Coffee Break, the popular outreach-oriented small group Bible study for women, is going global.
Christian Reformed Home Missions is partnering with Christian Reformed World Missions, Back to God Ministries International (BTGMI), and Faith Alive in a number of countries as they grow Coffee Break programs locally.
Coffee Break, which began in a Chicago suburb more than 40 years ago, is popping up in China, South Korea, South Africa, and elsewhere. The hope is to develop local leaders to train others to lead Coffee Break and Bible studies and to help grow disciples.
As part of Home Missions’ small groups ministry, Coffee Break usually uses the Discover Your Bible series from Faith Alive to structure inductive Bible studies led by a trained leader. This person leads a small group discussion focused on specific Scripture passages and their applications.
Each of the four agencies is bringing its own strengths to this partnership. Home Missions, for example, focuses on providing training to prospective Coffee Break leaders; Faith Alive is publishing and translating Coffee Break materials; and BTGMI and World Missions are helping to find people to assist in developing the program.
Global Coffee Break is scheduled to be launched in Indonesia this summer, with other programs planned for Dubai, Brazil, Mozambique, and South Africa. A Global Coffee Break website is being designed, and leader training is in the works.
“From a suburb of Chicago, God has used Coffee Break, first in North America, but now in many parts of the world,” says Sam Huizenga, ministry developer coach for Home Missions. “It has become a global mission strategy! When you think of Coffee Break, think of it through the eyes of people around the world.”
About the Author
Ben Van Houten is a senior writer for Christian Reformed Home Missions.
