"Don't Give Me No Rules"For almost two decades, I was involved in one of the most dangerous professions in the world... I was a division manager in the landscape-construction industry. My primary responsibility was the fiscal survival of a branch with 100+ employees,... Likes [7]Comments [0] TAGS: men's ministry, entry points, small group practices
Breaking the SilenceGetting group members to talk openly about the messiness of their lives is one of the most critical challenges recovery group leaders face. As the discussion moves beyond the superficial and approaches the consequential, the silence can often be... Likes [11]Comments [3] TAGS: recovery, humility, conversation, asking good questions, active listening
3 Easy Keys to (Re-)ConnectingEvery fall, we come back with a big push to get people to join a small group. Small groups are a vital aspect of building community in our churches. Nonetheless, it can be awkward to join a small group. For that matter, it can be just as awkward... Likes [6]Comments [0] TAGS: small group health, getting started, small group leadership, small group experiences
Apprenticeship x Reflection = MultiplicationLeadership development is the lynchpin of successfully reproducing and multiplying small groups. But how do leaders really develop? How does a small group leader go about developing a process for raising up apprentice leaders? What will truly help... Likes [0]Comments [0] TAGS: small group leadership, small group multiplication, apprenticeship, discipleship, coaching
Hungry... Full... or Just Right?Have you ever been hungry? Okay, that's probably a dumb question. But think about how hunger affects you. When I'm hungry, I'm irritable, and I have difficulty focusing on anything but my hunger… and what and when I'll eat next. Now, consider when... Likes [2]Comments [0] TAGS: small group health, small group leadership
Clarity: The First Component of Simple Disciple-MakingWe live in a complex, sometimes complicated world. We believe that more is better, so we often end up with a "supersize me" mentality. The technology that promised to organize and simplify our lives has left many with more information and activity... Likes [1]Comments [0] TAGS: training, discipleship, small group leadership, small group experiences
(Some) Help for Burned-Out GroupsDrawing on her personal experience as someone who's been burned out, disappointed, and frustrated by small groups, Kim V. Engelmann makes a compelling case for changing our paradigm in her book Soul-Shaping Small Groups . Yet in the end, her critique... Likes [1]Comments [0] TAGS: small group health, small group experiences, small group leadership, small group practices