Grace Community Church NI

This series explores the parables of Jesus, revealing him as a playful, disruptive, and provocative storyteller. We’ll move beyond the search for simple formulas or one-line life lessons, which Jesus rarely offered. Instead, these discussions embrace how his stories challenge comfortable assumptions and invite us to think more deeply. The parables are designed to disrupt what we think we know, encouraging a more imaginative and interactive engagement with his teachings. Rather than just earthly tales with a hidden heavenly meaning, the parables call us to be provoked and to reconsider the world around us. A central theme is the overwhelming generosity of God’s kingdom, a concept that counters ideas of scarcity and waste. Ultimately, we find that the key to unlocking these profound stories is not a specific interpretive method, but a direct encounter with Jesus. The focus shifts from simply knowing the right answers to responding to the storyteller himself. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/unexpected-tales

Speaker: Ronnie Dawson We’re drawn into Noah’s story in Hebrews 11, where an ordinary man made an extraordinary impact through faith. His life highlights four qualities God looks for: he was available, he dared to be different, he followed God completely, and he never gave up. Even when faced with ridicule, challenges, and years of waiting, Noah chose trust over doubt and obedience over excuses. His example reminds us that God values our willingness far more than our ability. At its core, this is a call to live with the same kind of wholehearted devotion. God is still searching for people ready to stand apart, follow His leading, and persevere when things don’t make sense. Just as He used Noah to influence his generation, He can use us to shape ours. The invitation is simple but powerful: make yourself available, keep your heart true, and watch how God can work through your life to bring lasting change. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/but-noah-found-favour

Amy’s story is a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness from the very beginning of her life. Born with a fractured skull and a bleak medical prognosis, she experienced complete healing through the prayers of her church community—a moment that continues to shape her understanding of God’s power and care. Growing up, Amy can’t remember a time when she didn’t know Jesus, but her journey of faith was strengthened as a teenager when she discovered the value of community, peers, and finding her place in the church. From leading pre-teens at just 15 to choosing baptism at 16, she recognised early on that God had given her a heart for serving His people. Now, Amy reflects on how that calling has unfolded over the years in different forms but always with the same thread of love for the church and its young people. She shares the encouragement she finds in the baptism of Jesus, hearing God declare, “This is my beloved son,” and drawing strength from her own name: Amy, meaning “beloved.” Whether serving in her local community or investing in the next generation, her story is a reminder that God’s love is constant, His presence is personal, and His call to serve is both life-giving and deeply rewarding. It’s a story that inspires faith, perseverance, and hope for what God can do in every season. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-amy-anderson

A deeply honest and vulnerable chat with entrepreneur Paul Gwynne, as he shares his life story. You’ll hear about his journey from a bustling, success-driven life to finding a new purpose rooted in faith and community. Paul opens up about the defining moments that shifted his perspective, including a family tragedy, a challenging period as a young professional, and a series of deeply impactful health crises within his family. Through Paul’s story, you’ll discover how these events led him to a deeper, more profound relationship with God. He reflects on how his faith evolved from a childhood tradition to a powerful, guiding force that redefined his priorities. This conversation beautifully highlights the contrast between the fleeting joy of worldly success and the lasting fulfilment found in simple acts of service. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, what seems like a setback is actually a redirection toward something greater than we could have ever imagined. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-paul-gwynne

A powerful conversation about faith, family, and resilience with Frances Anderson and her daughter, Amy Anderson. They explore life’s challenges and the enduring power of God. Frances shares her journey through childhood trauma and loss, finding her purpose and joy by trusting in Jesus, even when she felt lost. The discussion then turns to a remarkable mission. Amy and Frances are walking 96 miles in Scotland to raise funds for a new school in a remote Zambian village. This project will provide education and hope for children who currently walk six kilometers to attend class. This talk shows how faith can fuel global change and how small steps can create a significant impact. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-fran-anderson

This week's Life Story features an insightful and heartwarming conversation with guest speaker Tiffany. She explores the personal, often challenging, but ultimately transformative journey of faith. Tiffany opens up about her own story, from growing up in a Christian home to wrestling with her faith in her twenties, highlighting the difference between simply knowing about Jesus and truly knowing him through personal experience. She beautifully explains how teaching children about faith has deepened her own relationship with God, illustrating this with a powerful analogy about Jesus "going first" to help us navigate life's difficult moments. The conversation takes an even deeper turn as Tiffany shares the emotional and spiritual struggles of adopting her son, who came from a background of trauma. She candidly discusses her prayers for a change in circumstance, and how God has challenged her to adopt the defiant faith of the Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace, saying, "even if he doesn't." This powerful refrain has helped her to hold the outcome of her situation loosely and trust in God's goodness, regardless of the circumstances. Tiffany's moving testimony, which also touches on her own experience with a serious illness and her father's miraculous recovery from leukaemia, is a testament to the idea that faith is a journey of wrestling, learning, and ultimately experiencing God's presence, not just in the easy times, but especially in the most challenging moments. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-tiffany-rambo

