Articles for tag: Small Groups Ministry

January 1, 2022

Michael C. Mack

The Pipeline Problem: What Each of Us Can Do to Get It Moving Again

Jesus said much about the church’s leadership pipeline. In fact, he initiated it. Without it, the church’s proliferation from “Jerusalem . . . to the ends of the earth” would be impossible. And while we have few examples of how the original 12 apostles developed future leaders, we know they must have by how quickly the church expanded. The Bible describes in much greater detail the apostle Paul’s leadership pipeline—the individuals he discovered, developed, and deployed as well as the instructions he gave them to do the same. Two millennia later, however, Jesus’ church is facing a leadership pipeline problem.

December 18, 2016

Christian Standard

Working Women/Women’s Work: A View from the Heartland

By Susan Lawrence The sky is the limit . . . unless you live in a snow globe. My dad dreamed big for me. Dad would frequently say, “You, know, if you wanted, you could . . .” followed by yet another option for a job or hobby. I would have to live a dozen lifetimes to accomplish all he dreamed and schemed for me. Some of his ideas were a bit outlandish. Even though I knew I probably would never become a world champion downhill skier (we lived in central Illinois) or train exotic animals (farm animals were enough

January 1, 2015

Michael C. Mack

Reach Retirees for Christ

A popular expression among some churches goes something like, “Grow younger to grow larger.” Yet today, with the rising trend of retiring baby boomers (roughly 10 million per year), that motto may be as out-of-date as Grandpa”s vinyl records. Community Christian Church in Naperville, Illinois, has come up with a successful model for reaching what senior minister Dave Ferguson calls one of the “fastest-growing demographics.” About 12 years ago, the Chicagoland church began partnering with a small, struggling congregation that met in the clubhouse of a nearby 55-plus gated retirement community, and today the weekly attendance of this Community Christian

July 5, 2014

Christian Standard

5 Things to Do at the NACC

By Susan Lawrence As usual, the North American Christian Convention is packed with possibilities. You might not know where to begin. If you”ve attended for years, you might drift through this year”s event””July 8 to 11 in Indianapolis””on autopilot. Or, perhaps you want to take in as much as possible, so you”ve highlighted your program to maximize every day from sunrise to well past sunset. Take a deep breath. The NACC isn”t just a program for you to power through. 1. Make eye contact. Notice people around you. Stroll. Sit. Savor. Don”t rush from one session to another and miss

June 16, 2013

Michael C. Mack

What Is a Small Group?

By Michael C. Mack The question keeps popping up. At conferences, in Internet discussion groups, whenever small group leaders get together, the question is asked, discussed, and sometimes even argued. You”d think we”d know the answer by now. A small group minister asked, “What exactly is a small group? There is a crucial advantage to having groups that are highly intentional about spiritual growth, external ministry, and living missionally””that is, reproducing both disciples and groups. At the same time, many people in the church are not ready to be part of such a group. Some people are just looking to

October 27, 2012

Christian Standard

The 3 R”s to Launching & Landing in Ministry

By Susan Lawrence It”s a great idea! You know it can have an impact on people. You”re excited to get it started. Others sense your excitement as you share with them, and they get excited, too. You”re ready to blast off with the power of a space shuttle. You”re in your comfort zone. Dream big, and shoot for the moon! You make a few plans, share what you imagine the beauty of the view will be once in flight, and press the LAUNCH button. The problem is what gets launched must also land. Without a plan for the journey, the

March 2, 2011

Christian Standard

How to Organize a Small Groups Ministry

By Kent Odor As a young man I ran several seasons on my high school track team. I won a few races and some ribbons, but I realized early on the Olympics were not in my future. Nevertheless, the experience had a very positive lasting impact on me. The daily training in preparation for the track season was absolutely necessary before I finally put my feet in the starting blocks for my first race. In a similar way, establishing a small group ministry in a church of any size requires some serious preparation. Here are some of the necessary ways

June 4, 2008

Christian Standard

Four Standards for Small Groups

By Mark A. Taylor After reading this week”s small groups articles, you may wish we had talked to all the writers in one room at the same time. The variety in their approaches would no doubt stimulate a lively discussion about “the right way” to do small groups. Yet, in spite of any potential disagreements, several common principles are clear. According to this week”s writers, here”s how to have successful small groups: Begin with the Bible.  Jim Putman, whose church involves thousands in small groups every week, says “The Bible plays a central part.”   Mike Mack, who not only

Help Keep Christian Standard Free & Accessible with a Tax Deductible Donation

We can do more together!

Every gift makes a difference!

No, thank you.
100% secure transactions - receipts provided.
Does Your Church Want to Support Christian Standard?

Would your church consider including support for Christian Standard in its annual missions budget? Your support would help us not only continue the 160-year legacy of this unifying ministry, but also expand the free resources, cooperative opportunities, and practical guidance we provide to strengthen churches in the U.S. and around the world.

We can do more together!

Every gift makes a difference!

No, thank you.
100% secure transactions - receipts provided.
Secret Link