Impact Groups

Additional Resources

These resources will help you make the most of our Impact Group sessions.

Surprising Stories #1 – A Riddle of Seeds, Weeds and Extraordinary Fruit

Jesus loved to tell stories. Much of his teaching comes to us in this form. This week’s session explores why – and what we might find happening in us as we dwell in these stories.

Surprising Stories #2 – The Tree That Just Wouldn’t Stop Growing

Where might you look if you wanted to see a genuine move of God? Be careful – the answer might be much closer than you think!

Surprising Stories #3 – The Reckless Shepherd and the Sheep That Got Lost

How far would you go to find something (or someone) that was lost? Would it make a difference if you were being accused of recklessness? Would you keep looking?

Surprising Stories #4 – A Surprising Tale of a Fortune Found

Your spade hitting oil. Your video going viral. Discovering a priceless treasure in a charity shop. Just what would you give for these dreams to become reality?

Surprising Stories #5 – The one about the man who could never be enough

Our culture preaches that there’s no difference between what we do and who we are. But if what we do is a disappointment to ourselves and others… where are we left?

Surprising Stories #6 – The story of the man who had everything (and lost it all)

Save half your money. Invest in stocks. Start a business. Hustle on the side. Retire by 30. And find out why you might still be a fool.

Surprising Stories #7 – The curious case of the two identical houses

What type of builder are you? Take Jesus’ short quiz to find out!

Surprising Stories #8 – The cautionary tale of becoming debt-free

Two people – one religious, one scandalous. One is head over heels in love; the other is head over heels in debt. What about you?

Surprising Stories #9 – The most misunderstood story ever told

Introverts. Severus Snape. Geordie accents. Geography students. Explore how Jesus’ most famous parable is more misunderstood even than these.

Surprising Stories #10 – When there’s a knock on the door in the night

It’s 3am. You’ve locked yourself out, or missed the last train, or a pipe has burst. Find out what the inevitable awkward phone call to a sleeping friend or parent can teach you.

Surprising Stories #11 – The hole that should never have been dug

The teacher’s back is turned. Your girlfriend’s out of town. The webcam’s off. Examine how what you do when you think you’re not watched reveals how committed you are.

Welcome #1 – The Blueprint: The Heart of God

What led the earliest Christians to be so welcoming? In part, it was the discovery that the one true God welcomes us.

Welcome #2 – The Pattern: Welcome One Another

A welcoming God is looking for a people who welcome one another. But what can help us draw each other in, given we’re so different?

Welcome #3 – The Mission: Welcomed to Welcome Others

We’ve been welcomed by God as his own. What does it look like to extending that same welcome to those who don’t yet know him?

Meals with Jesus #1: Feast Your Eyes On This! (Luke 5:27-32)

In almost every cultures, sharing a meal indicates an invitation to friendship. So what kind of person might Jesus feel happy to eat with?

Meals with Jesus #2: All You Can Eat (Luke 9:10-17)

Just who decides that it’s a good idea to lay on a feast for thousands in the middle of the wilderness?

Meals with Jesus #3: The Washing-Up Can Wait (Luke 10:38-42)

Jesus is coming for dinner – but it turns out he’s got surprising dietary requirements. Discover the kind of meal he’s keen to eat.

Meals with Jesus #4: Now Wash Your Hands (Luke 11:37-44)

We all know that person with bad kitchen hygiene! Jesus too shocked people by refusing to wash his hands. Come and find out why.

Meals with Jesus #5: Table Service (Luke 14:1-14)

Meals with Jesus were extraordinary affairs. What might it mean to host meals like he did? Be careful: it might change your life.

Meals with Jesus #6: Tea for Two (Luke 19:1-10)

Jesus demands to share a meal with one of the vilest people alive. Why? Because he knows some things can only happen over dinner.

Meals with Jesus #7: A Meal to Remember (Luke 22:7-22)

Jesus could have chosen any means by which to be remembered. He chose a meal. Explore the significance of taking bread and wine.

Meals with Jesus #8: After-Dinner Heartburn (Luke 24:13-35)

You’ve defeated death. You burst through to new life. You’re the hope of the world. So… how do you show yourself to your despairing friends?

Wisdom for Mortals #1: Running Around in Circles (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)

Why genuine progress is hard to come by.

Wisdom for Mortals #2: Mission Impossible (Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26)

Why uni life must be more than learning and pleasure.

