Coming This Summer…Small Groups At Chick-fil-a?

Today’s the last Uprising (our high school program) for the year.  We take a break from what we usually do, which is a more structured setting filled with music, activities and message series to embark in a more relaxed setting during the summer.  Last summer we did a little experiment known as Church at Chipotle, this year we are moving it to Chick-fil-a, why?  We’re getting a better deal, but that’s another post.
Before last summer there had always been a debate in my mind on what to do with the summer.  I would go back and forth wondering, “Do we go year round with regular programming?”,  “Maybe we should just plan camps and trips?”, or “Let’s just shut things down all together.”, but Small Groups at Chick-fil-a (SG@C) seems to be just right.  This is why:

• It Sticks To Our Mission: We are a student ministry that consistently meets, in irresistible environments with authentic relationships.  SG@C meets consistently on our Thursdays when we would have our high school program Uprising, it’s all about authentic small groups and you can’t beat the environment of Chick-fil-a.
• It Doesn’t Take A Lot Of Work: No set-up, just show up to the restaurant.  Even though we have a theme (the paradoxes in Tim Elmore‘s Generation iY) for our questions and a guideline for discussion, there is no message. While we do want to explore scripture, the point is to get to know one another.
• It’s A Basic Evangelization Tool:  Invite your friend to church isn’t as easy as invite your friend to Chick-fil-a.  It’s familiar; therefore, the intimidation factor goes way down.
• It’s A Preview Of What We Do: We have great music, a deep message and some fun activities but at the core of what we do is small groups. SG@C is a non committal try of what they can be a part of year round.

If you are curious as to what exactly what we do for SG@C feel free to contact me, I would love to break it down.  In the end summer for us is all about keeping in touch and changing it up.  Our faith journey is a marathon, and sometimes we have to change the pace and route.  I encourage you to shake things up and try something new, you never know how you’re ministry will grow.

What big plans do you have this summer?