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C-Group Primer

Introduction

We are so glad you have said yes to helping create an environment where people can grow in their relationship with God and each other.

We want you to feel empowered and supported as you endeavor to build community and provide a place for people to connect to God, each other, and the lost. We have created this booklet as a resource and ongoing tool to help you. It’s called a primer because like the paint, it is the first layer and helps everything else stick. :)

Please read it through and refer to it often.

The mission of community groups (c-groups) is the heart of the church: to honor God and make disciples by reaching, reconciling and restoring people to Christ, His people and His purpose.
Imagine a church
...where no one stands alone, a church where every person matters, where people are being brought out of isolation, into friendship, for the purposes of Jesus in their life.

...filled with those that actively pursue relationship, even when it is hard, because God pursued us and redeemed us to live for His purposes and glory.

...where people are growing together into authentic disciples of Jesus who are loving God and walking in obedience to Him, and who are lovingly being salt and light in their communities, sharing the Good News of Jesus in word and deed.

That’s the church we are working towards becoming at ENCS. It is our privilege and responsibility.

Community group leaders are the hands and feet which make this dream a reality.

Basics

What is a Community Group?

What is a community group? It is a relational discipleship space where four or more people are doing life together based on Acts 2. They meet regularly in a space (home, ministry space, workplace), to share their life, discuss scriptures, pray for one another and help each other reach others with the gospel.

Purpose of C-groups

To be a Family on Mission: helping people follow Jesus, be changed by Jesus, and engage in the mission of Jesus together.
By creating relational environments for meaningful connection with Jesus and each other.
By creating opportunities for transformation through biblical practices and life on life discipleship, and mission.
And He (Jesus) said to them,
“Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19
A Disciple is someone who is following Jesus, being changed by Him, and getting on mission with Him.

Before Starting a C-Group

We form and establish co-ed community groups with the expectation that gender-specific discipleship happens within them. We encourage gender-specific discipleship because it builds intimate relationships for spiritual transformation. These groups are formed in many ways.

  • Organic: A community group is formed out of your circle of relationships.
  • Geographic: A community group is formed based on people who live near you - both from church and neighbors.
  • Co-workers: A community group is formed when co-workers gather together in the workplace.
  • Same life stage: invite others who are moms, dads, single, etc. - though we encourage multi-generational groups - so for example, inviting some older dads or moms is a great idea.
  • Branching off: Once c-groups grow and reach 10-12 people (excluding children) who are attending on a a regular basis, we encourage them to branch off for the following reasons:
    • Discipleship happens better in small groups.
    • Small group dynamics
    • Small groups are training grounds for future leaders.

You plus three or more is a c-group!
  • Pray first.
  • Identify and organize a core group responsible for the following: 
    • Disciple c-group members (gender-based discipleship & fulfilling the great commission as a group.
    • Make sure the group is being and doing in alignment with its purpose (To fulfill the mission of ENCS which is to honor God and make disciples by reaching, reconciling, and restoring people to Christ, His people, and His purpose). Group life is assessed against the mission.
    • Create a space where group members practice reciprocity (giving and receiving of gifts from the Holy Spirit for the purpose of mutual edification or building up as a body of Christ. Each uses their gift for the growth and building up of the whole group)
    • Maintain c-group life by being committed to show up every c-group meeting.
  • Plan with your core group the following: 
    • Time of meeting
    • Place of meeting
    • Frequency of meeting
    • Members or potential members - personally invite them.
    • Choose what material to use (consider type of group)
    • Name of C-group
    • Kick-off date
  • Send your group's information to jovy@everynationseattle.org

To Remember:

During the first few meetings of the group, plan as a group for the following:
  • How to live out the biblical practices. On Great Commission for example: Do One2One with new people in your group or connect them to one of the people on the One2One team or schedule a day to be with campus or evangelism team to reach students at UW.
  • Determine which of the biblical practices are done on a regular basis and which ones can be scheduled. For example, alternate between Eat/Study/Pray & Eat/Fellowship/Play.

