"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
"Do Any of You Guys Have a Prayer Request?"It was 6:40 on a Thursday morning, and I was off to attend a men's group at a local church for the very first time. My good friend Bill, who leads it, had invited me countless times to join him. When I arrived, I was greeted by a handshake and a... Likes [13]Comments [4] TAGS: men's ministry, prayer, small group health
Healthy, Safe Disciples = Growing in Recovery John Maxwell's axiom that "everything rises and falls on leadership" is definitely true of small-group facilitators -- and it's particularly true of recovery-group facilitators. If the goal of recovery is to provide a healthy, safe environment where... Likes [0]Comments [0] TAGS: recovery, small group leadership, facilitator, transparency, discipleship
Just Meet the Need, Man!Over the past few years, I've had opportunity to work with thousands of men's leaders and pastors across the Southeast. These guys work hard preparing for monthly men's gatherings and offer dozens of small-group connection points for the men in their... Likes [0]Comments [3] TAGS: men's ministry, invitation
Sweating Out Your FaithWomen want to sweat. It's true. And in church, of all places! I discovered this a few months ago when a friend of mine and I hosted an unusual women's Bible study. We told women to wear sweatpants, t-shirts and sneakers and advertised that we'd be... Likes [12]Comments [1] TAGS: women's, exercise
Launching Recovery GroupsAn important adjunct to a healthy small group ministry is a recovery group ministry. Think of it as a rest stop along the small group freeway for those struggling with the effects of sin (such as abuse and addiction) and other difficult life trials... Likes [5]Comments [0] TAGS: recovery