Start a Company

Don’t overthink this. You don’t need a program or a perfect plan. Invite a few people. Pick a time and place. Share a meal or a cup of coffee. Pray together. Talk about faith and life. Then do it again.

It may feel a little awkward the first time. I imagine it probably did for the disciples too. After Jesus ascended into heaven, they had to gather without Him physically there. They prayed together, shared life, encouraged one another, and tried to live what He had taught them. That’s really all you’re trying to do.

A Simple Gathering

Break bread. Share a meal, have a cup of coffee, and talk about normal life. Don’t rush this part. Getting to know one another is part of the point.

Then go a little deeper. After you eat, ask a couple of real questions. Talk about where God is working in your life, where you’re struggling, what you’re carrying, or something from Scripture. You can also use one of the reflections on this site to get the conversation started.

Pray together. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Pray for what was shared, pray for one another, and ask God for the grace to live what you talked about.

Then go home. It really can be that simple.

What Do We Talk About?

You don’t need a lesson plan. Two good questions are usually enough. The goal isn’t to get through a list. It’s to get people talking honestly about faith and life.

A good place to start is:

Where have you seen God working in your life lately, and where are you struggling?

Then talk about something you’re actually wrestling with. Maybe you don’t understand something about the Church. Maybe today’s Scripture confused you. Maybe you can’t stop daydreaming when you pray. Ask the question. You may be surprised how many people around the table are wondering or struggling with the same thing.

As you get to know one another and trust begins to grow, be willing to go deeper. Talk about the things you really struggle with, even the things you don’t talk about with many people. Be vulnerable. Be willing to go first. That’s often what gives someone else permission to be honest too.

And don’t feel like you have to fix anybody. Listen. Ask another question. Pray for one another. Sometimes simply knowing you’re not carrying something alone is enough.

Then Do It Again

Don’t worry about what to call it, how big it should become, or where it might lead. Pick another day and gather again.

Relationships take time. Trust takes time. Some nights the conversation will be deep. Other nights you’ll mostly laugh and talk about life. And some nights you’ll leave wondering, “Why are we even doing this?”

Those may be the most important nights to keep going.

The enemy would love nothing more than to convince us that gathering together, praying together, and helping one another toward Christ isn’t worth the effort. Don’t give him that victory.

Keep showing up. Keep praying together. Keep inviting Christ into the middle of it.

And every once in a while, invite someone else to come and see.