The difference between a biblical relational environment and a mere social gathering is a clear focus on the Word of God as the means for change and the Holy Spirit as the chief change agent.

Weekly Preparations

  1. Pray first. Set a regular time to pray for c-group members by name, like Paul did. This is a vital step that should not be skipped. (Philippians 1:3-6)
  2. Revisit the sermon via the sermon page if you are doing a sermon-based group.
  3. SOAP the passage and go over the group notes.
  4. Remind people about the meeting.

During Community Group

  1. Thank everyone for coming.
  2. Overview of the night. Let them know what the plan is for your time together.
  3. Remind them of the vision/goal.
  4. Go over and agree on the ground rules. (see below)
  5. Opening prayer.
  6. Discussion/study/application
  7. Prayer - can be whole group or smaller groups. (Co-ed groups should be male x male and female x female if private, one-on-one prayers.)

After Community Group

  1. Important. Fill out group's report using the ENCS app.
    • It takes a few minutes of your time and helps you to be a responsible leader who tracks the health and growth of your group. It also helps your coach to get a glimpse of your group each week and be able to track with you how things are going.
  2. Call, or have someone from your group call, anyone who missed the group gathering. Show care and offer prayer.
    • You may need to check in to ensure the person you asked followed through on calling.
  3. Have a monthly meeting with your coach.

Ground Rules

Establish and agree upon boundaries for a healthy group. Some suggestions are below for your group to agree upon.

This is a safe Group

We will all do our part to be real, open, and honest with our struggles and victories. Honest is honest, but also has levels - honest, more honest, and most honest - we will participate at the level of honest that we are most comfortable with.

Confidential

What is said in group, stays in the group.

Listening

Valuing one another as they share, really listening rather than thinking of what you are going to say next, and no side conversations.

Silence is okay

Allowing silence provides room for people to share and to think. Pauses give the person sharing a chance to finish.

Use 'I' statements

We are here to personally grow in our relationship with Jesus and each other. Talking about 'them', 'they', 'we', 'the church', isn't helpful.

Don't fix each other

We are not here to fix each other, Jesus does that. We are here to give encouragement, speak truth, and point to God's help. Ask if someone wants advice before giving it - "May I share a thought with you about your situation?"

Don't Rescue

Be Self-Aware

Immediate responses that try to make someone “feel better” are a big temptation, but aren’t always helpful and can interrupt what the Holy Spirit is doing. Listen well, both to them and God. Ask what HE wants to do in the moment.
Be willing to share while being considerate of the amount of time you are sharing. Be aware of what your non-verbal communication and body language may be communicating.

We commit to resolving Conflict Biblically

Conflict and sin happen in relationships and having an agreed upon biblical resolution is an imperative guideline. The following are key scripture references to guide you:

How

Be an Intentional Leader

Pray First!

It was after 40 days of prayer and fasting that Jesus chose the 12. Before you start a group, and before every group meeting. Pray for group members by name.

Determine where they are and what they need next

To do this you need to intentionally pursue relationships with others so that you can help them follow Jesus, be changed by Jesus, and get on mission with Jesus.
Hearing people’s stories, knowing what their weekdays look like, and how they spend their time are an important part of being able to know how to help them follow Jesus.
Consider the 4 Es and how it can help you think through where people are in the journey and what ways you can help them. Please note this is not a means of labeling or judging someone’s spirituality, rather an attempt to be thoughtful in how we can help. (As we know everyone is equally valued in God’s sight and we are all on a journey.)

Decide and Disciple

Invite them to grow and take a next step using one of the tools or resources in the 4 Es. Do it with them or ask a group member to do it with them.

Proximity and Time Problem

We recognize that in our culture today, it is a challenge to be relational the way Jesus was with His disciples. Most people today lead busy lives in which they are physically separated from other people. Some work in cubicles and rarely see their coworkers. Some stay and only work from home and rarely see people outside their household. Times have changed from when most people get out from the comfort of their homes for work, events or simply to hang out with friends and family members. This means we need to be creative as we seek to overcome today’s proximity challenges. Proximity is central to the learning process.

