Starting Point is our GCC group environment for those people who want to meet some people and make some friends. If you don't understand how social stuff is a next step toward Christ, read this post.
Yes, meeting people will happen in any of our group spaces, but it can also happen through volunteering inside the church or in the community. The difference is that meeting people is the focus of what Starting Point participants are intentionally pursuing.
They may be willing to talk a little bit about God and tell some stuff about their life, but overall, they're pretty clear that this is NOT THEIR FOCUS. Their focus is to meet some people and make some friends.
While I got that, I didn't get it. Social stuff seemed too light, too fluffy, nothing really significant, and yet I really believe that social stuff is holy stuff! The more I get it, the more I let go of directing conversation toward God, the higher attendance stays and the more people have an opportunity to feel connected to GCC, which is where we hope they'll find a greater connection to God. Duh. I'm slow.
It's just hard to program 90 minutes because social stuff isn't programmed; it just happens. On the other hand, if we provide zero direction, then that's lame too! So, consider this an update of what we're doing at Starting Point. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them!
Comments