When I was living in NYC, a friend of mine took me to such christian gatherings (about 10 people meeting at somebody's place). I'm an atheist, but I thought it was a very interesting experience. We were discussing various topics, sometimes there were special guests and so on...
I've been involved with a number non-religious attempts to set up similar 'small groups', and people loved these things. We'd pick similar topics, but just keep the discussion from being overtly religious (while respecting those who were religious).
the most common feedback was "I've always been looking for a group where I could have meaningful conversations about 'bigger' things in life, or more personal things.", and people would often keep returning.
I'm probably going to start something similar in Berlin in a month or so. It's really fun, and a great way to make friends.
> ...keep the discussion from being overtly religious (while respecting those who were religious).
I generally don't feel respected when people ask me to leave part of my identity and lifestyle at the door. I understand the aversion to fiery sermons (I'm not a huge fan either), but asking people to not be overtly themselves can be very exclusionary, especially if you are shooting for inclusiveness and authenticity.
But trying to have meaningful relationships is a great thing. It's certainly harder than it looks. Good luck!
I should've probably phrased it differently. 'Keep the discussion from fiery sermons' would have been a more accurate way to put it. Religious people were generally free to talk about their faith, and this was only 'discouraged' if they'd go so far down that road that nobody else could identify in any way. That almost never happened though. In fact, one of the organizers was a conservative evangelical Christian.