Wisdom for Mortals #3: About Time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15)

How appreciating our place in life’s seasons helps us live in the moment.

Wisdom for Mortals #4: The Tears of the Oppressed (Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3)

Why even the best initiatives for justice fail.

Wisdom for Mortals #5: Listen! (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7)

Why speaking too much can make us fools.

Wisdom for Mortals #6: Wisdom in the Midst of Turbulence (Ecclesiastes 8:1-13)

How to engage in politics without it ruining you.

Wisdom for Mortals #7: Seize the Day! (Ecclesiastes 9:1-12)

Why embracing your mortality enhances your life.

Wisdom for Mortals #8: Throwing Caution to the Wind (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)

Why playing safe is the riskiest thing of all.

Wisdom for Mortals #9: The Good Old Times (Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8)

How to live in a body that will give up on you.

Wisdom for Mortals #10: Creature Comforts (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14)

Why not knowing everything is ultimately reassuring/

On the Move #1: How Jesus Changes How We Think About Moving (Acts 1:1-11)

Would you rather live in the same place forever, or move somewhere new each year?

On the Move #2: Why Jesus Meets Us Away From Home (Acts 2:1-13)

Imagine you go away for a dream weekend with friends. Describe where you stay.

On the Move #3: When Following Jesus Costs You Your Home (Acts 8:1-8)

Share a story of a time when you ended up somewhere you didn’t expect.

On the Move #4: When Jesus Asks You To Move (Acts 13:1-5)

Where’s the furthest you’ve travelled from home? What was difficult about being in a different place or culture?

On the Move #5: When Jesus Asks You To Stay (Acts 18:1-11)

Where’s your happy place? (a place, real or imagined, you find comfort when life is hard)

On the Move #6: How Jesus Changes How We Say Goodbye (Acts 20:17-38)

If you knew you were seeing a close friend for the last time, what would you say to them?

The One Who Said I Am #1: What our hunger tells us about how to be satisfied (John 6:22-51)

We’re all hungry for all sorts of things. Explore Jesus’ claim to be the bread of life

The One Who Said I Am #2: When life requires you to see yourself in a brand new light (John 8:12-20)

Sometimes things happen – and it changes how we see ourselves. Explore Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world

The One Who Said I Am #3: Why there’s only one way to truly belong (John 10:1-10)

We’re all used to in crowds and out crowds. Explore Jesus’ claim to be the gate

The One Who Said I Am #4: Where to turn when leaders fail (John 10:1-21)

Leaders promise and leaders fail, outside and inside God’s people. Explore Jesus’ claim to be the good shepherd

The One Who Said I Am #5: How to be hopeful in a dying world (John 11:17-44)

We’re only too familiar with endings, some of them permanent. Explore Jesus’ claim to be the resurrection and the life

The One Who Said I Am #6: Uncovering reality in a perplexing world (John 14:1-14)

There are a million opinions about. How can we discern reality? Explore Jesus’ claim to be the way, the truth and the life

The One Who Said I Am #7: How to live a fruitful life (John 15:1-14)

None of us wants to conclude we’ve wasted our lives. Explore Jesus’ claim to be the true vine

The One Who Said I Am #8: How ordinary people encounter eternity (John 8:57-58, John 1:1-14)

How can limited people meet the infinite God? Explore Jesus’ claim: before Abraham was born, I am!

Stronger Than #1: A Joy Stronger Than Circumstances (Philippians 4:4-9)

Quick bursts of pleasure aren't enough. Nor is a mind-over-matter outlook. What if our efforts to find joy point to something bigger?

Stronger Than #2: A Power Stronger Than Bad Habits (Psalm 23)

Deep down, we worry that life without our bad habits will be worse than life with them! So what can give us power to break these habits?

Stronger Than #3: A Resilience Stronger Than Any Challenge (2 Corinthians 1:8-11, 4:8-10)

If we are to be resilient, we need a meaning big enough not just to bring us out of pressurised situations intact – but more deeply formed too.

Stronger Than #4: A Fresh Start Stronger Than Your Regrets (Psalm 51:1-12)

We all live within the obvious but painful truth that we can’t change the past. We long for the future to be better. We long for a fresh start.

Stronger Than #5: A Peace Stronger Than Your Fears (John 16:33)

Fear is the strongest of human emotions. So what can inspire us to bravery and courage, even when we naturally feel afraid?

