Frequently Asked Questions
For Potential CCC Event Facilitators/Leaders/Churches

Q. To whom is the CCC curriculum directed?

A. Chat, Chew and Chocolate (CCC) is about connection, belonging and creating a safe, faith-based environment for women to connect, share their hearts and have fun. Our curriculum concentrates on each woman's relationship with herself, others and God. The curriculum is faith-based and can be used in all denominations of the Christian faith.

Q. When should the CCC events be held?

A. Your CCC event can be held once or twice monthly depending on the needs and size of your women' ministry (e.g. some churches may choose to hold one morning and one evening CCC event during a month). One curriculum is provided for each month, so each event in that month would have the same curriculum.

Q. How long does each CCC event last?

A. Each CCC monthly curriculum is intended to take about two hours to complete. Our program can be all-inclusive as is (2 hours), or your church may choose to add a speaker/activity to your event (allow for an extra 30-60 minutes). We recommend 2 hours or more, however the actual length of your CCC event would be determined by your Leaders/Church.

Q. What criteria makes up a CCC event?

A. The core of each CCC event is the hour devoted to "The Question Connection." This is an inspirational hour filled with small group conversation which provides a safe place for women to share and connect in a more personal way. Our questions are designed to help women share and reflect, an all too often overlooked, but crucial element in deepening their faith and their relationships. Each element of The Question Connection is also intended to help women connect with their fellow sisters-in-Christ. And perhaps most importantly, these discussion questions are a gateway to a deeper connection with God. We believe that deeper relationships are born through opportunities to connect to our own hearts and others, and then in sharing our hearts. Once you have partnered with the CCC family, the 2012 themes will be provided to you for your planning purposes. The actual curriculum for each month, including the specific questions to be used that month in The Question Connection portion of your event, will be sent to you via email the first of each month. These questions will correlate with the theme for that month.

Q. Does this program contain an outreach aspect?

A. Hosting a CCC chapter is the perfect program for outreach to the women who attend your church, as well as women who do not currently attend your church. Each CCC event provides an opportunity for those women who attend to grow deeper in their faith and establish a deeper connection within your church. CCC events offer a great outreach to women who may not be affiliated with any church. This program is in addition to your Sunday service and regularly scheduled Bible studies and/or existing ministries. It is not the desire or purpose of CCC to replace or compete with Bible teaching services/classes or any other established ministries already in place in your church. Our research tells us that many women who regularly attend church on Sunday may have no other connection with that church. They feel they don't "know anyone" and may often be intimidated to attend existing programs strictly geared toward Bible study. Have you wondered what "bridge" program is available to help those women develop a deeper integration within the church? We purposefully developed CCC ministries as a vehicle your church can use to offer women a safe place and opportunity in which to meet other women for fun and faith-based fellowship. Research shows that up to 40% of the CCC event attendees may be non-church-members. This event becomes the first experience with your church, and, hopefully, the first step toward regular fellowship within your body of believers.

Q. What is required to be a Facilitator/Leader of a CCC event?

A. Three to four women are usually needed to facilitate at a CCC event. We suggest that you invite four to eight women involved in your women's ministry to watch our 90-minute CCC training video. Those women would then facilitate, or possibly alternate in facilitating the monthly CCC event. The facilitators/leaders of your CCC chapter should have a love for Christ and a passion for inspiring women. We anticipate that up to 40% of your attendees will initially be new to your church, possibly attending as a result of outreach by an existing member. The warm and welcoming heart found in your facilitators will breed a safe and friendly atmosphere, as well as a desire to return to your church.

Q. Is the CCC event venue optional or must it be held at a church?

A. We have found that many churches choose to host the CCC event on the church premises (e.g. fellowship hall, cafeteria, lobby or class room). An alternative is to host the event at someone's home or possibly a local cafe depending on the size of your church and size of your group. The critical aspect of any venue is that it provide an element of privacy for the small group discussions. Attendees need to be able to break into small groups (we suggest 3-5 women per small group) where they can share their hearts with discretion and confidence.

Q. What kind of budget is required for each CCC event?

A. Following the initial partnership with CCC, the costs of each individual CCC event would vary depending upon the food and drink provided. Some churches may choose to serve chocolate only (some cookies and brownies or whatever chocolate inspires you); others may choose to serve a light lunch or supper. There are basically four ways your church may choose to handle the cost of a CCC event: 1) Your church could ask a small fee per person per event; 2) Your church could sponsor each event out of your women's ministry budget; 3) Your church could do a "chocolate" potluck at each CCC event; 4) If your church chooses to host your event 'off campus' (i.e. at a cafe) then each woman would pay for her individual order.

Q. What is necessary to acquire a CCC chapter license?

A. When you elect to partner with our CCC family there is a one-time fee which covers the cost of the CCC license and gives you the right to use the CCC logo, promotional materials, curriculum and programs within your church. Our program includes a 12-month curriculum, promotional materials (graphics and event flyers), as well as all other tools necessary for training and success (i.e. free affirmations and a Psalms e-book for participants). We have six years of award-winning programs intended to make a difference for women, and we have done all the work for you. We want to make it as easy as possible on you, your volunteers, your church and your women's ministry. All you need are a few willing hosts/facilitators who have a heart for Christ and other women! CCC chapters are designated for a minimum of one year, but we invite you to look at this ministry as a new and permanent program for the women in your church! The benefits to your church, His kingdom, your community and women are phenomenal.

Q. What are some of the benefits of having the CCC ministry as part of our church?

A.

• A powerful way to connect the women of your church
• A unique and fresh addition to your women's ministry.
• A safe and effective way for women to connect in a deeper way to themselves, others and God
• A wonderful outreach tool to non-church-members which provides a warm, safe and friendly faith-based environment
• The opportunity to be a part of our CCC mission to make a difference for women worldwide

Q. What support from CCC is available to us after partnering with CCC?

A. Dena Patton and our CCC team are only a phone call away and always available to answer any questions which come up. In addition to the monthly curriculum, a monthly "e-zine" is sent to all CCC-partnering churches which includes tips, stories, support, ideas and a monthly 2-minute video. Our first annual CCC two-day conference (Friday & Saturday) is scheduled for 2013 in Arizona. (Exact dates will be provided once it is confirmed.) The day prior to the start of the conference there will be a special day of fellowship, friendship and fun for the CCC chapter facilitators/leaders to gain additional leadership skills.

Please know that we are blessed and grateful that you are considering a CCC chapter for your church. We hope that you join our mission to make a difference for women worldwide through our CCC family. We will be praying for you as you consider this opportunity to partner with us.