So how do we solve it? Intentionality. Slowing  down. Focusing and fighting for it.

Invitation: Start with existing relationships. Who does God want you to pursue? 

When and where? Put it in your calendar. There is a cost. Sacrifice of time, energy, and resources. Anything worth doing requires sacrifice. The more I sacrifice, the more I grow.

Create a Relational Environment

Jesus valued the mission of God done in community: Group Discipleship.
 
Group discipleship can be 8, it can be 3, or if life only lends to meeting with 1, that is okay and is advancing the Kingdom. We can be intentional with a few and it is often more impactful.

The role of a co-leader is to create a relational environment where people can talk honestly about their lives and work out what it means to follow Jesus. This means you as the leader models honesty, openness, repentance, and a life that is being changed by Jesus.

A biblical relational environment is more than a mere social gathering, it is a clear focus on the word of God as the means for change and the Holy Spirit as the chief change agent.

Ground rules as discussed previously are an important part of creating the relational environment.

It involves good space. Where you meet matters. Is it comfortable? Is it conducive to talking openly and honestly?

It involves regular rhythm. When? Weekly/Bi-weekly commitment - you and the members of the group should commit to doing everything possible to show up; relationships are an investment.

Note: Though Jesus was intentional, He was not rigid. Jesus met people on their level, led the discussion at their level, and allowed them to grow at different rates without sacrificing, calling people to follow Him and be changed by  Him.

Reproducible Biblical Process

Guideline

What is simple and intentional is reproducible.

Focus

Following and Transformation. People are learning God's word and God's story so they can apply it to their own story.

Format

Part 1:
  • Welcome
  • Vision
  • Announcements
  • Review the ground rules
  • Opening Prayer
Part 2:
  • Do SOAP together. (Please see SOAP instructions in the appendix.)
  • Or share reflections/learnings from daily walking with the Holy Spirit and answer the suggested group discussion questions.

Strategy

Simplicity. For our purposes, we focus on biblical counsel. "What does the Bible say about ________?" rather than trying to be a counselor. Point people to God's word and then outsource when needed. We are not therapists, we are shepherds helping lead them to God, to His word, and to prayer.

Transitioning C-Groups Well

There are two ways to transition c-groups well. One way is the leader and group deciding if it is a good time to end the group. The other is the leader and group deciding if it should continue with a new group leader. 

Ending C-Groups Well

All groups at some point transition, multiply or have to end. Because this is a reality, ending a group does not have to be a dreadful thing to be shunned nor  be considered a failure of leadership. A plan in place to end well enables the c-group to discern God’s will with grace and courage and hopeful anticipation for the group members next steps.

Reasons why we need to end groups well

  1. How a group ends matters. It will shape how one views the entire group experience.
  2. We want group members to walk away with a positive experience of community life.
  3. We end it well to start well- this makes it easier for people to enter into the community in a new space.

How to end it well

  1. Prepare the group members. Bring them along in the process. When making them aware of the reality that the group is ending, ask them what they feel about it.
  2. As you make the decision to end, talk about the decision with the group . Explain why the group is ending. Take time to answer any questions. Go over the importance of being a group and options for another group to attend after this one ends. Some may be sad or upset, but don’t let your discussion turn into a church or leader bashing session
  3. Choose an end date.
  4. Plan your last meeting – having a final party is a great way to celebrate what God has done through the group.

During the last session, take time to do the following

  1. Help the group celebrate God’s work- what he did in and through each member, and in the group as a whole, and celebrate with one another. Testimony time!
  2. Help the group look to the future with hope in the Lord.
  3. Conclude with a prayer. Thank God for all that he has done through the group

C-group Leaders exit gracefully

C-group leadership is a calling from the Lord. Some are called to lead for a season, and some are called longer term.
However long God wants you to lead, we ask that every leader walkthrough ending the group in a  healthy and relational approach so as to exit gracefully.

