Becoming a Member - FAQs
We know you have questions about what it means to be a C12 member. You will find many answers below. We encourage you to speak with a C12 Chair to get more information.
What is C12?
C12 Business Forums is an executive roundtable organization for Christian CEOs and Business Owners to help each other through prayer, encouragement, accountability, and business support. It is a peer format in which a small group of non-competing CEOs meets regularly (once a month) to support and challenge each other.
What is the purpose of C12?
The easy way to describe our purpose is to quote our tagline: “We help Christian CEOs build great businesses for a greater purpose.” The great business part means that we help them with solid business advice and education to grow their companies (e.g., more profit, more customers, better culture, etc.). The greater purpose is discovering what God would have them do in their leadership roles. We think that these things go together.
Is C12 a business or a ministry?
Great question. We are a for-profit business for three reasons. First, we know that we lead and facilitate our business forums better when subject to the same success measures as our members. Second, we also know that paying members expect value for their investment. That keeps our execution focused on delivering that value. Third, all C12 Chairs are dedicated full-time to their role. This is our livelihood. Our heart, however, is on making an eternal impact on our members and the communities we serve. Since we encourage members this way, we must also model business as a ministry.
Is C12 a local or international organization?
C12 is an international organization. We currently have business forums in 30+ states and 9 countries. Our membership includes more than 4000 (in 2024) business leaders. We have more than 200 members in North Texas, and we are expanding. We are the largest executive roundtable organization specifically for Christians.
When did C12 start in North Texas?
The North Texas C12 Business Forums were launched in 2008. We now have 8 Chairs facilitating 25 forums in North Texas for approximately 195 members.
What is a C12 Chair?
A “C12 Chair” is a person who forms a C12 Business Forum and facilitates its monthly meetings. Every C12 Chair is trained to deliver high-value content, facilitate group meetings, and coach/mentor individual members. They typically have significant business experience and a calling to encourage others to integrate their faith into their business lives.
What are the qualifications for membership?
There are a few qualifications needed for joining C12.
1. Since we serve Christians and apply biblical concepts, it only makes sense that a prospective member must be a Christian. Our members represent many different denominations and faith traditions. We do not expect any member to be a bible scholar. (We all have room to grow.) You will not be quizzed or confronted about your beliefs. Instead, you will find that members encourage one another to be all that God intends for them to be.
2. We generally serve for-profit companies, both public and private. Occasionally, we also have non-profit organizations represented.
3. We serve established companies. That means you have survived your start-up phase and now have an established business. We define “established” as annual revenues greater than $2M and 10+ employees. (If you feel strongly that you should be involved but fall short of those thresholds, call us.)
4. We help growing companies—at least companies that are seeking growth. Our curriculum and process focus every month on some aspect of advancing. If you are happy staying where you are, C12 is not for you.
5. We value contributors. Belonging to a group will benefit you and your company. In return, we expect members to contribute their ideas, opinions, questions, and advice to other members.
What are the overall benefits to you of being in C12?
There are several categories of benefits. Here are just four of them.
Personal Leadership Growth
Each month, you will receive executive education that helps you run your business better. Our material is designed to be practical, application-oriented content that represents the best of Christian and secular sources. When the leader grows, the entire organization grows. In addition to the monthly forums, you will meet with your C12 Chair for a private one-on-one consultation. You get to design this time to fit your needs. It is equivalent to an executive coaching session.
Organizational Development
Many of the applications discussed each month are designed to improve your organization. We will discuss organizational development, alignment issues, strategic planning, people management, business development, sales/marketing, and many more topics that will help you improve your performance. Furthermore, all of the content ever developed by C12 is available for you to share within your company. This becomes a training resource for your employees.
Business Reviews
Every business forum includes a core business presentation. This is similar to a board presentation. You will get multiple benefits from this. One, you will find it enormously helpful to hear how other leaders are running their companies. As they talk, you will learn from their mistakes and their successes. Two, when it is time for your presentation, you will find it very instructive to pull together all of the information for our presentation template. Perhaps this is the only time you will collect a comprehensive set of company performance information? Three, when you present, you will receive verbal and written feedback from your peers to help you with the issues you identify and the additional ones that they spot for you.
Comfort and Community
This might sound like a touchy-feely benefit of limited value unless you have experience running a company. Most CEOs know that the cliche, “it’s lonely at the top,” is true. We offer a safe environment to be transparent with peers that understand what you are going through. You will find that you do not have to be alone.
