A Life That Matters

Had a chance to check out a new DVD-driven small group curriculum yesterday.  A Life That Matters is a “cutting edge small group Bible study inspired by Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life. Tell the Story Productions has taken those themes and incorporated them into a six-week Bible study that will inspire.” I liked…

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Filming at the Cotton Mill

Jump back Rob Bell!  We’re filming a new DVD-driven study called Live Forgiven at the coolest location…a totally crumbling cotton mill in McKinney, Texas.  Can’t wait to see this curriculum hit!

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Ready to Euthanize Your Small Groups?

Brian Jones, Lead Pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley, is asking an interesting question over on his blog.  "Should the small groups in your ministry be euthanized and replaced with another something that actually makes disciples?"  Actually, he’s making the case that they should be euthanized.  I’m just trying to turn it into a…

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Building a Church of Small Groups

Few churches have had as much influence on how small group ministry happens as Willow Creek.  And very few books have as large an impact on how small group ministry happens as Building a Church of Small Groups.  While a lot has changed at Willow Creek  since Bill Donahue and Russ Robinson first published it…

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How to Use Special Days to Launch Groups

If you’re like most churches you’re now convinced that an annual church-wide campaign (an alignment) is a great way to help start new small groups.  That jury is already in. The question most are asking is what’s the best way to start groups the rest of the year?  The answer?  Any way you can…but there is another little known and…

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Determining Who Can Lead

Regardless of the method you use to launch a small group (Connection, HOST, apprentice or plain old fashioned recruiting), determining who can lead is a prerequisite.   Some churches are uncomfortable allowing non-members to lead a small group.  Some are much less restrictive, allowing anyone to pick up the material and invite friends.  Still others determine…

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Church Is a Team Sport

Picked up a copy of Church Is a Team Sport: A Championship Strategy for Doing Ministry Together by Pastor Jim Putman of Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, Idaho.  With attendance of 8,000 on the weekend, this 8 year old church is one of the fastest growing churches in America.  Even more impressive?  They’re in…

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