Starting a new church community is not an easy task. We can get so caught up in our methodology that we miss the mission of the church.

There have been times when there are just a handful of musicians and vocalists on stage with minimal capabilities. The songs (especially the contemporary ones) scream for a full band with keys, drums, and a bass, but we don’t have it available. What to do?

At the risk of not keeping your attention I won’t make this entry too long. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the state or lack-there-of of critical thinking abilities among people, especially as a pastor. People today tend to process many ideas and information without seriously thinking about anything in particular except 

I know for myself that I lead by doing and coming alongside potential and present leaders to encourage, support and train them. It is usually the case that when there is a lack of leadership it is because there is no environment or atmosphere of leadership development happening in the church.

For years CRHM encouraged churches to adopt the Principle-Based model/philosophy of small group ministry almost exclusively. I thought it was worth another look.

If you read my review of Launching Missional Communities or my 5 part interview with Mike Breen, you know that if anyone has a handle on making disciples in the post-Christian culture of the west, it is Breen and the folks from 3DM.

December is busy enough. So who wants another event? Why not maximize your normal December activities by inviting someone along. Or you could use the most of the December opportunities to grow and start new small groups in January. Here are some good things to consider.

For many years within the small group realm there has been a lot of discussion on whether small groups should be open or closed. Perhaps our default mode especially in our CRC communities is to err on the side of being comfortable and thus short-circuiting true discipleship... This repost has a lot o reads but would be better with some discussion :-)

We all want to see our small groups grow and thrive. Here are some key ingredients to tap into and increase your small group potential.

It's the fall again when ministries tend to kick off. Here are some things to think about whether you are a member, leader or coordinator of small groups. I thought it would be valuable to recycle this article.

I received some interesting responses after our recent prayer service. A number of people found it difficult to pray that the Holy Spirit would instill in them a passion for the lost. To pray that prayer can be scary when your focus on being a disciple has been more about being a faithful church attender than to follow Jesus into the big bad world to share the Gospel.

In churches around the globe, a variety of shifts are occurring that are shaping the future of small groups. These shifts are next steps designed to meet the same goal of the community.