How does C12 help me "work on" rather than "in" your business?
Our format is designed to offer you a retreat and reflection day every month. We gather in our forums to think through strategic planning, policy reviews, financial management, operations management, etc. Few of these topics get much attention in a busy workday. However, being out of the office and gathering with peers promotes discussion and perspective. It is a time for members to recharge and replan. It may sound difficult to take a day “off” each month. We promise that you will find it useful from the beginning. Later, you will see the day essential to growing and maintaining a healthy business.
How does your forum serve as a board of advisors?
Most businesses that join C12 are private companies without a board of directors. Even those with an existing board find that a group of Christian peers offers unique feedback and suggestions. Your forum comes to know you and your business well. They know what makes you tick, where you struggle, and your dreams for your work and family. You will find it a safe place to “let your hair down” and receive valuable comments from peers dedicated to your success. Once a year, you will do a core business presentation (CBP). That comprehensive presentation will cover all aspects of your business. During and after the presentation, you will receive verbal and written comments from every member. This is invaluable. In the months when you are not doing a CBP, you may present issues for the group to discuss. They will help you think through the various dimensions and then give you concrete opinions about what to do next. By the way, you will learn as much or more from the issues presented by other members than you do from your challenges.
How will core presentations help you?
The core business presentation is a powerful opportunity for a C12 member. There are several benefits.
1. The act of preparing for the presentation is very valuable.
Gathering, organizing, and reflecting on the information in a core business presentation is incredibly valuable. Many CEOs have no other group or opportunity that requires a comprehensive description of their results and plans. It is not unusual to spot gaps and resolve problems before the presentation to the group occurs.
2. The verbal explanation to the group helps in processing.
Something magical happens when someone says aloud what they have been thinking to themselves. The availability of an attentive audience and a prescribed format clarify their thoughts. You will see the act of expressing important information in a safe atmosphere is powerful.
3. The member comments are insightful.
During and after the presentation, the other members ask questions, offer ideas, and encourage. For almost any topic, someone in the room has experienced something like every issue raised by the presenter. The members will share lessons learned, solutions that worked, and confidence about the future. They write their comments and give them to you for follow-up actions.
4. Helping others helps you.
The surprising thing about core business presentations is the other eleven months of the year when someone else presents their business. You will see some of the same issues you are facing in them. You will begin applying the same tips to your business as you give them suggestions for their problems. More importantly, the sense that you are not alone will reassure you. Often, members decide to meet outside of our C12 Business Forums to discuss further challenges they face.
What goes into a core business presentation?
The core business presentation is your opportunity to comprehensively present your business to CEOs and business owners who know you and want to help you succeed.
Our template covers situation analysis, organization development, operational processes, financial management, and ministry. We look back at what has happened and forward to what we hope will happen. A key is that we look at your leadership progress, not just the business metrics. This picture will give you an idea of the scope of the presentation.
What accountability is built into C12 for you?
Every business owner knows the importance of accountability. After all, don’t you try to build accountability into your culture to ensure employees know expectations and can be evaluated accordingly? Most CEOs know that they need accountability, too. It is not just for business operations. We need someone who cares about us to ask hard questions about how we treat our family, our relationship with God, and our spiritual responsibilities as Christians. At C12, we will ask about all of that at every meeting. You will find it safe to share your answers honestly with the group (and you will hear their answers, too). You will be encouraged where you are struggling. You will listen to ideas from your peers describing their approaches. Mostly, you will begin to grow as a person and as a leader. You will identify specific SMART goals to accomplish each month before the next forum meeting. Every member will read their list aloud. At the next forum meeting, you will report on how you performed (or not) each item. The last thread of accountability is your one-on-one meeting each month with your C12 Chair. Your Chair will ask you questions about what is important to you, which is a great time for prayer.
How will your one-on-one meeting with your C12 help you?
Imagine having the focused attention each month of an experienced business and Christian leader dedicated to your success. That’s what we do for you in our one-on-one meetings (60-90 minutes), where you meet with your C12 Chair. You set the agenda. For one month, you might need coaching for a vexing management issue. Another time, you might need consulting help with your strategic plan. It is not unusual to need a sounding board so that you can talk through what is happening around you. Maybe you need help to connect to the right resources or other members. Or, you might need someone to give you a “kick in the pants.” All of this can happen in one meeting.