Stronger Than #6: A Hope Stronger Than All The World’s Troubles (Isaiah 65:17-25)

We need hope that sees the scale of our problems, that has a broad enough vision for change, and which helps us to wait patiently.

Stronger Than #7: A Welcome Stronger Than Shame (Mark 5:24-34)

Freedom comes when we do what we fear: allow our fears, insecurities, and most tender feelings of inadequacy to be seen by another.

Stronger Than #8: A Love Stronger Than Death (Romans 8:34-39)

We sense that we were created to know lasting love. But where’s the evidence? How do we know this isn’t just wishful thinking?

Psalms #1 – A Song for Every Season (Psalm 1)

There’s an ancient songbook at the heart of the Bible. The collection’s opening song invites us to know true life as we sing along today.

Psalms #2 – A Song for When You Feel Empty (Psalm 63)

When it feels like God is far away, how can we know he hasn’t forgotten us? This song draws us to where we can be reassured of God’s love.

Psalms #3 – A Song for Times of Change (Psalm 124)

As we reflect on the even the past year, we find ourselves feeling thankful. This song calls us to acknowledge the biggest reason we have to be thankful.

Psalms #4 – A Song for Times of Insecurity (Psalm 46)

When we face life’s trials, we need an unfailing source of strength. This song invites us to the lean upon the most reliable source.

Psalms #5 – A Song for When You’d Rather Be Somewhere Else (Psalm 84)

When we’re away from where we want to be, the hope of returning there can bring us joy. This song stirs this very hope in us.

Psalms #6 – A Song to Sing Into the Future (Psalm 146)

When we look to the future, there’s much we cannot know. This song declares confidence to us, despite the uncertainty.

The Stories We Tell #1: Humans are Storytellers

There are seven types of story that come up again and again across every time and culture.

The Stories We Tell #2: Overcoming the Monster

‘Overcoming the Monster’ stories show us that we all fear certain things – and that we long for these threats to be overcome.

The Stories We Tell #3: Rags to Riches

The fact that we keep telling Rags to Riches stories indicates that we all long to be seen and loved for who we are, whatever circumstances we were born into.

The Stories We Tell #4: Quest

Our love for Quest stories suggests that we see the goodness of living for something instead of ourselves.

The Stories We Tell #5: Voyage and Return

Voyage and Return stories show how we can take life at home for granted. It's only when we’re away that we understand ourselves and home for what it really is.

The Stories We Tell #6: Tragedy

Tragedy stories aren’t just sad stories. Tragedies are stories where people are destroyed by attitudes or behaviours that they don’t realise are dangerous, until it’s too late.

The Stories We Tell #7: Comedy

Comedy stories follow a classic shape: confusion and difficulty, a moment of clarity, and a happy-ever-after.

The Stories We Tell #8: Rebirth

Rebirth stories speak to our fear of being uncovered and seen for who we are, whilst also speaking to our hopes that we might somehow be made new.

Impact Groups

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Additional Resources

Additional Resources

Surprising Stories #1 – A Riddle of Seeds, Weeds and Extraordinary Fruit

Surprising Stories #1 – A Riddle of Seeds, Weeds and Extraordinary Fruit

Surprising Stories #2 – The Tree That Just Wouldn’t Stop Growing

Surprising Stories #2 – The Tree That Just Wouldn’t Stop Growing

Surprising Stories #3 – The Reckless Shepherd and the Sheep That Got Lost

Surprising Stories #3 – The Reckless Shepherd and the Sheep That Got Lost

Surprising Stories #4 – A Surprising Tale of a Fortune Found

Surprising Stories #4 – A Surprising Tale of a Fortune Found

Surprising Stories #5 – The one about the man who could never be enough

Surprising Stories #5 – The one about the man who could never be enough

Surprising Stories #6 – The story of the man who had everything (and lost it all)

Surprising Stories #6 – The story of the man who had everything (and lost it all)

