Inklings is intentionally simple. Six to eight men meet at least once each month for a few hours of meaningful, semi-guided conversation focused on building authentic friendships and encouraging one another.

• Groups are currently formed by invitation. The founding members determine whom to invite and work together to establish the culture of the group.
• One or more leaders should be willing to model vulnerability, encourage honest discussion, and help conversations move beyond surface-level topics.
• Meetings may be held in a private home or a public venue—whatever best serves the group.
• Meetings are generally scheduled for late afternoon so members can return home in time for dinner with their families. A recommended meeting time is 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
• Sharing a beer or another drink is perfectly acceptable. However, groups should avoid overindulgence and remain considerate of members who may have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
• Each month, one member should bring a thoughtful question or discussion topic. At least once each quarter, the topic should encourage spiritual growth and reflection on Scripture.
  Learn more about the Compass Question.
• Meetings typically begin with a roundtable check-in where everyone shares how life has been since the previous gathering. The selected discussion topic then provides a starting point for deeper conversation.
• Once each year, the group is encouraged to hold a retreat. This might be a weekend away, a day retreat, or another opportunity to step away from everyday distractions and spend focused time together. Spouses may be included where appropriate.
• The only subjects discouraged from dominating meetings are those that already consume much of everyday life—sports, politics, and unproductive criticism of one's spouse. If a member needs support regarding his marriage, the conversation should focus on helping and encouraging him rather than criticizing someone who is not present.
• Success is not measured by attendance alone. It is reflected in growing trust, deeper friendships, honest transparency, emotional support, and the willingness to celebrate victories while walking together through challenges.

The Compass Question

The recommended first discussion question is:
If you knew you had ten years left to live, how would you spend the rest of your life?"

This question establishes the tone for the group. It encourages openness, reveals what matters most to each person, and helps members become comfortable having conversations that go beyond everyday life.

The Inklings application includes more than one hundred additional discussion topics to guide future meetings. Leaders may also create private topics that are unique to their own group.

Remember that the discussion topic is a guide, not an agenda. Some meetings may be entirely devoted to helping a member through a difficult situation or simply catching up on life together. Those conversations are often the most valuable. The goal is not to complete a schedule but to be present, supportive, and genuinely invested in one another.