Begin conversations with your Shepherd Leader (Coach) or C-groups Pastor

The best place to start when you are beginning to question if you should step down from group leadership is prayer. Listen to what God is calling you to do. While in the process of praying, give your Shepherd leader the opportunity to hear about it. This is an opportunity for your shepherd leader to both join you in the process of praying and guide you as you walk through this plan. Please do not wait to do this the week before or the day you are stepping down. 

Questions to ask at this time are:

  1. Why am I stepping down?
  2. Where is God leading me next?
  3. Do I have something against any of my c-group members or the leadership team that upsets me or something that I do not agree with?
  4. Is there any evidence that I am running away from an issue?
  5. Do I have a person who can lead the group after I leave?

Prepare the Group 

If you have a co-leader with you, bring them along in the process. Let them know of your situation and ask them to help you in prayer and in preparing the group for transition.
If you do not have a co-leader, but you have someone you have been discipling to co-lead with you,  bring that person along in the process and prepare them for transition with the help of your shepherd leader or C-groups pastor.
If you have not discipled anyone from your group to co-lead with you, bring the group along in the process and ask them to help you pray about who among them can lead after you leave. If a leader is identified, notify your Shepherd Leader or the C-groups pastor so the transition can begin.

Plan your last day with the Group

  1. Celebrate the good that God did in their group life together (testimony time)
  2. Assure relationships are not cut off
  3. Hope for what is ahead
  4. Conclude with a sending blessing

Appendix

Circular Team Structure

1. What is a circular team structure?

  • It is the leadership structure of ENCS community groups.
  • It is a decentralized structure as it distributes responsibilities.
  • It encourages team members to be involved in the decision making processes.
  • It is doing c-group in teams

2. Why adapt circular team structure in c-groups?

  • The background
    • When ENCS moved to the U-District, we shifted from a centralized structure to a decentralized team structure called a circular structure. Before the move, the directors/staff relied heavily  on the lead pastor to make decisions. When the shift to circular structure happened, staff started to feel the changes. Each director has clearer roles and responsibilities and has been empowered to participate in some of the decision making processes. Every director around the senior pastor goes out from the directors’ meeting with clear goals and actions to share with their teams. While this structure is slower in terms of making decisions, each director has become  more efficient. One of the reasons is that each has a team of leaders around them to do the tasks . Directors particularly the connections pastor (formerly c-group director) no longer start community groups by herself. Starting community groups has become a team effort. Doing ministry in teams works so well at the upper leadership level and thought it would also work on the c-group level.
    • So in 2022, circular team structure was slowly implemented in the new c-groups formed at U-district with the belief that through circular structure, the following would be accomplished.
  • To alleviate, if not end, superman/woman syndrome by distributing responsibilities.
  • To cultivate reciprocity, the giving and receiving of gifts from one another (interdependence).
  • To empower c-group circle members by participating in decision making processes or making decisions quickly in their level without sending things up to the top.
  • To create a self-sustaining environment that can operate even in the absence of the circle lead or one of the circle team members. One of the circle team members can fill the role until they return or are replaced.

