Scripts
In sales, scripts are generated by experienced veterans to help newcomers have an idea of what to say. All of these have been tried and tested to work. If it seems corny and cringy, don’t worry about it, they’ve been salesmen-approved.
That being said, they’re scripts, not Scripture. Adjust them how you’d like to fit your Pondering. Things in italics are meant to be changed.
Table Of Contents
Scheduling a Pondering with Individuals:
Partnering with other Organizations:
Flyers
Scheduling Ponderings With Routine Members
The Stone and the Giant meets once a month, which translates to about 3 reminder texts. 1 at the beginning of the month reminding people which day the Pondering will be, as well as any cancellations, adjustments, or big presentations. 1 at the beginning of the week a Pondering will occur. 1 in the morning that the Pondering occur.
Remember to encourage people as often as you can. Include any presentations you know of in approaching texts. Reminder texts are important, as people get busy and if YOU don’t make time, life will crowd out friends and community.
Beginning of the month, example 1:
Hello Everyone! There will be a Pondering the XX and the XX. Reminder, John’s wedding is the YY, so we’re pushing the second Pondering forward a week. We have a treat that week as Rebecca will be our featured presenter! Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Hello X. Day the YY, at XX:XX, the Pub Name will be meeting. The theme is ThemeOfTheWeek, the medium is MediumOfTheWeek. Host will be hosting it at Address. Hope to see you there!
Ex: Hello Jack. Friday the 13, at 7:00, the Seafarer’s Net will be meeting. The Theme is Roots + Childhood, the medium is Personal Artifact – so bring something of personal significance. Jim Smith will be hosting it at 1234 Main Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15207. Hope to see you there!
Beginning of the month, example 2:
Hello Everyone! There will be a Pondering the XX and the XX. Look forward to seeing everyone there!
Beginning of the Week reminder:
Hello everyone! There will be a Pondering this day at address at time. Remember to bring a presentation. See you all there!
Day of reminder:
Hello everyone! There will be a Pondering tonight. Doors open XX:XX, Pub starts YY:YY. I look forward to seeing everyone!
Featured Presenter
To ask someone to be featured presenter:
“Hi, X. Would you be willing to give a presentation about ABC sometime in month? Your inside expertise would be super interesting for our group, and I’d really appreciate it.”
A few weeks before, send a reminder text in the form of asking for info for a Social Media Postt:
“Hi, X. Looking forward to your presentation on day. We’d like to make a post on social media for you. could you send me
– Title
– Thesis or tagline
– Picture of yourself.
Thank you sir/ma’am!
After they present, thank them for presenting, and ask to highlight them in an Instagram post:
“Hi, X. Thank you for presenting! It was absolutely amazing and everyone loved it.
Would you be willing to send me one quote from your presentation that summarizes the whole thing? I’d love to share it on social media.”
Inviting someone to a Pondering for the first time
These are sample scripts to help get your invite started. Please customize it to the person.
Inviting someone to a Pondering with a Featured Presenter:
Hi, X! How’ve you been?
My friend, XX XXX, is giving a presentation on “Name of Presentation”. It’s about thesis or highlight. I think you’d really like it. Is this something you’d be interested in?
(You’re selling a future appointment. If they say yes, or express interest, hit them with details.)
Awesome! It’s date and time at location. No need to bring anything. There’ll be refreshments. Hope to see you there!
(If there are mutual friends, mention them. If there is a factor you know is important to them, like end time, mention that.)
Inviting someone to a Pondering with no special events: (From more formal to less formal)
Hi, X. How’ve you been? I’m part of the Pondering Pub, a non-profit dedicated to cultural creation and community formation. We’re growing steadily, and our group loves to meet to discuss higher things. I think this is something you would really like. I’d love to be there to show you around. Would you be willing to come to one just to see what it’s like?
Hi, X! Heard you might be interested in attending the Pondering Pub. We talk about cultural works, discuss intellectual topics, and just have a good time. I would love to be there and personally introduce you to everyone in the group. Come to one and just see what you think. Sound fair enough?
Hi, X. Do you want to come to the Pondering Pub with me? It’s a lot of fun.
Rebuttals:
“Rebuttals” is a sales term for the response given when someone throws up an objection. An objection most often is given when someone wants to do what you’re asking, but there’s an obstacle on their end preventing them. These “rebuttals” help you remove those obstacles so they can freely attend the Pondering. Remember to use personal examples whenever you can.
I don’t really know anyone there.
“No worries. I’ll be there with you the whole time. Everyone is super welcoming. But if you get too socially overwhelmed, just step out and eat some snacks.”
I don’t have the time, I’m too busy.
