One of my favorite topics to speak on is the principle of overflow. In my training, I use a pitcher to represent God and everything that he wants to pour into us and a glass to represent our lives. I use this illustration to show that God does not simply fill our lives to the full (John 10:10), he fills …

When life is safe and comfortable, there is no real need to trust God. That’s as true for your small group, your church, and your family as it is for you personally. It’s when you step out of your comfort zone, count the costs, surrender your own preferences, and obey God no matter what that you will most need to …

Robert Lay, holding up my book, The Pocket Guide to Burnout-Free Small Group Leadership, translated into Portuguese Brazilian leaders deal with burnout. When I was first asked to speak on the topic of leader burnout in Brazil, I was surprised. Because of all the wonderful things I’ve heard about the Brazilian church, cells, and the people, not to mention the …

It’s been a couple weeks since returning from my trip to Brazil, training cell pastors and leaders at two conferences. Yesterday, I shared the first of some of my discoveries from my trip: Community Is a Way of Life in Brazil, and because of that cells fit into that culture. While I believe that’s true, I also noticed that the …

In March, my son Dru and I traveled to Brazil where I had the privilege of training cell-church pastors, coaches, and leaders at two conferences. The first three days I led five sessions in Manaus, which is in the north of Brazil. Then we traveled to the south to the beautiful resort town of Aguas de Lindoia, where I led …

My son Dru and I arrived in Manaus, Brazil yesterday and today we have been able to get out around the city a little. This is a beautiful place and very warm, friendly people. I’ve been told by many before I came that Brazilians naturally know how to do authentic community, and I’m seeing the evidence of that all around …