Sergio Maul and I met in a recent Exponential Learning Community in New York City.

His fascinating story about planting a church in Chick-fil-A captured everyone’s attention. Digging deeper, it carries serious implications for those desiring to take the church to where people live.

Just 25 years old, Sergio brings hope to old folks hoping the gospel doesn’t dry up in our generation.

Coming to a full relationship with Jesus around age 20, Sergio soon found himself serving in a youth ministry in a large Methodist church in Lubbock, Texas.

It was even more exciting to learn that the experience at Chick-fil-A ministry probably got him promoted to Pastor of Evangelism and Young Adults in a congregation many would write off as too steeped in tradition to try new things. This story also speaks of the church leadership as it does of God working through Sergio.

The vision and ministry are surprisingly simple.

Sergio and two friends began frequenting a local restaurant on the same evening each week. They sat near the restrooms to be near the most foot traffic. The table boasted a small sign, “Open Dinner Discussions: Join us, and we’ll buy your first meal.” They also showed an open Bible so people wouldn’t feel duped into joining the tiny group.

Discussions were simple and didn’t press the Bible or theology. They often use a conversation-sparking card game to get the talk rolling. They trust that the most important things in anyone’s life eventually come around to a need for the security and guidance only God offers.

Numerous people have come to faith. Not all have shown up in the parent church, but that’s not the goal. Bringing the church to the people is.

You’ll find hope and fresh ideas in this podcast.

If you want to follow up with Sergio, contact him at [email protected] or search Sergio R. Maul on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, you'll want to catch the other tools and insights at ralphmoore.net.

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