Wendy shares her inspiring journey of faith, revealing that for over 50 years, she knew of Jesus but didn’t know him personally. Raised in the Catholic faith, she believed she was a ​“good person” and on her way to heaven. Everything changed for her at a drive-in mission. Afterward, she felt a strong pull toward fellowship and found Grace Community Church, which has become the cornerstone of her faith. Initially, she felt angry at the Catholic Church, but she now feels grateful for the foundation it gave her. She also discusses her ministry with the homeless and hopeless, which started with a powerful prayer that led her to volunteer at Hope Chapel Lane in Belfast. Wendy concludes by sharing about her two tattoos, which read ​“obedience” and ​“evangelise.” She talks about a recent challenge to be obedient and sing an Irish song at a men’s ministry meeting, which she learned translates to ​“100,000 welcomes, oh Jesus.” She also talks about her grandson, Alfie, who recently gave his life to the Lord. Wendy’s favourite Jesus story is the parable of the two builders, which speaks to her about the importance of building her life on the rock of Jesus. Finally, she shares that God is preparing her for a new ​“nursing” ministry, possibly involving people rather than her current job of nursing crops.

Susanna grew up in a Christian household, but her family’s public faith didn’t match the struggles they faced behind closed doors, especially with her mom’s mental health. This led her to become introverted and seek an escape through sports. While she initially found her purpose in raising her three daughters, she recently felt a calling from God for something more as her oldest daughter, Maddie, prepares for college. Her favourite Bible story is the healing of the paralysed man, which speaks to her need to let others in to receive healing. She and her husband, a chef, have recently started a catering business, which is a new test of their faith. Andrew, who is 16, also shared his story of growing up with parents who had moved away from religion. They eventually found their way back to a church called Fathom, but Andrew felt pressure to be a ​“good kid” and put on a mask of faith while privately struggling. He felt a deep sense of loneliness, which eventually led him to cry out to God. Andrew found healing and was baptised at age 13. His favourite Bible story is the parable of the prodigal son, which he relates to his own experience of returning to God’s open arms. He is now active in missions and feels God is preparing him for the future as he looks toward college. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/suzanna-andrew-stories

Andrew shares his personal journey, beginning with his family joining Grace Community Church in 2017. He describes the church as a ​“rescue mission,” a chaotic yet fitting environment that felt like rehabilitation, enabling personal and family growth influenced by the love of Jesus. He then delves into his profession in accessibility, explaining how he helps make systems like websites, apps, and games usable for as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities. He illustrates this with examples, such as designing websites to be descriptive for visually impaired users and ensuring games can be controlled without touchscreens for those with physical disabilities. Andrew emphasises that his faith strongly influences his work, viewing it as an act of service, despite the frustrations of working with clients who may resist changes for accessibility. Andrew also discusses his current endeavours, including helping with church sound and lighting, and his involvement with the Craigavon Talking Newspaper, a charity that records local newspapers for the blind community. He highlights the essential nature of this service for those who cannot access local information otherwise, and shares the exciting news of the charity securing its first permanent studio. Looking ahead, Andrew reflects on the importance of rest, acknowledging his personal struggle with it, and announces his decision to pursue a part-time law degree, viewing it as an opportunity for a ​“clean slate” to better serve others. The podcast concludes with prayers for Andrew and his family, and for the church community to experience God’s joy, peace, and hope. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-andrew-gribben

Ronnie shares his personal journey and the mission of Drop Inn Ministries, emphasising how the organisation embodies hope, help, and healing in Jesus’ name to a hurting world. He recounts significant ​“fives” in his life: his first mission trip to Belarus in 1995, starting a church in 2005, and a 10-year lease at Ballyards Castle in 2015 for their ministry’s programs. He also shares his profound re-commitment to faith after a severe motorbike accident at 17, and the deep impact of seeing the ​“heart of Jesus” in action, particularly through a video about Nufo from Burkina Faso who receives prosthetic legs through their ministry. Ronnie articulates his current focus on the Great Commission, aiming to empower individuals globally, not just through direct travel, but by supporting those already working in their own communities. He highlights Drop Inn Ministries’ expansion into new nations like Egypt, South Africa, Iraq, and Kyrgyzstan, aspiring to reach every nation on Earth. He also speaks about his and his wife Carolyn’s fostering of unaccompanied minors, exemplified by the enduring connection with Mubarak, a young man who continues to visit them due to the love and dignity he receives. This personal approach, he stresses, demonstrates that extending kindness and love to others, regardless of their background, can profoundly impact lives and spread the message of Jesus. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-ronnie-dawson

