What is truth? It's a vital question because truth is foundational for our faith, our lives, our small groups, and our churches. But I want to approach the question, “What is truth?” by asking it another way: What isn’t truth? Truth is not my...
Category: Small Group Leaders
Leader's Heart-Overflow, Spiritual Life
Delight, Desires, and Decisions
Our first priority is to delight in the Lord. It is not to seek the desires of our heart.
Facilitating Discussion, Spiritual Life
Thanksgiving Discussion Starters
Ask the people you see throughout the week these simple questions to start what could be a life-changing discussion!
Curriculum, Facilitating Discussion, Training SG Leaders
Is Your Group Bible Study Biblical? Important Questions
How do you make sure the group Bible study you are leading is—well, biblical? How can you assure, as much as possible, your group discussion goes in the direction of biblical truth?
Church Leadership, External-Focus
Is Your Body Physically Fit?
A healthy body is a moving body. It is built by Christ for his mission, which starts with "Go"! We weren't built to merely congregate or assemble.
Discipling
The Power of Authenticity
When I was about 10 years old, I made friends with two brothers in my neighborhood, Tim and Jeff Ward. Perhaps because I didn’t have a brother living at home, or just for fun, I told them I had a...
Discipling
Real Friends, Real Transformation
I’m blessed to have been part of many authentic small groups over the years that God used to transform my life. The following is one example—the first small group I ever attended. As you read this narrative, see how many...
Discipling
Invite People Into a Journey, Not Just a Relationship
We often define the Christian life as a relationship. It's a vital part of our theology and our language. We need a vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationships with others (ref., John 22:37-40; 1 John 1:3). That's absolutely true,...
Church Leadership, Leader's Heart-Overflow, Small Group Leaders, Spiritual Life
All Leaders and Teams Would Benefit from Leading from the Heart
People still ask me questions about my book, Leading from the Heart, which I wrote 20 years ago. The subtitle, "A small group leader's guide to a passionate ministry," defines my original intended audience, small group leaders, plus the coaches...
Discipling
Make More Disciples by Making Less
As a small group leader, how many people do you think you can effectively lead, shepherd, and disciple? Eight? Ten? Twelve? Twenty? Let me ask this question another way: If you are to bear much fruit, fruit that will last...