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?   One of the most important principles from Jim Collins’ Good to Great is…

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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 only include the most important elements to growth. “Narrowing the focus” and “thinking steps, not…

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If I Was Starting Today: Part 3

(This is part 3 of a 7 part series.  You can read part 1 right here) If I knew then what I know now…I’d have a different way of looking at a lot of things!  One thing I would definitely look at differently would be the way I defined success.   How so?  Well, for starters…

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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…

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Church Unique

Looking for a resource that can walk you through the development of a cohesive and compelling vision, mission, values and strategy concept?  There are plenty of books out there, but I haven’t come across any as complete as Church Unique: How Missional Leaders Cast Vision, Capture Culture, and Create Movement by Will Mancini.  Whether you’re…

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If I Was Starting Today: Part 1

If I knew then what I know now… That’s where this series of posts 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.  And in my mind there are three questions and seven core ideas. …

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What Have You Got Planned This Summer?

You’ve worked hard to help jump start some new small groups this year.  Don’t let the death valley days of summer get the best of them!  Instead, take advantage of some simple strategies to help them thrive!  What can you do to help them?  Read on! First, now is the time to build in the…

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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…

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HOST: What Does It Mean?

You’ve probably heard of “hosting” a group.  But what does it mean to be a host?  Is there a difference between a host and a leader?  Is it just another name for a leader?  If I’m a host, will you provide the teacher?   These are questions that are asked all the time.  ALL the time. …

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