3. How does Circular structure work in community Groups?

  • Transitory leaders
    • These are leaders who will temporarily lead a c-group until the circle team is identified and is commissioned.
  • Circle lead
    • Work closely with their coach to ensure they and their circle of leaders are healthy holistically.
    • Work closely with their circle of leaders to uphold and live out their purpose (please refer to the core group’s responsibilities).
    • Act as a liaison developing, fostering, and maintaining relationships, facilitating communications, and coordinating activities.
    • Facilitate leaders’ meetings and motivate their circle  toward interdependence for meaningful connection and mission.
  • Male discipleship coordinator
    • To facilitate group discussions either gender-based or co-ed.
    • To follow up with the men on a weekly basis.
    • To disciple men (start by using One2One booklet).
  • Female discipleship coordinator
    • To facilitate group discussions either gender-based or co-ed.
    • To follow up with the women on a weekly basis.
    • To disciple women (start by using One2One booklet).
  • Admin coordinator
    • Responsible for group logistics (create telegram chat, keep chat going, remind people of gathering, ensure there are people rotating responsible for food/snacks, etc.).
    • Fill out c-group attendance report via ENCS app.
  • Event Coordinator
    • Oversee the event (from beginning to end).
    • Drive the planning of the event (setting goals, budgeting, purchasing, etc.).
    • Delegate tasks to other people.
    • Help ensure team members are working together in love for the success of the event.
  • Circle team's responsibilities
    • Disciple c-group members (gender-based discipleship & fulfilling the great commission as a group).
    • Make sure the group is being and doing in alignment with its purpose (To fulfill the mission of ENCS which is to honor God and make disciples by reaching, reconciling, and restoring people to Christ, His people, and His purpose). Group life is assessed against the mission.
    • Create a space where group members practice reciprocity (giving and receiving of gifts from the Holy Spirit for the purpose of mutual edification or building up as a body of Christ. Each uses their gift for the growth and building up of the whole group).
    • Maintain c-group life by being committed to show up every c-group meeting.

4. How are we currently implementing circular structure?

  • Pray First
  • Organize a core group (how circular structure works) by using 4 I’s: Identification, Instruction, Implementation, Internship
  • Phases/Stages of Implementation
    • 1st phase - Seeding Stage
      • Identify the circle team (co-leaders)
      • What is Identification? Looking for potential leaders from those who are already following Jesus and are full of FAITH.
      • Characteristics of potential C-group leaders
        • F-aithful - consistent in their walk with God and helping others walk with him as well (flourishing relationship with God)
        • A-vailable - ready to serve and have time
        • I-nvolved - actively participating in a local church/or a member of our church
        • T-eachable - humble and willing to learn, grow and receive training and correction
        • H-ungry - great desire to love, know and honor God with their lives (love for other people)
      • Pitch Kingdom opportunity/cast the vision
      • Allow potential leader to pray. We normally give them 2 weeks to pray about it.)
      • Definition – Identification:  looking for potential leaders among those who are following Jesus.
    • 2nd phase - Cultivating Stage
      • Listen to the response of the would-be leader
      • Note: God’s agenda on the individual prevails over someone else’s agenda. Often, God uses godly leaders/people to confirm his plan to people. People doubt or even belittle what God can do in and through them. They need to be affirmed and know that they are seen, known and trusted by God.
      • Assuming the would-be leader has said yes to the kingdom opportunity (leading, admin, event coordinator), the coach starts to impart, instruct.
        • Instruction - It  is teaching others about the truth of God’s Word, so they can know God, follow Him and apply His Word (Matthew 10:5-8)
        • Impartation - It is doing ministry life together, making one’s life as an object lesson. Leadership development is more caught than taught (Mk 3:13-15).
        • Internship – on-the-job training-putting what was learned into practice and giving potential leaders opportunities for ministry.
          • How we do internship
            • Observe
            • Participate
            • Evaluate
          • Internship Process
            • I lead, you watch.
            • I lead, you assist.
            • You lead, I assist.
            • You lead, I watch.
    • 3rd phase - Acclimating Stage
      • Note: Assumption: The would-be leader has started interning.
      • After the internship for at least a month, commission the new c-group circle team in the c-group level.
      • Commission the new leaders before the church/congregation.
      • Circle team takes START 1 (to reinforce what they have learned from internship).
      • Circle lead will start receiving coaching from a coach.
      • Sign the Leadership Covenant (yet to implement).

SOAP Method

Pray first!
"Lord, open my eyes, ears, and heart."

S: Scripture

Read a short passage.

