New Canaan Society meetings are about making connections that will lead to authentic and transparent friendships, but that is just where the conversation begins. Building and deepening those friendships requires the kind of intimacy that is difficult to achieve in a group of more than 10-12 men. NCS Energy Groups are smaller groups of men (not groups of smaller men) recreating the feeling of those first meetings in Jim’s family room. Every New Canaan Society man should get involved in the community of an Energy Group.
Why are they called “Energy” groups?
The name “energy group” came from Jim. You’ll need to ask a few NCS New Canaan members to find out where it came from.
What is an “NCS Energy Group”?
It is easier to define what an NCS Energy Group isn’t than to describe what it is. An NCS Energy Group is not a bible study, not a traditional church “small group” and not an accountability group. It is a safe “place of grace” where men can be transparent and authentic with each other. Although there are no hard and fast rules for an NCS Energy Group, here are some guidelines based on what we have found works best to encourage “living life together”:
- No more than 12 members: any more than that and intimacy is compromised
- No prescribed assignments or topics: it is not a bible study
- No member is required to talk: it is not an accountability group
- No leader or facilitator: all members are equal and all should feel free to be open
- Complete confidentiality: transparency and authenticity are critical
- Agreement on new members: the group should decide together if it is “open” (accepting any new members) or “closed” (accepting members only by invitation) and, if closed, the criteria for inviting new members
- Meet regularly: make it a predictable calendar entry
How do I join an NCS Energy Group?
Click here for the list of New Canaan Society “open” Energy Groups not affiliated with any chapter.
Or, if you wish, you may
create a new group. You can also
contact us.
There are currently
3 Energy Groups associated with the New Canaan Society.