks for filling out your name and email address. To help protect my email list, I just sent you a quick email asking you to please confirm that you are a real person (and that you are actually the one who signed up)! It should arrive in your inbox in a few minutes,
- [Thanks for your interest!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-your-interest-2/) - Almost There! Hi! Thanks for your interest in staying in touch (and for filling out your name and email address)!!! To help protect my email list, I just sent you a quick email asking you to please confirm that you are actually real. It should arrive in your inbox in a few minutes, if it’s
- [SGN Podcast Resource Page](https://www.markhowelllive.com/sgn-podcast-resource-page/) - Here are a few of the articles I mentioned on the podcast: Skill Training: Four Questions Every Coach Should Be Asking (2010) Steve Gladen on Saddleback's Coaching Strategy (2011) Equip Your Coaches to Develop and Disciple Leaders (2015) 7 Rules at the Essence of Small Group Coaching (2014) 20 Frequently Asked Questions about Small Group Coaching (2014) 5 Obstacles to
- [Advertising](https://www.markhowelllive.com/advertising/) - MarkHowellLive.com produces some of the most focused traffic in small group ministry on the web. Directed exclusively at the senior leadership (senior pastor and executive pastor) and small group champion (staff and volunteer), these sites present an excellent opportunity to reach a very targeted market. I make a limited number of advertising opportunities available to
- [Reading Lists: These Are the Books You Need to Be Reading](https://www.markhowelllive.com/reading-lists-these-are-the-books-you-need-to-be-reading/) - These Are the Books You Need to Be Reading "What should I be reading?!!" I get asked that question all the time. When I checked Google Analytics just now, I noticed again (for the millionth time) that the "reading list" tab in the menu bar was my 5th most popular page or post in the
- [Travel Arrangements](https://www.markhowelllive.com/2016-coaching-network-resources-page/travel-arrangements/) - We'll be meeting at Canyon Ridge Community Church for the onsite days of the coaching network. Canyon Ridge is at 6200 W Lone Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89130 and is 25 to 30 minutes from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. Hotels There are a number of reasonably priced hotels within a 10 minute drive
- [Thanks for your interest!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-your-interest/) - Almost There! Hi! Thanks for your interest in GroupLife Insider (and for filling out your name and email address)!!! To help protect my email list, I just sent you a quick email asking you to please confirm that you are actually real. It should arrive in your inbox in a few minutes, if it’s not
- [Special Introductory Coaching Offer](https://www.markhowelllive.com/special-introductory-coaching-offer/) - Sometimes there is nothing more helpful than the fresh eyes of a strategic outsider. A 60 minute coaching call might be just the thing to help you figure out the best next step for you and your small group ministry. I regularly provide coaching to small group pastors and directors, senior pastors and executive pastors
- [Thanks Again!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-again-grouplife-insider/) - Thank you again! You made it! Thanks again for your interest in GroupLife Insider! You didn't have to enter your email address, but you did, and for that I am very grateful. I will always respect your time and the trust you have given me. I'll keep you posted on developments as I move toward
- [Almost There!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/almost-there-grouplife-insider/) - Almost There! Hi! Thanks for your interest in GroupLife Insider! And thanks for filling out your name and email address. To help protect my email list, I just sent you a quick email asking you to please confirm that you are actually real. It should arrive in your inbox in a few minutes, if it’s not
- [Thank you again!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thank-you-again/) - Thank you again! You made it! Thanks again for subscribing to MarkHowellLive.com. You've just joined several thousand other small group pastors and directors, senior pastors, executive pastors, small group leaders (and many more) who get exclusive emails and updates from me and I promise to deliver only high quality content and timely information to you.
- [Before you go](https://www.markhowelllive.com/before-you-go/) - Before you go... There are a number of great reasons to unsubscribe from my updates (no longer interested in small group ministry, think I'm a heretic, etc.). How about a once a week option? Or a once a month option? But if you're leaving because I update too frequently...you might consider signing up for my
- [Your Subscription Has Been Confirmed!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/your-subscription-has-been-confirmed-2/) - Your subscription to Small Group Ministry Basic Training has been confirmed! Thanks for opportunity to help you take some important first steps! Return to MarkHowellLive.com
- [Short Course: How to Maximize Your Church-Wide Campaign](https://www.markhowelllive.com/how-to-maximize-your-church-wide-campaign/) - If you Google church wide campaign or church wide campaigns, you'll find that 8 of the top 10 links are mine. You know why? It's simple. I've been planning and running campaigns for over 15 years and in 7 different churches. And that's not including the hundreds I've coached to do it over the years.
