I teach a “Small Group Ministry & Discipling” seminary class at Cincinnati Christian University that is designed for students who have an interest in starting or further developing a small group ministry in a local congregation. I selected the required textbooks for these leaders and emerging leaders to give them a mixture of adaptable philosophy, biblical values for discipleship in …

The 12-step strategy can be summarized in 4 words: Focus short-term, plan long-term. Many people are reluctant to join a long-term group, especially with people they don’t already know. Perhaps this is why so many small group events and campaigns fail. But people will try a short-term group (four to six weeks, maximum) that meets a specific felt need. Once …

I participate in a huddle of small group and discipleship ministers in the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana region that discussed how to get more people involved in disciple-making groups. Here are 12 of their ideas. Many of these work well in combination with others. 1. Build a culture of authentic community in small groups in the church. Of course, the preaching minister/lead pastor …

I was recently asked this question via email from a church leader in Canada: There has been some question in the past at our church about how long a group should be together. A thought had been to “shake” things up or break up groups on purpose and in doing so that it would help. My opinion is that it …

What are the purposes of vision and mission statements? Are they important? Should a small group have vision and mission statements? I’ll answer those questions in a moment. But first I’d like to share a series of mission-related tweets I posted a couple days ago: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore stay on …

You may (or may not) have noticed I haven’t posted anything new on the blog for a couple weeks. It’s for a great reason: I’ve been working on a new & improved website, including a new hosting company, new platform, new mission statement, new logo, new tagline, easier to navigate pages and blog posts (all in one place), a new …

As I coach and consult with small group point leaders and churches, I’m finding that coaching leaders is (still) a struggle for many. At the same time, I partner with several organizations that deal with coaching business leaders, and I’m applying what I’m learning in that environment to small group and church ministry. Over the next several posts, I’ll share …

Here are the 10 best websites for small group leaders and ministry point leaders as judged solely by me, Michael Mack. Part of the mission of Small Group Leadership is to resource leaders—or, in this case, point you to some of the best resources—to help you carry out the mission God has given you. I not only use all these …

GUEST BLOG by Kathy Stahlhut,  Director of Small Groups at Greenwood (Indiana) Christian Church. _______   At Greenwood Christian, we are constantly striving to improve our small group leader training. We know that with good coaching, leaders function at their highest capacity. As directors or ministers of small groups, we can only do so much. For a boost, at least …

Today is part three of a three-part series by guest blogger, Dr. +Ralph Neighbour. Please see Part 1 here. See Part 2 here.  __________     FACT 3: OVERSEAS BODIES OF CHRIST HAVE HARVEST EVENTS   When we began to develop the Faith Community Baptist Church in Singapore, we threw away the traditional church calendar with all its programs. Our motto …