var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/03/18/the-power-of-your-story/’,size:’large’} You have a story.
It may be ugly and offensive.
It may be neat and pretty.
It may be rough and unfinished.
And you’re probably scared to share it, because of what people will think when they hear it.
But sharing your story within community is one of the most [...]

var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/03/13/hindering-the-work-of-god/’,size:’large’} Would you ever ban somebody from being a part of your small group?
That question has been going through my mind after I read an article about some  American pastors who went to Uganda to speak against homosexuality.  They preached in support of a bill that
…creates a new category of [...]

var fbShare = {url: ‘http://www.benreed.net/index.php/2010/03/12/the-danger-of-lowering-the-leadership-bar/’,size:’large’} Here’s part 2 of my interview with Randall Neighbour (here’s part 1).  It’s a follow-up interview to his new book, 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.
Here’s part 2 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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.  [...]