- [Almost There](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-subscribing-3/) - Hi! Thanks for filling out your name and email address. To help protect my email list, I just sent you a quick email asking you to please confirm that you are actually real. It should arrive in your inbox in a few minutes, if it’s not there already. Please click the link in the email to
- [Ask Mark a Question](https://www.markhowelllive.com/ask-mark-a-question/) - Over the next few weeks I'll be preparing to launch a new podcast...Ask Mark! Although I've regularly answered reader questions that have come in via email or comments, I'm thinking this will be a little more personal and allow me to begin answering more questions. Better yet, everyone subscribed to the podcast will be able
- [Thanks for Subscribing](https://www.markhowelllive.com/thanks-for-subscribing-2/) - Almost There! Hi! Thanks for filling out your name and email address. To help protect my email list, I just sent you a quick email asking you to please confirm that you are actually real. It should arrive in your inbox in a few minutes, if it’s not there already. Please click on the link in that
- [Winter/Spring 2016 Coaching Network](https://www.markhowelllive.com/winterspring-2016-coaching-network/) - 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 that works in the 21st century. The coaching network program will expose you to a new perspective. While it makes sense that in order to get different
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- [2015 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network](https://www.markhowelllive.com/2015-small-group-ministry-coaching-network/) - My 2015 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 that works in the 21st century. The coaching network program will expose you to a new perspective. While it makes sense to many that in order to get
- [Fall 2014 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network](https://www.markhowelllive.com/fall-2014-small-group-ministry-coaching-network/) - My Fall 2014 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 that works in the 21st century. The coaching network program will expose you to a new perspective. While it makes sense to many that in order to
- [How to Maximize a Church-Wide Campaign](https://www.markhowelllive.com/maximize-church-wide-campaign/) - Thanks for attending my recent workshop! I love being part of the learning process and I really hope the workshop helped you! (see below for two important notes on how I can help you further) Here are a few key links to articles that expand on the ideas in my presentation. How to Develop a
- [Notes and Links from How to Build a Thriving Small Group Ministry](https://www.markhowelllive.com/notes-and-links-from-how-to-build-a-thriving-small-group-ministry/) - There are some basic building block concepts that actually precede any discussion about how to start new groups, where to find leaders, or how to develop coaches. I've written a lot about the ideas you heard about in my presentation. Before you do anything else, you're going to want to sign up for my blog
- [5 Secrets of a Big GroupLife Start in 2014](https://www.markhowelllive.com/5-secrets-of-a-big-grouplife-start-in-2014/) - Miss the call? Want to play back something you missed? You can download a copy of the session outline right here. You can listen to the recording of today's call right here. Here are some additional links to posts that will help flesh out the ideas on the call today: 5 Simple Moves that Will
- [2014 Small Group Ministry Coaching Network](https://www.markhowelllive.com/2014-small-group-ministry-coaching-network/) - My 2014 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 that works in the 21st century. The coaching network program will expose you to a new perspective. While it makes sense to many that in order to get
- [Opportunities](https://www.markhowelllive.com/opportunities/) - Here are the ministry opportunities that I know about right now. Check back for updates. I'll be tweeting updates so make sure you've followed me on Twitter or Facebook. Riverside Alliance Church in Big Lake, MN is looking for a small groups pastor. Here’s why this is such a great opportunity: God’s at work here:
- [Custom DVD-Driven Curriculum](https://www.markhowelllive.com/custom-dvd-driven-curriculum/) - Many churches have experienced a church-wide campaign. Whether as part of a spiritual growth emphasis like 40 Days of Purpose or a capital campaign, getting everyone on the same page is a powerful thing. The combination of a message series and a small group study on the same topic, often referred to as an alignment,
- [Schedule Mark Howell for an On-Site Consultation, Retreat or Training](https://www.markhowelllive.com/schedule-mark-howell-for-a-retreat-or-training/) - "I enthusiastically recommend Mark Howell as a consultant and advisor for small groups ministries at any church, large or small. Mark is truly a master at small group strategies, problem solving and next-level thinking." Randy Reeves, Executive Pastor, Woodlands Church Need more than a phone call? Ready to take a proactive next step in debugging
- [New Here?](https://www.markhowelllive.com/new-here/) - New to MarkHowellLive.com? With almost 1000 articles, there's a lot here and I wouldn't want you to miss out on anything. Let me take a moment and show you around! First, if you're looking for a certain topic (i.e., church-wide campaigns, small group curriculum, small group strategy or leader tips), take a look at my
- [Group Talk Notes](https://www.markhowelllive.com/group-talk-notes/) - I'll be adding some additional notes here that will help you process the information from today's Group Talk conference call. Here's a link to the audio from the call: bit.ly/iAR7H3 Getting Started There are two starting point ideas that ought to enter the discussion before you do anything else: There is no problem free: As
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- [Archives](https://www.markhowelllive.com/archives/) - Welcome to my archives. This is a long list of all the posts I have written. They are sorted by category and then by date. If you want to find something specific, you might find it quicker using the search feature in the sidebar. It is powered by Google, very fast and accurate.
