Archive for the ‘Small Groups’ Category

var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/03/10/randall-neighbour-interview-part-1/’,size:’large’} I’ve read through Randall Neighbour’s The Naked Truth of Small Group Ministry: When it Won’t Work and What to Do About It.  I was challenged, but had some follow-up questions for Randall.
I thought that my interview would take 3-5 minutes.  30 minutes later, we were still talking.  So I’ve [...]

03 Mar, 2010

Outside the Box

Posted by: benlreed In: Small Group Strategy| Small Groups

var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/03/03/outside-the-box/’,size:’large’} I don’t know about you, but I tend to box myself in.  I find something that works, then stick with that plan 100% until I have completely run it into the ground.
And that’s not a good thing.
When it comes to serving in ministry, “boxes” are helpful, but should constantly [...]

var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/03/01/shouyld-i-kick-them-out-of-my-group/’,size:’large’} Should you kick someone out of your group if you find out they’re attending another church?
I’ve run into this question myself.  A group leader approaches me and says, “Can I invite ______…he goes to another church, but…”  Or a group member approaches me and says, “My good friend goes [...]

25 Feb, 2010

The Summit video

Posted by: benlreed In: Small Group Strategy| Small Groups| Videos

var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/02/25/the-summit-video/’,size:’large’} I had a chance to watch The Summit live, but many people didn’t have that opportunity.  So, Lifeway has made the video available for you to watch.  And, just like the conference, this video is FREE.
I blogged the event, including highlights from the entire week while the small group [...]

var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/02/25/reasons-people-think-their-small-group-failed/’,size:’large’} The Tennessee Titans missed the playoffs (thereby breaking my heart) again this year for a number of reasons.
But it wasn’t because of the coach, Jeff Fisher.
Or the running back, Chris Johnson.
Or the CB, Cortland Finnegan.
Or the stadium.
Or the fans.
Or ESPN.
Or 104.5 The Zone.
Or Vince Young.
None of the above were [...]

24 Feb, 2010

Why groups fail

Posted by: benlreed In: Small Group Strategy| Small Groups

var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/02/24/why-groups-fail/’,size:’large’} Two days ago (see post HERE), I made a “sexy” statement:
Small groups are dead.
But, like I said, I don’t believe it.  I believe that small groups are alive and well in many churches in America and throughout the world.
Are small groups dead?  I don’t think so.
I believe [...]

22 Feb, 2010

Small Groups are Dead

Posted by: benlreed In: Small Group Strategy| Small Groups

var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/02/22/small-groups-are-dead/’,size:’large’} Small groups are dead.
There.  I said it.  Now I’m cool.
In vogue right now is the idea that small groups are dead.  They don’t work.  They never really did.  They don’t help anybody grow.  They’re boring, lifeless, and out of step with the culture.  They’re not missional.  They’re not disciple-producing.  [...]

18 Feb, 2010

Small Group…a reaction

Posted by: benlreed In: Small Groups

var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/02/18/small-group-a-reaction/’,size:’large’} Don’t think long and hard about this.  Just give me your gut reaction.
What word(s) or phrase pops into your head when you think “small group?”
It could be good, bad, beautiful, ugly, off-base, off-color, or off-putting.  I just want to know what people think about when the word “small group” [...]

09 Feb, 2010

The Summit

Posted by: benlreed In: Small Group Strategy| Small Groups

var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/02/09/the-summit/’,size:’large’} I asked this question on Twitter:

I was hoping to get a list of the conferences that people I know and trust are attending.  I did.  And the list was huge.  It included men’s conferences, pastor’s conferences, conferences close by, and others far away.  Some designed to equip you to [...]

08 Feb, 2010

It’s all relative

Posted by: benlreed In: Small Group Strategy| Small Groups

var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/02/08/its-all-relative/’,size:’large’} I have lots of conversations with people from areas other than Tennessee (aka, God’s Country).
If they’re from further south, they think Tennessee weather is cold.
If they’re from the north, they laugh when we Tennesseans say, “It’s cold outside!”
A 50 degree day in the middle of July in Tennessee is [...]




Organizations I believe in

Mission ClarksvilleAfrica For Jesus

What I'm Doing...

  • Met a guy today who said he's not afraid of death, yet had no hope 4 an eternal future. I weep 4 that man. 3 hrs ago
  • Lady just told me she loves @crosspoint_tv in Nashville but hasn't found anything like it in Clarksville. That's like lobbing me a softball 5 hrs ago
  • So thankful that Christianity is built on a relationship w Chist & not on being religious/performing rituals 7 hrs ago
  • @allenwhite I just laughed out loud at your reply. Thanks for getting me in trouble, Allen! in reply to allenwhite 8 hrs ago
  • @FreddyT Leadership Clarksville 'religion and social diversity day' 8 hrs ago
  • On the panel now: a female episcopal pastor, an islam pastor, & a Unitarian Universalist. Oh the sparks that will fly... 8 hrs ago
  • If you missed it, here's part 1 of my interview with @rgneighbour about small group system problems: http://ow.ly/1gLha 10 hrs ago
  • More updates...
Books Ben's Reading

Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely QuestionsSimple Small Groups: A User-Friendly Guide for Small Group LeadersUnder the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of AmericaYour Jesus Is Too Safe: Outgrowing a Drive-Thru, Feel Good SaviorSeeker Small Groups: Engaging Spiritual Seekers in Life-Changing DiscussionsCrazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

More of Ben's books »
Ben Reed's currently-reading book recommendations, reviews, favorite quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists