How would you start a "Connect Group"?

Question

My boyfriend and I are starting a connect group. It connects believers and spiritual seekers (people who don't know Christ, but are curious). We plan on doing bible studies/topic discussions and dinners. What other activities could we include each week or on special occasions that would make it really fun? Keep in mind, this is for people ages 17-25

Answer 1

have them all submit questions they would like covered.
have them read a certain area outside of the bible study topic. maybe bring in certain christian music to play before the study starts, or even during the eating. use a Thanksgiving method of each week ask what they were thankful for that day or week in their lives and if they think god had his hand in it. after having it a while see how the bible study effected their week around others and see how they have shared with others as well. even see if they have looked into other bible scriptures that effected them or may have confused them, ask for prayer requests for comfort, if they have kids. i had 2 by the age of 25, so that they can be a part . if they don't have a sitter do like my home church teacher does get some coloring pages and a christian based kids videos to preoccupy them and allow the young parents to not feel left out. if you are only focusing on single people then i hope the others ideas help. i have more ideas, but that's only because my husband and i already belong to a study group and we are praying for our own church to start in the future.

ohh yeah there are also biblical based board games that challenge the your knowledge and is also a teaching tool. look in your local bible bookstore we have one called mardels that give many ideas. but that can be used at a later time. also in the first day ask them what they may remember from childhood or such of the bible. even if its just childhood bible stories. that way if a lesson is simular to that character you will know how to get their memory going. if they have never heard of any bible storys then that part depends on how you wish to address.

Answer 2

My wife and I participate in something called "Pieces of Eight." Eight people are in a group, surprise surprise, and we meet once a month. Generally, the groups are made of four married couples because we are old and boring at thirty something. We alternate meeting at a person's or couples' house or place of meeting of their choice, whether that be their home, a restaraunt, bowling alley, park, whatever. Whoever is the host decides what activity or activities are going to be done.

I'm about eight years out of your age bracket, which is an eternity, so I'll not embarass myself by making suggestions of what we do. Do whatever you do to have fun, and allow others to make suggestions.

I do encourage you to keep the groups small; eight people seems to be a good size, so that people get to know each other well and start to feel comfortable sharing when discussing the Bible. Activities for smaller groups are generally easier to organize than larger groups, so you'll be less likely to get overwhelmed and give up. As your group grows, split up and have two, three, however many groups. Every so often you can mix the groups up, like we do, to get to know other people. Leave it open for everyone to bring a friend or two, which, of course, is your opportunity to outreach to those who are seeking the truth.

Keep your studies at a level that everyone is comfortable with. If you start off with eschatology or some other deep topic, you will lose people who are not at that level. Keep things at a basic level until and unless you are sure that everyone in your group is ready for more advanced studies. Resources abound for such small group studies, and vary from topical, such as Christian walk and daily living to devotional to studies on specific books of the Bible.

Have fun and God bless for a true step of faith.

Answer 3

If it's about bible studies and such, shouldn't that be the point? If people only show up because there are dinners, what does it say about actual interest in Christ?

Answer 4

try adding into your groups plans, visiting nursing homes, shut ins, working at homeless shelters, see if there are any local groups that need volunteer help..reach out to people, but NOT just to preach at them, but to share some human kindness...Let your Light shine!!!

Answer 5

Swinging!

Answer 6

BBQ's are good and vollyball.