How does "business as a ministry" apply to you?
We think business as ministry applies to every Christian CEO and business owner. The Bible explains that what we do in all aspects of our lives, including our businesses, matters to God. And, though it might sound unusual, we think God is the “owner” of our companies. If He is the owner, then we are stewards. A “steward” is accountable to the owner for the performance and priorities of the business. All that means is asking questions like, “What would God want me to do?” and “What are God’s purposes?” We think that there are answers to these questions which directly affect what we do as leaders. Probably the most straightforward statement is to say, “People matter to God.” The implication, then, is to intentionally affect the eternal lives of people who come into contact with our businesses. For most businesses, thousands of people are potentially affected by what you and I do each year. We go beyond the basic concept. At every forum meeting, we discuss practical things to do. We have, for instance, a book listing 105 ideas for ministry in business. We also talk about building “strategic plans for ministry.” Don’t worry if this sounds overwhelming; we will ease you into the thought process. Our experience is that, over time, it will become very clear and very rewarding.
How does the group pray together?
We believe in the power of prayer so it is a part of every meeting. We have times when members are paired-up to pray. There are instances where we pray as a forum. Your C12 Chair will regularly pray for you. Don’t worry about being put on the spot. We recognize that many folks come to C12 without a public praying habit. That is okay. Just let us pray for you. It is a privilege for us to do so.
How often does a forum meet?
Each business forum meets monthly on a specific day (e.g., third Friday, second Thursday).
How long does the meeting last?
A meeting lasts seven hours. It usually starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., with lunch included. The day is packed with content and discussion. There is time built-in for members to talk informally with one another. (And, if a business emergency occurs, we have multiple opportunities during breaks to check in with the office.)
What is the meeting agenda?
Here is a sample agenda for a business forum.
What are the elements of a business forum?
Arrival
We gather around a boardroom table to spread out our material and see our friends. We spend a few minutes catching up. After all, a lot can happen in a month!
Devotion
We examine a biblical concept that applies to leaders and discuss its implications for each of us.
Business
We discuss a well-researched business topic that is applicable to every business. We use videos, diagnostic tools, and application guides to make this as relevant as possible for each member.
Business as Ministry
We talk about what it means to run God’s business and the practical importance of the leader’s role.
Lunch is for Relationships
The food is always great, but the best part is the time together. This is a time to deepen connections, ask questions, and relax.
Core Business Presentation
One member presents their business and gets in-depth feedback from their forum. It is very powerful to hear from CEOs who know what it means to run a business.
Advice and Counsel
Open table time to present and solve the pressing problems of business, faith or life. Any member can identify one or more issues for the group to discuss.
Mutual Accountability
It is time for transparency as members report on their promises to change or improve. Encouragement mixed with truth-telling.
Prayer for One Another
Sharing our struggles, concerns, and praises.
What are examples of meeting curriculum?
Here is the content that we covered in 2024. Each year, we have a new content schedule that is built based on member feedback, current business conditions and high-value topics that we covered in the past.
Do members meet outside of the monthly forum?
Excellent question! The answer is “yes.” Members form relationships that result in connections throughout the month. They pray together, solve business problems together, study business and spiritual topics together, and care for each other.
What are the attendance expectations?
Every member agrees to make the monthly meeting a priority on their schedule and agrees to attend at least 10 of 12 meetings each year. We understand that business travel, emergencies and vacations may occasionally conflict with the member’s C12 business forum. When there is a conflict, the member has the option to attend another C12 Business Forum that month. That’s a great way to get to know more Christian CEOs without missing a month of content.
How does the member accountability work?
We have found that most CEOs are not being held accountable for what is important in their lives. So, at every meeting every member “declares” what they intend to accomplish before the next business forum. They announce their list to the group so that the other members know. For example, a member may commit to more time with their spouse (e.g., two date nights), better self-care (e.g., exercising three times a week), time with God (e.g., quiet time every day) or having crucial conversations at work (e.g., discussing performance issues with a key employee).
At the next business forum, the member reads their list from the previous month and reports what they accomplished and what they missed. For every missed item, a fine is assessed to that member. (We collect this money and give it away to a Christian charity at the end of the year.)
Members are open to questions from other members about how well they have kept their commitments. We find this to be a powerful incentive and encouragement.
