Posts Tagged ‘small group ministry’
G12: A Cautionary Tale?
I’m asked about G12 a few times a year…not near as much as free market, semester based, or sermon based…but often enough to have had many conversations over the past few years. Here’s what I know about the G12 small group philosophy: First, at it’s essence G12 works like this: the key leader forms a…
Read MoreFinding the Flow: A Guide for Leading Small Groups and Gatherings
Looking for a leader training resource? Finding the Flow: A Guide for Leading Small Groups and Gatherings, by Tara Miller and Jenn Peppers, is one you should take a look at. New from IVP, it’s full of great leader training ideas, practices, and philosophy. This is a book length training guide. At over 240 pages…
Read MoreOpen or Closed Groups?
I’m often asked whether groups should be open or closed? It’s one of those questions that kind of defines you as a grouplifer. Open or closed? It’s kind of like Coke or Pepsi…but not very much. There are those that are a little wild-eyed about one perspective or the other. And then there are those…
Read MoreFour Steps That Help Groups Survive the Holidays
Have you found a way to help your groups make it through the holidays? You know how it is. Groups start off with a bang in September, many times transition to a second study in mid-October, and then just before Thanksgiving reach for the pause button. “We’ve got so much going on…it just makes more…
Read MoreTop 10 Reasons I’m a Fan of Open Groups
In terms of small groups philosophy of ministry, the open or closed group question is very big. Both sides have some good arguments. Like every other argument there is no problem-free solution. Although I believe there are times when it is both appropriate and beneficial to “close” a group, for the most part I am…
Read MoreNew from Lifeway: Small Group Life
Looking for what’s next for your small group ministry? I like what I’m beginning to hear about Lifeway’s new line, Small Group Life. Great topics, streamlined sessions, and the pricing looks great. What’s not to like? I think you’ll get the flavor from this video: Small Group Life from Lifeway.SmallGroups on Vimeo.
Read MoreNorth Point’s 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,…
Read MoreThe Connecting Church
The Connecting Church by Randy Frazee is based on a core idea that there is more room for life when you simplify or streamline your small group relationships to center on the people who live near you. In fact, Frazee’s followup to The Connecting Church, Making Room For Life, is even more centered on that…
Read MoreChurch-Wide Campaign-Driven Small Groups
When comparing small group ministry strategies and systems there are some fundamental questions to consider. What are the requirements to be a leader? What does a new member commit to? How will you care for the leaders? How does a new group begin? What materials can be used? One of the most effective small group…
Read MoreHow 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…
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