O: Observe

Read the text again and journal:
1. What do I see about God (any person of the trinity) in this passage?
Starting with what we see about God/Jesus/HS is life-changing. It shifts our focus to Him, who He is, His character... and we respond in light of that. Write down what you see. Where do you see that in the verses?
Facilitator: Tell one thing you see, ask for a few volunteers to share something they see. Have them write it down. Writing can help bring more reflection and revelation as you write.

2. What do I see about people?
We may see their sin, their response to God, their change, etc. You may see your own actions or thoughts in them. Write what you see about people/yourself in the passage.
Facilitator: Tell one thing you see, ask for a few volunteers to share something they see. Have them write it down.

3. What is the main point of the author? How does what he says fit in the bigger story of God redeeming His people?
This is a more difficult question until we get to know more of scripture. The free online video resource, The Bible Project, is an excellent tool. We should always remember that what we are reading is part of a bigger story of God redeeming and reconciling His people back to Him. Reflect on what you are reading and how what you see about God and people.

A: Apply

How is God calling you to believe or behave differently as a result of what you are seeing about your observations?

P: Prayer

Worship and thank God for who you have seen him to be in the passage. Confess and repent where he has shown you to believe or behave differently. Ask God for his help to live for Him and live in the revelation that you have received in the study. Pray for one another.

My Part, Their Part, God's Part

My Part

Be encouraged in your role in the discipleship process. as the disciple-maker, you are responsible for being intentional and creating an environment where disciples can be open to be developed as believers.

Their Part

Understand the disciple has their role as well. For example, you can't respond for them.

God's Part

Ultimately, God has His role. He is the One who grows a believer into becoming like Christ (1 Cor 3:6) and the One who brings conviction.

Cost of Intentional Leadership

Life-on-life, intentional leadership. Building a relationship is not easy. As we have written, it is an intentional pursuit and an investment. Like any investments, you need time, money, and resources.

Time

Oftentimes, relationships are built outside of c-group meetings. This means that meeting c-group members as a community once a week or twice a month is often not enough to see transformational growth. Meeting them outside c-group over a cup of coffee or tea, having lunch after church gatherings, these are ways to pursue them for the sake of discovering their story and telling yours. This does much more than a larger meeting in building the relationship and providing discernment for how you can help them take their next steps.

To make this happen, a c-group leader needs to realize that in this part of the globe, time is a luxury that most can rarely give. When c-group leaders intentionally make time to meet with their members, they are giving up a luxury for the sake of relationship. In God's economy this is living out the 2nd greatest commandment - loving others as yourself. Lastly, it bears repeating: if relationships have yet to be built, one has to make time!

Money

The church does not provide money for c-group leaders to spend for coffee or tea when spending time with c-group members outside the regular c-group, nor flowers or cards for special occasions. Sometimes, there are instances where c-group leaders are led to give more depending on the needs of its c-group members.

C-group leaders are not required to spend their money for these things, but it is inevitable. It is sweet to think that each time we offer anything to c-group members be it monetary or in kind, we do this as unto the Lord and we decide that love is the reason for all that we do. As Paul says, "If we are 'out of our mind,' as some say, it is for God; if we are in our  in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all have died." (2 Cor 5:13-14)

Resources

The Body of Christ, the Church - “It takes a church/community to raise a Christian.” C-group leaders are the hands and feet of the body creating healthy discipleship spaces for members to grow in their relationship with God, one another, and the world at large. But they are just one of the many parts of the body of Christ. This means that while they may be are visibly seen leading, they do not carry all the burdens. Each of the members of their group are vital parts contributing to the overall health and growth of their group. All are interdependent with one another. C-group leaders have God, His Word, His Spirit, and His people to fulfill God’s purposes in the here and now.

What Community Group is not

  • NOT a place for endless introspection.
  • NOT a legalistic or religious way to impress God and others.
  • NOT a venue to display your vast biblical knowledge.
  • NOT a group where you expect others to share while you hold back.
  • NOT merely a Bible study where you share your insights - the Bible judges us, we don’t judge it.
  • NOT a social time to just chat and catch up.
  • NOT a place for political activism or fund-raising.

