Cooking up Connections: Food as an important small group ingredient

This past season, I hosted a small group in the first room most people pass on their way to other group gatherings in our building.  Inevitably, two or three people would lean in and say,  "I chose the wrong group!" or  "I need to come to your life group!"  They didn't say that because I'm the greatest group leader.  They weren't drawn to the amazing Christian content we were learning and discussing.  Those comments were all food focused!  They were drawn by the smell of our freshly brewed coffee and the tables plated with chex-mix and brownies.

Ok, here's today's BIG insight...people like food.  Here now, are a few good reasons why you should consider food as an important ingredient to your small group gathering.

1. Food is a conversation starter:  Food is an easy ice breaker! Food has a way of getting people talking (sometimes with their mouths full). Not everyone can talk sports, or books or politics, but everyone can talk food.  Group members love to compare how many cups of coffee they drink each day.  People often share fun food stories. 

2.  Food = belonging:  People associate "belonging and acceptance" with food.  Take a close look at your life with food and you'll soon see what I mean.  For the most part, you and I only eat with people we love, accept, like and relate to.  Including food at your gathering, creates a feeling of acceptance and  belonging.  People will drawn from this universal rule (food = belonging) when you share food.

3.  Bringing & sharing food creates group ownership:  Inviting others to contribute food to the group gathering is an easy way to build a since of ownership in to the group.  Group members who contribute food will feel good about contributing to the success of the group gathering.  It moves them from spectator / attender to more of a helper / facilitator.

4.  Food is a group activity:  Food gives everyone something to do and literally gets people moving.  No one can sit still and eat.  Food gives people something to do with their hands.  I have met more than few men who I am convinced they can hardly speak unless they have a cup of coffee in hand.  Coffee and conversation go together, just like food and friendship.

Who is willing to share their small group food stories?
Go ahead, post a few recipes as well!