Posts Tagged ‘small group consulting’
God’s Heart for Unconnected People
In my workshops I often talk about using a message series about “God’s Heart for Unconnected People” to prime the pump for asking people to volunteer to be a HOST in an upcoming church-wide alignment. While the Bible is full of great stories that talk about this idea, here are the two scripture passages that…
Read MoreHow to Build a Small Group Ministry in a Sunday School Culture, Part 3
The second step in building a small group ministry in a church with a Sunday School culture is to develop your plan well in advance. And for some of you…that is a very hard thing to do. The natural predisposition is to operate in a “ready, fire, aim” mode. Maybe even a “fire, fire, fire”…
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions (about starting small groups in a Sunday School Culture)
A well thought out FAQ is a great resource whether you’re starting a small groups ministry or launching groups through a church-wide campaign. The questions you include can be tailored to meet the needs of your situation. By posting the FAQ on your website or making it available at a table in your lobby you…
Read MoreHow to Build a Small Group Ministry in a Sunday School Culture, Part 2
The first step in building a small group ministry in a church with a Sunday School culture is to clarify and skillfully communicate your reasons for choosing to build a Small Group Ministry. Both elements are critical. You will want to work hard in the very beginning to get comfortable with explaining the benefits. First,…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreDesigning Your Small Group Ministry to Get To There
Ready to see change in your small group ministry? Ready for the day when your small group system really is producing life-change? Not in pockets or individuals but in number? How many times have you thought, “I’ll give this one more try?” How many times have you thought, “Maybe we should just give up!” I…
Read MoreReady for an Assumption Hunt?
Once you’ve begun the process of performing a system checkup you’ll probably find yourself running up against some issues that seem like they’re set in stone. Insurmountable. When you get to there, you will need to go on what Gary Hamel calls an assumption hunt. Why? Assumptions can kill off any change initiative…even before it…
Read MoreIs It Time for a System Checkup?
How’s your small group system? Winning? Workable? Wobbly? Weak? Is it time for a system checkup? We’ve all been to the doctor for a checkup. Most of us have taken our car in for an oil change that includes an “18 point inspection.” Have you ever put your small group system through a diagnostic checkup? …
Read MoreHow Are You Connecting with Leaders and Coaches?
How are you connecting with your leaders and coaches for encouragement and training? Still calling a monthly meeting? You may want to think about shifting some of those meetings to conference call or better yet…a video conference call! One of the challenges almost anywhere you live now is that attending a one hour meeting is…
Read MoreIt Is What It Is
As I've written previously, I evaluate the effectiveness of small group strategy through a carefully developed process. My process is based on three assumptions and the first assumption I make is that "it is what it is." That is, what is happening in your small group ministry right now is directly related to the way…
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