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- [Just-in-Time Coaching for Small Group Ministries](https://www.markhowelllive.com/just-in-time-coaching-for-small-group-ministries/) - Sign up for our newsletter and... Get the latest ideas and strategies Find out about new curriculum and church-wide campaigns Network with Small Group Ministry Pastors, Directors and Leaders from around the country CLICK HERE to see a recent edition. Just enter your main or work email below and hit the sign-up button...it's free and
- [Community Leader Training](https://www.markhowelllive.com/community-leader-training/) - Click HERE to listen Session 1. Click HERE to listen Session 2. Click HERE to listen Session 3. Click HERE to listen Session 4.
- [Custom DVD-Driven Curriculum](https://www.markhowelllive.com/smallgroupresources-net/custom-dvd-driven-curriculum/) - Many churches have experienced a church-wide campaign. Whether as part of a spiritual growth emphasis like 40 Days of Purpose or a capital campaign, getting everyone on the same page is a powerful thing. The combination of a message series and a small group study on the same topic, often referred to as an alignment,
- [Speaker Request](https://www.markhowelllive.com/speaker-request/)
- [LAUNCH: An 8 Session Training Program. Beginning July 2nd!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/launch-an-8-session-training-program-beginning-july-2nd/) - What if you launched a wave of small groups that impacted your community? What if your church changed your community? What if the secret to transforming your community was a well-designed, strategically executed, church-wide campaign? You're invited to join me for a special 8 week program designed to take you and your team from drawing
- [Debug Your Thinking](https://www.markhowelllive.com/debug-your-thinking/) - When you think about your discipleship strategy or your connection strategy...how is it working? Have you ever slowed down long enough to really examine your results? To see if what you are trying to do is really happening? [quote]On the wall in my office you'll find a quote that is constantly on my mind as
- [Debug Your Thinking - a 4 Session Workshop](https://www.markhowelllive.com/debug-your-thinking-a-4-session-workshop/) - You know you're heading in the wrong direction...or at least the results you are currently getting have you wondering if there's a way to uncover the hidden assumptions and design issues that are straitjacketing your ministry's effectiveness. Join me beginning Thursday, October 1, 2009 for a new 4 session online workshop that gives you the
- [Welcome!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/welcome-twitter/) - Welcome to MarkHowellLive.com. And thanks for following me on Twitter! You can find out a little more about me right here. This is where I write about small group ministry. StrategyCentral.org is where I write about things like strategy, mission, vision, and change. Because there is new content here every week, it's a good idea
- [Welcome to MarkHowellLive.com](https://www.markhowelllive.com/welcome-to-markhowelllive-com-main/) - Welcome to my blog! There's a lot here. And almost everything is free! Get the FREE Update! Because there is new content here every week, it's a good idea to sign up to get the update. It's free and there are three ways you can subscribe and you'll find them right here. Or you can
- [TeleCoaching Courses](https://www.markhowelllive.com/smallgroupresources-net/telecoaching-courses/) - TeleCoaching (participation in a series of teleconferences) is a very effective way to learn. Unlike attending a conference and experiencing the "firehose to face" phenomenon, TeleCoaching allows you to take part in a learning experience over several weeks. The one hour format allows you to process the content, talk about it on your team, begin
- [Small Group Fraternity](https://www.markhowelllive.com/smallgroupresources-net/small-group-fraternity/) - Looking for a way to stay up on the latest small group ministry strategies? Take advantage of the Small Group Fraternity! What's the Small Group Fraternity about? Exposure to the best strategies and latest ideas in small group ministry Your whole team can participate Interviews with people like Carl George, Bill Donahue and Joe Myers
- [SmallGroupResources.net](https://www.markhowelllive.com/smallgroupresources-net/) - We offer a range of services at SmallGroupResources.net. Whether you need a simple telephone consultation, a one day on-site visit, or a more extensive, multi-visit arrangement. We can tailor what we offer to meet your needs. In addition to live coaching and consulting, we also offer a growing number of downloadable resources that allow you
- [Welcome To MarkHowellLive.com](https://www.markhowelllive.com/welcome-ct/) - Welcome! I hope you got some great ideas from "Building a Small Group Ministry in a Church with a Sunday School Culture." There's a lot here. And almost everything is free! Get the FREE Update! Because there is new content here every week, it's a good idea to sign up to get the update. It's
- [Downloads](https://www.markhowelllive.com/downloads/) - Click HERE to listen to a Taste of Coaching, Building an Effective Coaching Structure. Download the session notes for the taste.
- [Your Subscription Has Been Confirmed!](https://www.markhowelllive.com/your-subscription-has-been-confirmed/) - Your subscription to Just-In-Time Coaching for Small Group Ministries has been confirmed! Thanks for joining! Return to MarkHowellLive.com
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- [Getting To There: A Free, 30 Day Program](https://www.markhowelllive.com/getting-to-there-a-free-30-day-program/) - You dream of becoming a church of groups, a place where nobody stands alone. You want so badly for the men and women in your congregation to be connected, to feel known and loved and supported and encouraged. You may have tried several times to bring group life to your church...or you could be planning
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