Engage Others

Share the Gospel

  • Gospel starter conversation questions
    • I’m curious, what is your spiritual background?
    • Have you had any experience with Christianity or Christians? If so, how was that for you?
    • Do you ever think about God or spiritual things?What do you think about it?
  • God Test App - Learn to internalize
  • God Tools App - Learn to internalize and know how to use

Share Your Life

Asking good questions, listening, sharing your own experience, and sharing God’s Word** “Good questions” - ask intentional questions to discern needs around these three relational spheres: loving God, one another, and the world.

  • God
    • How is your relationship with God?
    • What are you studying or learning in Scripture right now?
    • What are you praying about right now?
    • How is your soul?* *This question is a general question. While this is great, it may be good to follow up with asking follow-up questions, like “How is your relationship with God?” Loving well is listening well and helping them to go from soul to spirit, to looking to God for his truth.
  • Others/Family
    • How is your relationship with your husband/wife, roommates, siblings...?
    • How are things at home?
    • What are you most concerned about right now?* *General question, may follow up with “What does Scripture say about this topic? Offer to help them know what the Word says.
  • World/Work
    • How is your work going?
    • Is there anyone at work you are praying for or about?
    • How are your neighbors? Is there anyone you are praying for or about?
    • Is there anyone you are praying for to know Jesus? Do you need any help in knowing how to share your faith with them?

Lastly, ask what they think they can or would like to do about some of their concerns, so you know how to pray for them and support them.
**Don’t forget to pray with them, offer truth and practical helps when appropriate. Remember to calendar time to make room for relationships in your life. Do it in teams! With c-group or in ministry teams. It takes a village.

Next Steps

A great place to start and what we recommend for most is to offer to meet and do One 2 One.

This is a 7-lesson study beginning with the need for salvation. Even long-term believers benefit from time spent in these foundations and from the friendship! This gives them a greater chance to be known and equips them to be able to do it with someone else.

Coffee Conversations

What are coffee conversations?

Coffee conversations are an opportunity for people to get more connected with our church. This is a relational way to talk with someone, get to know their story, and share about our church.

We offer coffee conversations to anyone who’s newer to our church and wants to know more. We also encourage you to reach out and have coffee conversations with those in your c-group or ministry team who you don’t know very well.

How do I have a coffee conversation?

  • Pray first! - Pray for who you are meeting with, even before you try and set up the moment. Pray for your time together and pray that you will hear and follow what the Holy Spirit wants to do.
  • Call - Call them and be ready to explain who you are and why you are calling. Remember they want a phone call. They volunteered to give their name and number because they want an opportunity to sit down with someone. Our rule of thumb is to reach out 3 times then let them know you don’t want to be a stalker ;) and offer to leave it to them if they are still interested.
  • Remind - Text a reminder/confirm the day before with the time and address of where you will meet.
  • Arrive 5-10 min early, if possible, to give yourself a chance to pray and review the intent and tips on the next page. We want you to feel ready not rushed.
  • Intent - Build a connection with them and help them.
  • Greet them warmly and ask to buy their drink.
    • Once you sit down, introduce yourself and give a brief explanation of how you became a part of ENCS and what you do now at our church;
    • Also explain why you wanted to meet with them
    • Ask what prompted them to say yes to coffee.
  • Answer their questions as best as you can. Always feel free to say “I don’t know.” Perhaps you can offer to help them find the answer and get back to them.
  • Take a moment to ask their story:
    • What brought you to ENCS? Are you from Seattle?
    • What is your spiritual background? How was that experience?
    • Have you had any experience with Christianity? How was your experience?
    • Where would you say you are spiritually? Do you have a relationship with Jesus?
  • Pray with them and invite them to take a next step.
  • A great place to start and what we recommend for most is to offer to meet and do One 2 One. This is a 6-lesson study beginning with the need for salvation. Even long-term believers benefit from time spent in these foundations and from the friendship! This gives them a greater chance to be known and equips them to be able to do it with someone else.