This year, CU Impact Groups have been continuing to meet. Small groups of students from across the country and from different stages of belief, have been regularly digging into God's Word together.
'Topics that aren't often on the table'
The series for last term was based in Ecclesiastes. It included 10 sessions, each with a video, and addressed topics that many may never have seriously considered – such as a biblical approach to risk, aging and political engagement. Cardiff Staff Worker Hayley reflects: ‘It’s been positive seeing groups wrestle with topics we often don’t want to put on the table. The sessions have shaken some out of their comfort zones.'
What did students learn?
1. ‘We’ve got nothing to lose in evangelism’
Galashiels CU’s Impact Groups were particularly struck by one study in Ecclesiastes 9 that focussed on how our hope lies in Christ rather than in the world. One fresher commented, ‘If we really believed this, we could walk up to anyone and ask them if they wanted to come to church and it wouldn’t matter if they said no, because we’ve got nothing to lose in the grand scheme of things!’
2. ‘God is with us, no matter the season’
An Edinburgh CU member who lead an Impact Group last term reflected, ‘I found the series in Ecclesiastes really encouraging, we had really honest conversations as several of us hadn’t read it before. The study about ‘time’ in chapter 3 led to great chats about recognising the importance of seasons in our lives, trusting God to be with us in each one.’
3. ‘Everything beautiful points to Jesus’
While considering ‘life under the sun’, one Liverpool CU Impact Group leader called Katie exclaimed, ‘I can’t believe how beautifully written this is!’. This sparked an interesting discussion about how beauty plays a role in convincing people of the truth, and how they can tell friends of the beauty of what is written in the Bible.
We've loved watching so many students grow in their confidence in Christ through these groups. And as they've grown, they've been increasingly bold in sharing the gospel – over 200 unbelieving students have been invited into Impact Groups this year; meeting regularly, reading the Bible, and even coming to new life!
This summer term, CUs are beginning a series in the book of Acts, and the series next autumn will be in John’s Gospel. Do please pray that through these groups:
- Christian students will deepen in their love of the Lord
- Impact Group leaders will grow in their confidence in God’s Word
- Friendships will deepen, and lead to natural gospel-sharing opportunities
- Unbelieving students will have their eyes opened to Jesus