How to Facilitate a CoffeeChatConnect Group
Time Expectation: 60 minutes
CoffeeChatConnect (CCC) is flexible and can be hosted in any environment—typically in private homes or public venues like coffee shops, homes, restaurants, churches, anywhere. Key to success: Meet regularly—consistency builds community! See our Monthly Framework for facilitating multiple groups.
Getting Started Right
- Start on time – First impressions last. Respect participants’ time to encourage their return.
- Create a relaxed atmosphere – Allow participants to arrive, get their refreshments, and settle in without feeling rushed.
- Materials – Ensure everyone has access to the session’s material (electronic or hard copy). This helps participants feel included and encourages participation.
- Two-minute warning – Announce you’ll begin in 2 minutes, allowing time for final preparations and refills.
- Keep refreshments flowing – Continue to allow drinks and snacks during the session.
Simply follow the CoffeeChat “Full-Circle experience” outline.
1. Last Edition Recap
Each CoffeeChat edition (except #1) starts with an intentional ice-breaker focusing on accountability, encouragement, and shared learning experiences.
This only applies if the person has already participated in any previous CoffeeChats.
TIP: A good addition to this question could be, “…and what did you learn?”, or, “…and how has this impacted you?”
2. Opening Prayer
Keep it short and simple—pray loud enough for only your group to hear clearly. Simple prayers encourage others to believe they too can pray aloud.
3. Reading the Introduction and Topic
Read slowly and clearly until reaching the first ChatPoint. Ask the questions provided, adding relevant ones as needed.
4. ChatPoint Discussions
Open-ended questions are designed to be non-threatening and non-judgemental. These help participants engage with the text and each other.
Remember: After asking a question, silence is your friend. Someone will answer—wait for it.
Managing the Conversation
Allow everyone a chance to share before moving on
Ensure different opinions are welcomed
Don’t let one person dominate—CCC Rule; “if you want to do all the talking, you can’t!”
As the group matures, deeper questions will emerge naturally
5. Scripture Reading
This is the most important part of CCC. All discussions centre around the Bible.
First prize is to encourage participants to bring their own Bibles. When you have your own Bible, you forms a “bond” with it – hopefully inspiring a deeper desire for scripture. Best of all, it doesn’t run flat and distract you with annoying unwanted messages. But, if not, Bible apps will do. (YouVersion, e-sword, MySword)
If someone doesn’t own a Bible, buy one as the group’s act of kindness
Share reading duties weekly—plan ahead so no one feels ambushed
Various translations will be used
6. Key Focus Verse
Each session has a key verse for participants to “take away”. Read this to suggest a focus for the conversation and to conclude the discussion. But always allow the Holy Spirit to direct the discussion.
7. Application Question
Always ask how participants will apply the lesson to their lives. At the next gathering, follow up on how they applied the previous week’s teaching—accountability and encouragement are built into CCC’s structure.
8. Prayer Requests
Record prayer requests and pray for them until the next gathering. Consider keeping a prayer journal to track answered prayers—you’ll be amazed!
✓ Good idea: Immediately place the requests into a group chat and send it to the group so that everyone has a reminder for the week.
9. Personal Reflection
Provide questions for private reflection during the week. These are not for group discussion but for personal time with God. They assist in personal growth and can be shared at the next gathering when the “1. Last Edition Recap” is asked.
Planning Ahead
Before closing, establish:
When: Next meeting date and time
Where: Next venue
Who: Next facilitator and Bible reader
Venue Considerations
Private venues: Ideal for deeper sharing and prayer
Public venues: Choose fairly quiet locations without excessive distractions
- Private Venues (Homes)
✓ Good idea: Share costs for refreshments weekly
✗ Bad idea: Keeping refreshments in a separate room from the group
- Public Venues (Restaurants/Cafés)