Blurred Boundaries: The Space Between

People love well-defined boundaries. We love to draw a clear line between the good and bad people. When a nation goes to war, for example, the enemy is often portrayed as evil. And we are always the good guys. Of course, the other side thinks the same thing. Lines like this give us comfort. They help us simplify the world, categorize it neatly in clearly defined packages. But there’s just one problem with the lines we make: they don’t always match up with reality. The world isn’t as simple as Christians are good; non-Christians are bad. In fact, we Christians … read more

Indianapolis Regional Ministry Planting Vision & Strategies

The Indiana Central District has been strategically focused on an Urban Thrust to the Indianapolis region since April, 2010. An Urban Initiative Task Force, under the umbrella of Stewardship Outreach Strategies, has met together on several occasions to brainstorm, strategize and begin to facilitate an organized Urban Ministry Strategy. To do so, a feasibility study and exploration for the development of an Indianapolis Community Based Ministry and Cross-Cultural Training Center was begun. Our initial goal was to provide holistic ministry to Indianapolis as well as other urban areas of the District. It has been our goal to provide recreational/sports, theater/arts, … read more

Ten Things You Should Know About Online Giving

Online giving is a growing and viable giving channel for those who prefer to exchange funds in an electronic environment in addition to providing a steady stream of income for churches that isn’t dependent on the physical presence of the membership. It makes no sense for churches to create obstacles to giving. While this article might be a tongue and check poke at online giving’s biggest opponents, the implications are very serious. The more difficult we make it for people to give, the more likely they are to give elsewhere. Follow this link to download

Apprenticeship x Reflection = Multiplication

Leadership development is the lynchpin of successfully reproducing and multiplying small groups. But how do leaders really develop? How does a small group leader go about developing a process for raising up apprentice leaders? What will truly help another leader grow in their small-group facilitation and spiritual maturity? Before you ever think about multiplying small groups, leadership development needs to be on your mind. Without leadership, small groups stagger from week to week, struggle to keep discussion moving, and grow stale in the vision for their group. Apprenticeship is the lynchpin for successfully reproducing small groups in your church or … read more

Thom Rainer: Amazing statistics about the Millennials

Three Times a Small Group Leader Should Keep Quiet

Small group leaders often feel an obligation to TALK. There are a few times when allowing another voice to be heard is the best choice. 1.     When a small group leader asks a question. When leading a conversational Bible study, small group leaders have a tendency to ask a question then, if no one jumps in quickly, the small group leader fills the awkward silence. Don’t. Ask the question and wait. Sooner or later someone will speak up. Not only that, they’ll voice a well thought out statement. 2.     When someone else in the group has the knowledge to speak … read more

3 Essential Questions for Every Small Group Ministry

I recently had the privilege of speaking at the Right Now Conference in Dallas.  This is one of my favorite conferences every year because the thrust of the conference is all about mission and small groups.  In one session I got to participate in a panel with Steve Gladen (Saddleback Church), Steve Yarrow (Northridge Church, Detroit), and Taylor Roberts (Vintage21 Church, Raleigh, NC).  We spoke about the questions that should be asked when starting a small group ministry. For today’s post I’m highlighting just three of the questions we discussed because I believe they are applicable to ALL small group … read more