How to Read the Room as a Small Group Leader
It is vital to remember that God is speaking to everyone in our small groups, and that sometimes with everything else we focus on as leaders, we may be the last to notice.
5 Toxic Small Group Ministry Moves
I’ve noticed that there is a short list of small group ministry moves that can be toxic. They often seem harmless. They don’t look dangerous. But they can cause great damage.
Are Small Group Meetings Biblical?
Where in the Bible are small group meetings?
4 Tell-Tale Signs Your Small Group System Is Broken
If your total number of groups isn’t growing, it’s a tell-tale sign something is broken. Even if your church’s attendance is flatlined, a growing total number of groups is an indication of a healthy small group system.
7 Easy Ways to Put a ‘Not Welcome’ Sign on Your Church
None of us would put a "not welcome" sign on our church doors on purpose. Yet I’m certain that some of our practices make people feel distinctly unwelcome. Here are some of them.
3 Things New Believers Experience in Small Groups
By encouraging a new Christian to join a small group as soon as possible, the church can help foster consistent spiritual growth and prepare the individual to eventually utilize their own spiritual gifts for ministry.
Research on Fandom, Small Groups, and 3 Implications for Church Leaders
The Bible teaches us that the community we have as Christians is stronger than any other community because it is built on a foundation that never changes.
Small Group Launch Checklist
Here's a checklist that will help small group leaders think through important steps of launching a successful new small group.
Spiritual Maturity: 5 Signs You DON’T Have It
Often what we call spiritual maturity … isn't. In fact, at least five of the common claims we make about having spiritual maturity actually show we lack it.
Learning by Doing in Groups
What does it mean to learn? Is it merely an acquisition of more facts? Or is it taking those facts and putting them into practice? Meetings are not the only place for groups to learn. Often lessons are better when learning by doing.
7 Proven Strategies to Launch More Small Groups
Churches CAN launch more small groups fast enough to keep up with the demand for discipleship, if they change up how they are launching more small groups. Here are 7 things I’ve discovered over the last 15 years in working with over 1,500 churches across North America.
10 Reasons Ministry Isn’t for Wimps
Pastoral care ministry isn't for wimps...so if you still want to be a pastor after reading this, then God has probably called you to shepherd a church!
Leaderless Small Groups
“We started giving people permission to jump in. We’re asking for people who love people and love God. We want people who are willing to facilitate a healthy environment where connections can happen.”
5 Big Goals for Each New Year of Ministry
"These five goals revolve around the five biblical purposes of the church, which never change and remain constant in any culture."
10 Food Ideas for Your Next Small Group Gathering
Most small groups aren’t a small group unless there is food shared. Be honest, which of us have not tried to entice our members by the food we serve?
One Free Way to Celebrate Christmas with your Small Group
When you think about discipleship in a small group what comes to mind? For many people it is Bible study, prayer, fellowship, worship…
3 Abnormal Gifts for Your Small Group This Christmas
Here’s a different holiday idea: How about getting a few abnormal gifts for your whole small group?
7 Trademarks of an Unhealthy Friendship
"I wish I could go back in time and pull words out of the ears of my wife, children and friends, but in that moment, I was blind."
12 Vital Reasons Each Of Us Should Be Part Of A Church
We can and should worship and love Jesus individually. But we should also worship, pursue God's word and love him with others. In fact, it is essential and vital to our spiritual lives and health as believers.
Why the Christian Life Is a Call to Community
I’ll never forget Miss Moss, with her Coke-bottle glasses and a disability that left her slow and kind. She loved writing notes of encouragement...
Latest News
Paycheck Protection for Pastors: What You Need to Know
Paycheck Protection Program loans can be used for paying employee wages, benefits, and retirement funds. In a clarifying statement, the White House said churches and other religious organizations are eligible for these loans.
New Podcasts
Ken Boa: Suffering Is a Required Course in the University of...
"Suffering is not an elective," says Ken Boa. But even though we are guaranteed to experience pain in life, by God's grace we can still move toward joy.
