Peter Bowden

As we approach the Fall, here are some tips for your congregation. We are in what I consider STORM conditions. I think most of you will benefit from a "Get everyone in lifeboats ASAP!!!" approach -- this means small groups, prioritizing and promoting group life, and helping newcomers bypass all barriers between them and face-to-face community experiences (online and onsite).

CHAPTERS
Jump to video YouTube video chapters using time code links below or in YouTube video description.

(0:00) Welcome
(0:40) Training Preview
(1:00) Digital is here to stay
(2:30) Hour long online worship not a viable first step
(5:00) Prioritize lifeboats = small groups!
(6:26) Expect group-LESS people to drift away
(7:20) Designing a viable congregation
(8:30) Different types of groups
(10:20) Connecting worship and group life
(12:25) If you have declining membership
(13:18) Use video to communicate and connect
(14:20) Engaging with video now essential skill
(15:00) Digital is a primary context of...

Thursday Hot Topics Ministry Strategy Session

In this session, how to keep small groups from turning inward and imploding! 

Have you had a bad experience with small groups turning into cliques? This happens like clockwork in the absence of ministry leadership! A congregational small group network or small group ministry requires vision casting, coaching, and skill training to thrive. It needs to be an integral part of the ministry of the congregation. Push groups off to the side or leave them on autopilot, relationships will naturally pull the group inward. It isn't that the relationships are bad. It is just the natural result of not having the corresponding outward pull of your vision!

About this week's sessions
This week, February 8 through February 12, I'm going live daily to discuss digital ministry, hybrid church models, and other HOT TOPICS based on your interest.