What we do

We meet fortnightly (usually) on Sundays in the Park Tavern on Park Lane in Macclesfield. We meet in the side room, sometimes called the Library. Those that want to, gather from 7.30pm and we start properly at 8pm. The pub appreciates it if we buy a few drinks.

We look at a short passage from one of the four gospels in the Bible. The gospels are the books which directly tell of the life and teachings of Jesus. All the books in the Bible are worth studying, but these four books are the closest we can get to seeing Jesus up close.

We read the passage from two different versions of the Bible. Sometimes this can help us see something fresh in a story, particularly if it's very familiar to us.

We don't announce what the story will be in advance. We like the idea of meeting it fresh. We know some bright spark will read ahead if they know what's coming.

Anyone can then say anything they wish about what we've just heard. What struck me? What shocked me? What didn't I understand? Nobody is forced to join in, but we encourage everyone to say what they think. We learn together, and what you got from the passage might really help me too.

The only real rule is that everyone has views which are as valid as each other. This means everyone who wants to can speak. You can disagree with anyone in your head (but not aloud), no-one can monopolise the conversation and we try not to interrupt each other.

The point is not to share interesting sub-plots or read the footnotes in your Bible to tell us something clever (unless those insights are meaningful to how you understand the story). There are other opportunities to do serious in-depth Bible study - and that's a great thing to do! - go and do it! but here in our little group we want to hear how a story has touched you, speaks to you, challenged or encourages you.

We're usually done by 9pm at the latest, though sometimes folk hang around and have another beer.

We aren't a church. We don't do the things churches do. We aren't trying to get you to join a programme or do a course. We have no groups for children. We have no interest in your behaviour or lifestyle. We won't bring you a lasagne when you come out of hospital or ring you up to see how you are. We don't need you to volunteer for anything. If you come once but never again - no problem. If you come every time - that's fab too. Whatever works for you. Churches can be great, there are some lovely ones in Macclesfield, but that's not us.

Safeguarding

• We meet in a pub. Most of us will have an alcoholic drink or two during the evening. We do not condone or encourage the excessive use of alcohol.

• In the interests of being seen to keep everyone safe. The group won't run if there are less than 3 people present at 8pm.