Hobbies And Interests
Book Selection
Take a survey and ask members which types of books they normally read. It is not uncommon for Christians to only read the Bible or Bible commentaries. Reading and discussing other types of inspirational and motivational books for entertainment and education might help a club member to begin to view a personal situation they are experiencing in a different, more positive light. For example, Christian book clubs could read romance novels that are written by believers and that adhere to Biblical truths. They could also read and discuss mysteries, family sagas or biographies and autobiographies that focus on the power of faith, Godly trust and neighborly love and kindness.
Consider letting a different member choose the book to read for the next meeting so that each member feels valued and heard. Clubs can also vote as an entire group on the book selection. After choosing the book, send out weekly reminders (email is fine) to members alerting them of the date and location of the next club meeting. Encourage them to finish reading the book by asking one to two questions about a thought-provoking scene in the book or by commenting on a heroic character's pursuit of God.
Structure
Set the date, location and start/end times for book club meetings to be held throughout the year as soon as possible. Include a scripture that reflects on biblical truths such as faith, family, love and the power of forgiveness at the top and bottom of the schedule. Print and distribute a copy of the schedule to each member. Such advance notice allows members to adjust their schedules so they can attend each meeting in person. Hold each meeting on the scheduled date and at the communicated scheduled times. Ask a member to begin the meeting with a prayer. Close the meeting by singing a spiritual song that reflects on the theme of the book the club just discussed.
Location
Think about hosting several book club meetings at a church annex, local café, Christian bookstore or library. Many bookstores and libraries allow book clubs to reserve conference rooms at their facility. The book club president can check with the pastor at the church she attends to see if the book club can use the church annex or basement to hold monthly meetings in. Not only might the pastor agree, but other church members might ask to become a member of the club as well. Consider bringing light and healthy refreshments (i.e. bottled water, assorted vegetables or fruit) to the meetings. Local cafés that have high-speed Internet access can be used to pull up the author's website and reader guidelines, read excerpts on other books the author has written or to check out reviews other readers have written about the book.
Author Visits
Contact local and visiting Christian authors to appear at an upcoming book club meeting. Book clubs that meet at local church annexes can invite area bestselling Christian authors to read from their book at the church and sign copies of their books after the reading. Book club members can also ask the author direct questions about what motivated them to pen the book, how they dealt with a difficult time in their own life that challenged their faith or what they do to remain rooted in Christ.
Prize Giveaways and Christian Holidays
Each month give a prize to a different club member to encourage continued active participation. Sample prizes could include a new Bible commentary inscribed with a loving note from each club member, tickets for two to a Christian play or a copy of the person's favorite gospel artist's CD. During Easter and Christmas, consider reading nonfiction books that focus on the birth and resurrection of Christ. Discuss the impact that Christ has had upon each member's life.