Will any of my competitors be in the forum?
Absolutely not. The forum is designed to be a safe place for you to be completely transparent without fear of how someone might use your information against you. So, we do not put competitors in the same business forum. Furthermore, all members pledge to keep the group conversations confidential (even if they are in completely different industries).
What is a one-on-one meeting?
Every C12 member has a one-on-one meeting (called a Focus60 meeting) with their C12 Chair each month. These meetings last between 60 and 90 minutes. The agenda is driven by the member. It can include asking for consulting or coaching help. Sometimes, the topics are relational issues, and the C12 Chair functions as a mentor. Usually, the C12 Chair explores the member’s spiritual status. Often, the meeting is used to personalize the lessons from or applications of the content discussed at the last group meeting. We always pray for one another. The one-on-one meeting deepens the relationship between the member and their chair.
What is the meeting check-in process?
You might think that C12 is just about business. It is not. We believe that we should live integrated lives so that, for example, what we do for our physical health affects our spiritual lives. We use a balance wheel (looks like a wagon wheel) to capture how we are doing each month as we begin the group meeting. This reminds us that there is no separation or compartmentalization. Here is what a blank balance wheel looks like.
What is the purpose of the Key Player program?
The Key Players Business Forums are designed to help the CEO or Business Owner develop their leaders in a format identical to the C12 Business Forum experience. Instead of CEOs and Business Owners, the Key Players Business Forum includes senior leaders (e.g., C-level leaders, general managers, VP’s) from multiple companies into their own peer group. The idea is that after the respective C12 and Key Players forums, the CEO and the senior leaders can process the monthly meeting material together after having had equal exposure to it. This has been a powerful way to accelerate change and growth.
How are the Key Player forums different than the C12 forums?
The meeting agendas and material are identical. The only difference is that the core business presentation format is different for the two groups. The C12 format is appropriate for the CEO or owner while the Key Players format is more appropriate for a senior (non-owner) leader.
How can my leaders benefit by being in a Key Player forum?
Key Players Need Development
Your senior leaders need development as much as you do since you count on them to move the company forward. They need to be learning and talking to their peers.
It is an Honor and Privilege to Participate
Don’t underestimate the value of investing in your leaders. They typically perceive your investment as an affirmation of their importance to you. They are eager to grow and contribute more.
Increase Your Alignment
After the monthly business forums, both the owner and the Key Players have covered the same material. There are takeaways and next steps for them to decide together what to implement. We often see much greater agreement around strategy and tactics when both participate. It takes a burden off the CEO to have a likeminded leader that has digested the same material.
Does the Key Player get a one-on-pne coaching session with the C12 Chair?
Although the peer group monthly meetings are identical, the Key Players members do not typically have a one-on-one session with the C12 Chair (as does the C12 member).
Is information from the forums shared between the C12 member and the Key Player?
All C12 forums are confidential. That means we do not share information between a CEO and a Key Player without their permission. (Of course, we hope they share the content and applications to improve their business,)
How can I determine if C12 might be right for me?
Here is an excellent place to start. Read this list and mentally check each item that is true for you. If none are, then C12 is not for you. If a few or many are true, then you have come to the right place.
About your role…
I oversee running the business. Sometimes, I feel lonely in this role.
I need a regular time and place to think about and work on my business rather than in it.
About your expertise…
I must make decisions in areas where I have not been trained or mentored and would benefit from timely advice.
I need more knowledge and skills but have trouble finding highly applicable training for my position.
I enjoy helping others to benefit from my experiences.
About your support…
I value feedback and suggestions in a safe environment from people who know what I am going through.
I need a venue to fully present my business to experts that will give high-quality feedback.
I want to improve in many areas of my life and would benefit from having someone who cares for me hold me accountable.
About your faith…
I wonder what it means to be a Christian leader in business and want some tangible examples of how to do it.
I believe that there might be a greater purpose for my business than just making money.
I would like someone to pray with me and for me.
What are the usual investigation steps?
You have already begun the first step by exploring the information on this website.
