Defining a small group is a difficult task. Over the last 20 or so years, variations on the theme have become norm. The information in this article unveils the basics of a biblically-driven small group—those things that should be consistent in any group type. A simple definition of a small group is: “A micro-community of 3 to 12 Jesus followers doing the Christian life deeply together.” If honesty and vulnerability are necessary for spiritual growth, group dynamics would tell us that the levels of transparency … [Read more...]
Dating Moment: Let’s Get Serious
You lovebirds think you're ready to take your relationship to the next level, but are you sure? Before you get serious, here's a checklist of things to do, talk about, and inspect in your romance. Friends Most couples wait to meet the parents, but it's high time you meet your honey's close friends (and vice versa)—those interactions can reveal a lot. Facts Have a heart-to-heart about what you've experienced in your relationship histories—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and what you're looking for in another … [Read more...]
Context Counts
Most people know what to expect when they enter their local church on any given Sunday. Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian—it doesn’t matter. Even those churches who pride themselves on being “different” most often have a certain way of doing things, from dress to worship style to music. And that’s fine—until people begin to see those things as an essential part of their experience with God. At that point the system becomes a fundamentally flawed strategy. Around the world we teach missionaries to … [Read more...]
Make the Most of the First Month of the University Year
The first month of school shapes collegiate ministry for the entire year. Sure, God can and does move in October or April, but typically what does or doesn’t happen the first month of the university year matters in October and in April. Students set their patterns the first three weeks of Fall semester. They often decide quickly where they’ll park, when they’ll eat, who they’ll spend time with, and whether or not they’ll be involved in church or campus ministry. Bam! Decided. Tuesday/Thursday schedule … [Read more...]
Dan Pink on the surprising truth about what motivates us
In Dan Pink’s talk at the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), he unpacks surprising research about what motivates people. What the research reveals will force you to think differently about leadership and teamwork in your career, your life, and your ministry. … [Read more...]
College Leaders: Time to Welcome 2010’s Freshman Class!
My favorite air to breathe is fall air on a college campus. Believe it or not, fall and the arrival of students, new and returning, is here! Football players, resident assistants, sorority recruitment leaders, and band members are likely on your campus right now. Others will quickly follow! Wooo Hooo! Most freshmen arriving on your campus in a few weeks were born in 1992. Other happenings in 1992 were: A League of Their Own, Sister Act, and A Few Good Men were popular movies. The Pelican Brief by John Grisham, Every Living Thing by … [Read more...]
What’s in a Name? Discovering who you were meant to be
Lately I've been noticing names and their meanings. Maybe it's because I have friends who are preggo and, feeling the pressure, periodically ask for input on that all-important question—What are we going to name our child if it's a boy … or a girl? My answer is always the same—Pat. After a laugh we then shift to the far more serious issue of ensuring that whatever names are up for consideration don't rhyme with anything that will cause unnecessary emotional pain on the elementary-school playground. And even if … [Read more...]
Make Sure Fun is on Your Summer Schedule
It's summer and you may be planning what will happen in the young adult ministry in your church this fall and into next year. You may be completely focused on all matters of high spiritual value. But let me give you one word of advice: Build in some fun … it’s summer after all! Here’s why: The people you are ministering to work hard every day. Many of them seemingly have a cell phone surgically glued to their ear answering work calls 24-7. Many others work the shifts the more senior workers have turned down. … [Read more...]
So You Married a Sinner--Now What?
Why do we have to marry flawed people? Wouldn't it have been much easier if God had worked it out so that we would be fully sanctified, then married? Who wouldn't want to marry a perfected person? Wouldn't that make marriage fundamentally easier and more enjoyable? Maybe God did get the order mixed up. Now, the reason we tend to think this way is precisely because we are so captivated by the kingdom of self. We are drawn to order, predictability, comfort, ease, pleasure, appreciation, fun, and personal happiness. These things are not … [Read more...]
Can a Healthy Lifestyle Make You a Better Leader?
At its core ministry is about meeting the needs of others. Whether that means visiting the hospital for a 6 a.m. surgery, being a shoulder to cry on after a 2 a.m. break up, hosting an afternoon staff meeting, preparing a message, providing pizza for a late night study session, or making time for a date with your spouse and helping your kids with their homework, most of your day doesn’t belong to you. The time constraints of ministry make it easy to justify the lack of attention we give our health. We are just too busy. After … [Read more...]
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