A few weeks ago I announced that I was starting a C.S. Lewis reading group here in La Crosse, Wisconsin. I thought I write down the steps I’m going through in launching this group.
1. Get Webspace!
I created a webpage for the new group on our website. This provided me with a link to share with those who might potentially wish to join. This webpage includes a form which allows potential members to contact me for details.
Note: If there’s anyone else out there who would like to start their own group and would like to have their own webpage, please contact me.
2. Contact the local congregations
I searched in Google for local churches and sent them an email, asking them to pass on the information to anyone whom they know might be interested.
Hi there!
Email sent to local congregations
My name is David and I recently moved from San Diego to La Crosse.
I run the C.S. Lewis podcast Pints With Jack and in the New Year I’m launching a local C.S. Lewis reading group. Since C.S. Lewis attracts Christians from across the denominational spectrum, I’m reaching out to the local churches, asking them to pass on the information to anyone who might be interested.
The exact details of the group will be decided upon at our first meeting, but in San Diego we met for an hour at a coffee shop on the first Saturday of every month and worked through a number of books, beginning with Mere Christianity.
God bless,
David
3. Post on Facebook
I posted a similar message on the different C.S. Lewis message boards on Facebook.
- The Official C.S. Lewis Facebook Page
- G K Chesterton, C S Lewis & George MacDonald: The 3 Amigos!
- Virtual C.S. Lewis Society
I’ve also posted on my own Facebook account.
4. Initial Meeting
This is how far I’ve got. The next thing is to have the initial meeting where we can decide where we’ll meet, how often, and which book we’ll discuss.
