Lasting Impressions of Value
You are valuable- I may not know you, but I know you are valuable. Jesus tells me so in the story of value in Luke 12. He is talking about the birds of the air and the clothes we wear and states, “Of how much more value are you than the birds” (12:24, NIV). But, […]
3 Things Stopping People from Joining Your Groups
We’re all dying for a place to belong. But for many of the people we serve, it’s hard to believe that authentic and safe community actually exists. The radically inclusive and welcoming nature of Jesus’ life and ministry was confusing, , challenging and frustrating for the religious people around Him. How strange to see this man […]
Spiritual Rhythms
One of my favorite classes in my under-grad was Ministry Observation, which I took my freshman year. I know, it doesn’t sound super exciting or life changing by any means, but man…I loved this class! We would, as a class, visit various different churches in Southern California; write critiques and analysis papers about our experience […]
5 Transferrable Principles You Can Learn from International Small Group Ministries
With 37 Small Group Network huddles in countries outside the US and Canada, what can you gain from the lessons of small group ministries all around the world? Check out these five transferrable principles: Never let a previous experience with groups deter you from trying new groups-based strategies. Many churches in Eastern Europe and other areas tried different […]
The Oreo Method
Do you like Oreos? What is your favorite part? My favorite Oreos are the golden ones- the crispy outer shell and that sugary cream center. Leadership is a lot like Oreos. No, leadership is not crunchy on the outside and smooth on the inside. But, they do have more similarities than you would think. An Oreo […]
3 Keys for Keeping the People Engaged: Enlisted, Employed, Empowered
When we moved into our new home, we made cutting the grass our oldest son Cade’s responsibility. He mowed periodically at our old home, but when we moved in here, it became his responsibility, his to own. The other day I asked him to mow the front yard. Later in the day he looked out […]
Creating Group Clarity
Imagine these people are attending a new small group, they do not really know each other or have any significant background about one another. Paul -his group experience has been one where the leader did everything Karen and Joe – have never been in a small group Sue – in her last group, leadership was […]
Do Your Leaders Have the Gratitude Attitude?
I was speaking to a friend recently about a particularly hard time in his life. Work was a mess, there were family curve balls, and he had some friends who betrayed him. There was almost nothing left to go wrong. Until that final thing went wrong. “I was turning into a cranky old man […]
Four Helpful Lists that Make Evaluation Clear and Effective
Our primary role as leaders is to look forward, to see the future that CAN be, so that we can help people get there. But without looking back and evaluating, we never know if we are making real progress. And even when it feels like we are moving forward and getting better, evaluation helps us […]
Feeling Discouraged? Five Secret Weapons You Can Use Today!
The great rock band R.E.M. wrote a song, Everybody Hurts, in which the refrain goes, “everybody hurts sometimes.” As anyone in ministry knows, they weren’t kidding! Discouragement is one of the primary obstacles facing every one of us as small group ministry leaders. No one seems to be immune from occasional moments of feeling defeated […]