Surprising Stories #7 – The curious case of the two identical houses

Surprising Stories #7 – The curious case of the two identical houses

Surprising Stories #8 – The cautionary tale of becoming debt-free

Surprising Stories #8 – The cautionary tale of becoming debt-free

Surprising Stories #9 – The most misunderstood story ever told

Surprising Stories #9 – The most misunderstood story ever told

Surprising Stories #10 – When there’s a knock on the door in the night

Surprising Stories #10 – When there’s a knock on the door in the night

Surprising Stories #11 – The hole that should never have been dug

Surprising Stories #11 – The hole that should never have been dug

Welcome #1 – The Blueprint: The Heart of God

Welcome #1 – The Blueprint: The Heart of God

Welcome #2 – The Pattern: Welcome One Another

Welcome #2 – The Pattern: Welcome One Another

Welcome #3 – The Mission: Welcomed to Welcome Others

Welcome #3 – The Mission: Welcomed to Welcome Others

Meals with Jesus #1: Feast Your Eyes On This! (Luke 5:27-32)

Meals with Jesus #1: Feast Your Eyes On This! (Luke 5:27-32)

Meals with Jesus #2: All You Can Eat (Luke 9:10-17)

Meals with Jesus #2: All You Can Eat (Luke 9:10-17)

Meals with Jesus #3: The Washing-Up Can Wait (Luke 10:38-42)

Meals with Jesus #3: The Washing-Up Can Wait (Luke 10:38-42)

Meals with Jesus #4: Now Wash Your Hands (Luke 11:37-44)

Meals with Jesus #4: Now Wash Your Hands (Luke 11:37-44)

Meals with Jesus #5: Table Service (Luke 14:1-14)

Meals with Jesus #5: Table Service (Luke 14:1-14)

Meals with Jesus #6: Tea for Two (Luke 19:1-10)

Meals with Jesus #6: Tea for Two (Luke 19:1-10)

Meals with Jesus #7: A Meal to Remember (Luke 22:7-22)

Meals with Jesus #7: A Meal to Remember (Luke 22:7-22)

Meals with Jesus #8: After-Dinner Heartburn (Luke 24:13-35)

Meals with Jesus #8: After-Dinner Heartburn (Luke 24:13-35)

Wisdom for Mortals #1: Running Around in Circles (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)

Wisdom for Mortals #1: Running Around in Circles (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)

Wisdom for Mortals #2: Mission Impossible (Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26)

Wisdom for Mortals #2: Mission Impossible (Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26)

Wisdom for Mortals #3: About Time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15)

Wisdom for Mortals #3: About Time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15)

Wisdom for Mortals #4: The Tears of the Oppressed (Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3)

Wisdom for Mortals #4: The Tears of the Oppressed (Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3)

Wisdom for Mortals #5: Listen! (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7)

Wisdom for Mortals #5: Listen! (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7)

Wisdom for Mortals #6: Wisdom in the Midst of Turbulence (Ecclesiastes 8:1-13)

Wisdom for Mortals #6: Wisdom in the Midst of Turbulence (Ecclesiastes 8:1-13)

Wisdom for Mortals #7: Seize the Day! (Ecclesiastes 9:1-12)

Wisdom for Mortals #7: Seize the Day! (Ecclesiastes 9:1-12)

Wisdom for Mortals #8: Throwing Caution to the Wind (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)

Wisdom for Mortals #8: Throwing Caution to the Wind (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)

Wisdom for Mortals #9: The Good Old Times (Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8)

Wisdom for Mortals #9: The Good Old Times (Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8)

Wisdom for Mortals #10: Creature Comforts (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14)

Wisdom for Mortals #10: Creature Comforts (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14)

On the Move #1: How Jesus Changes How We Think About Moving (Acts 1:1-11)

On the Move #1: How Jesus Changes How We Think About Moving (Acts 1:1-11)

On the Move #2: Why Jesus Meets Us Away From Home (Acts 2:1-13)

On the Move #2: Why Jesus Meets Us Away From Home (Acts 2:1-13)

On the Move #3: When Following Jesus Costs You Your Home (Acts 8:1-8)

On the Move #3: When Following Jesus Costs You Your Home (Acts 8:1-8)

On the Move #4: When Jesus Asks You To Move (Acts 13:1-5)

On the Move #4: When Jesus Asks You To Move (Acts 13:1-5)

On the Move #5: When Jesus Asks You To Stay (Acts 18:1-11)

On the Move #5: When Jesus Asks You To Stay (Acts 18:1-11)

On the Move #6: How Jesus Changes How We Say Goodbye (Acts 20:17-38)

On the Move #6: How Jesus Changes How We Say Goodbye (Acts 20:17-38)