If you find C12 interesting, you should contact us to arrange an introduction to a C12 Chair. You can do that by clicking Find Contacts to get the phone number or email of the local C12 Chairs. The next step is to meet a C12 Chair in person. That gives us a chance to get to know you, answer your questions about C12, and tell you about specific business forums. The C12 Chair will explain where you might fit best and offer to host you at a future forum (no charge, no obligation). After you visit a forum, you will have an opinion about C12, and the group will also have an opinion about you. If you and the forum feel like there is a fit, the C12 Chair will issue you an invitation to join. If you accept the invitation, the C12 chair will issue an initial invoice to you covering the initiation fee and the next month’s membership fees. The C12 Chair will receive and deliver your member material to you. Then get ready for a life-changing experience!
Is there something I can download to read?
Yes. We have a guide developed especially for someone considering C12. We invite you to download it, share it with your spouse (if you are married), and then contact us to discuss it.
Where can I find an example of the meeting content?
You can download this guide. You will find the content from one month’s forums in the back. Let us know if you would like to see more.
Will you connect me with a member so I can get their impressions directly?
Absolutely! Let us know what kind of person/company/industry would be most helpful to you, and we will arrange an introduction. You can also see some member comments on our Testimonials page.
Is there a "try before you buy" option?
Yes, in fact, you have to visit a forum (no charge, no obligation) before you can join. You will see how a business forum is run, the benefits of member interactions, and your fit with the forum. The forum members will also be evaluating you for your fit with them. After the meeting, the members communicate with their chair whether they want to invite you to join their forum. If they do, the chair extends an invitation to you to join. Then, the ball is in your court to decide.
What happens on the day of my visit?
The Official Invitation
You will receive an official email invitation to visit a specific business forum. The invitation will contain all the necessary logistical information, including the location, meeting time/date, and dress.
The Day of the Meeting
Simply arrive on time for the meeting. When you arrive, all the materials you need for the day will be provided. Most forums start promptly at 9 am.
**Distraction Warning**
We take breaks throughout the day, but we avoid taking phone calls, responding to emails, and texting during meetings. If you have an emergency, use lunch and the breaks to catch up with the office. Otherwise, our day together is meant to be a time for you to draw back from the daily grind and reflect with your peers. Protect this time so that you can focus.
Act Like a Member
We don’t have spectators at our forums. Only those prepared to participate are invited. We won’t embarrass you, but we want to get to know you. Your contributions, questions, and comments make that possible. Similarly, you will get a sense of the forum members by their actions during the meeting.
Commit to a Follow-up
It will take some time to digest what you have seen and heard. That is why we schedule a follow-up meeting with each guest within three business days of the meeting. We will use this time to reflect on your experience and mutually decide on your next step. If the forum invites you to join, then we look forward to your serious consideration of the offer.
What are the investments required for C12 participation?
A person must make three types of investments to be a part of C12.
Time
We take charge of our calendars to spend one day a month working “on” rather than “in” our businesses. Members commit to meeting each month together. In a year, we expect attendance at 10 of 12 business forums. Members can attend other forums in the area when unexpected events prevent them from attending their forum. This is a great way to expand your circle of Christian peers.
Money
As business owners, we invest where there is a good return. C12 provides superior returns in many dimensions. Our fees are designed to recognize those returns while generally aligning with comparable executive roundtable organizations. Our fee schedule is based on the previous year’s annual revenue. Dues are paid monthly. A one-time registration fee of $1200 is also required. (When two or more owners from a company are involved, discounts are available.)
| Revenue | C12 Monthly Fee | Key Player Monthly Fee |
| Less than $10M | $1350 | $650 |
| More than $10M | $1500 | $650 |
Teachable Spirit
A member must bring a teachable spirit to C12. Since we all have things to learn, the willingness to share issues and struggles within our safe environment is essential to the forum’s success and for receiving the greatest value as a member. We are not meeting to impress each other or to show how much we already know. Instead, we are meeting to grow as men and women running companies as good stewards. Along the way, we discover and enhance how we please God. Are you such a person?
What ROI can I expect from participating in C12?
There are two aspects to measuring ROI. One is the secular economic approach. How much money do you spend compared to what you receive? The second is a spiritual ROI. So far, we have not been able to quantify the spiritual ROI, but we know it has proven invaluable. What is the return on things like:
Of a living a balanced life for your family, faith, and work
Of pleasing God as a faithful steward of His business
Of leading and encouraging change that affects eternity
Of growing a business that is used for a “greater purpose”
We have built models to estimate the economic return on investment for different members that typically show a 5-7x ROI. Here is an example that illustrates those calculations. We would be happy to explain this model personally to you.