“That’s ok. A lot of people are only able to attend once every once in a while. Let’s make some time for you to come to just one, and then you can decide if it’s worth budgeting for in the future.”
“Of course. I reached out because I love the community/cultural aspect of the Pondering. It’s super important in today’s world to maintain close communities that care about each other and produce Christian content. I’d love for you to make time and contribute to that.”
I’m not a Christian.
“That’s fine. We have lots of non-Christians who come for the social and intellectual aspects.”
I want to make sure this is Christian.
“Of course! It’s written into the rules that all Pubs have to be led by Christian leadership. We take that aspect quite seriously. We also say a prayer at the beginning of every Pondering.”
I don’t know if I really want to present.
“That’s fine. A lot of people aren’t comfortable for presenting. They come to comment and reflect on the discussions. You have really insightful comments. I’d love for you to share.”
Are you guys a real thing?
“Of course! We have 4 Ponderings in multiple states, and over 50 people who support our movement. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes.”
Is there an actual cultural aspect?
Of course! If you go on our website, you can see tons of things Ponderers created. Additionally, each Pub has their own presentations they keep for themselves. There is a lot of good work that is created here.
What’s the Pondering like? Give me details.
We’ll gather together at someone’s home, and people bring snacks, drink they’d like, and a presentation if they’re ready. We’ll open in prayer. Then, we’ll have a discussion of the week. Then, members will present art pieces they want to group discuss. It could be a Spotify song, a poem they like, or an excerpt from a book they want to group reflect
Sounds good. I’m busy that day.
“Awesome! I’ll let you know when the next one is.”
Mission Ponderings
Mission Ponderings are a “test run” of a Pondering.
Partnering with other Organizations:
Asking to hang up a flyer
Hello Pastors and Fellow Faithful of the Christian Church,
“On January 25th at 6 PM the Pittsburgh Young Adult group will be hosting the first of a series of art gatherings. The first meeting be a poetry night, with a theme of Difficulty and Insurmountable Challenges. Please bring a piece of art that is a poem, something that meditates upon difficulty, or a combination of both.
^This is a far more formal request for circulating an email to several churches.
Ex Script 3:
Hello Fr. Tom ,
My name is Drew, and I’m a parishioner at St. Mary’s in Bethel Park. Along with a few friends, I’m helping start a local Christian young adult group in the area in partnership with The Pondering Pub. Our goal is to create a space where young adults can engage culture and current events thoughtfully, using art as a way to foster trust, friendship, and deeper conversations about faith.
Would it be possible to hang a flyer in your church’s narthex? (Attached.)
I’m happy to answer any questions or connect you with the appropriate point of contact if helpful.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
In Christ,
Drew Hreha
Ex Script 4:
Hello Pastor Robin,
My name is Anthony, and I’m reaching out on behalf of a small group of local Christians hoping to connect young adults in the Orlando area. We’re hosting a series of art-based gatherings that encourage fellowship, reflection, and faith-centered discussion among Christians ages 18–35.
If you’d be willing, we’d greatly appreciate hanging the attached flyer in your narthex or sharing it with your congregation. Our hope is simply to help young adults find one another and grow in community across churches in the area.
Thank you for your prayers and any support you’re able to offer.
Blessings,
Anthony
Asking for meeting space
Ex Script 1:
Hello Pastor DeNardo,
My name is Alexandra, and I’m a parishioner here at 1st Presbyterian. A small group of us are hoping to begin a Christian young adult gathering in the area, focused on conversation, fellowship, and engaging culture thoughtfully through art and discussion. We’re partnering with The Pondering Pub to help guide the format.
We’re currently looking for a simple place to meet—nothing formal, just a room where 8–15 young adults could gather once a month. Would our church have a space (such as a classroom or basement room) that might be available for this purpose? Or a parishioner who’d be willing to host us in their home?
I’d be happy to share more details or meet briefly if that would be helpful. Thank you for your time and discernment.
In Christ,
Alexandra
Ex Script 2:
Hello [Manager / Librarian’s Name],
My name is Mark, and I’m part of a small group of local young adults looking for a place to gather for conversation and discussion. We meet infrequently (about once a month) and are simply looking for a welcoming space where a group of 6–12 people could sit together for an hour or two. Anyone from the public is welcome to join us as well.
Our gatherings are low-key and discussion-based. We’re happy to work around your schedule or any guidelines you may have. If this is something you’d consider, I’d be glad to talk through the details.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Mark
Flyers
Here are some flyers to help however you need.
PLEASE READ: All our flyers are offered through ONE shared Canva account. Once you click on the flyer you want and are brought to Canva, please make a copy of it before editing, so others have the opportunity to enjoy the same flyer. Thank you.