As we head into the busyness and unpredictability of summer, this message invites us to pause and reflect on the gift and challenge of friendship. Drawing on Jesus’ own example—who consistently chose relationship over mere function, we’re reminded of our deep need for genuine, intentional connections that go beyond the transactional. In a world battling loneliness despite constant connectivity, we’re encouraged to invest in friendships that share burdens, build trust, and point each other to Jesus. Neil challenges us to step into these summer months with a renewed commitment to strengthening our “friendship muscle,” modelling the love that makes the gospel visible to the world.

This week we stepped into the book of Daniel, where we moved beyond lions and fiery furnaces to explore the quieter, yet powerful, moments of Daniel’s life. We saw how Daniel navigated exile, cultural pressure, and irrational leadership, not by rebellion, but with respect, integrity, and trust in God. Whether resisting a king’s commands or responding to madness in the palace, Daniel’s example teaches us how to hold our convictions without losing our compassion. From refusing to compromise on his beliefs to handling chaos “with wisdom and discretion,” Daniel shows us what faithfulness looks like in a culture that doesn’t always make space for it. The same faithful God Daniel trusted is with us today. What would it look like if people said you handled your situation with wisdom and discretion?

The act of communal worship offers profound comfort and hope, especially during difficult periods. This shared experience can be particularly impactful when personal belief falters, providing a collective strength. A significant spiritual vision speaks of a new temple, understood not as a physical structure, but as a symbolic representation of spiritual restoration. This vision, occurring amidst exile, conveys a powerful message that restoration is not only achievable but inherently inevitable due to the divine nature. A pivotal element within this vision is the return of divine glory to this symbolic temple, signifying the re-establishment of divine presence and revitalized worship after a long absence. A central idea is a life-giving river that flows from this temple. This river brings healing and life to all areas it touches, even barren and lifeless places. This imagery symbolizes the divine presence extending healing and renewal to a deeply wounded world. The source of this living water is divine, but it also flows through communities of believers who, by intentionally following spiritual teachings, become a source of healing and positive influence in their surroundings. The ultimate aspiration is for this divine dwelling to be among humanity, bringing complete healing and restoration to all. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/a-temple-people

This episode features our good friend Nick McKnight who leads Richhill Methodist Church. He kicks things off by highlighting the genuine bond we share here at Grace Community Church – it's all about real friendship, not just duty! He then opens up about his own journey, sharing how he felt like an outsider looking in at church as a kid, never quite fitting the "fancy clothes" crowd. Yet, a simple song, "Good News, Christ died for me," lodged itself in his memory, a seed of truth planted early on. His path to faith wasn't straightforward, beginning with a desire to impress a girl, which led him to a youth choir and a somewhat hesitant leap of faith. But that initial spark, even if fueled by fear, blossomed into a deep, unwavering understanding of God's boundless love—a love that's bigger than any mistake or sin. Nick doesn't shy away from admitting how "bonkers" the Christian story can sound, from the virgin birth to the resurrection. Still, he testifies to the Holy Spirit's power in making these unbelievable truths real, especially the incredible depth of God's unconditional love. He beautifully illustrates this love with a powerful reflection on Romans 8, reminding us that if God sacrificed His own Son for us, He'll surely provide everything else. Nick wraps up with a touching story about his son's surgery, drawing a poignant parallel to God's heart-wrenching experience of watching His Son suffer for our good. It's a powerful reminder that God actively pursues us, longing for a relationship rooted in His amazing love, no matter how many times we might push Him away. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-nick-mcknight

This week, we delve into Ezekiel 37, exploring the powerful vision of the Valley of Dry Bones. Just as Ezekiel prophesied life into seemingly lifeless bones, this passage offers a profound message of hope and revival, even in the most desolate circumstances. The Hebrew prophets, including Ezekiel, didn’t just foretell the future; they spoke of what couldhappen, emphasizing the possibility of change and restoration through turning back to God. This ancient message resonates today, reminding us that no situation is beyond God’s power to breathe new life into it. The sermon also highlights critical lessons from Israel’s past that remain relevant for us: the dangers of losing sight of God’s word, engaging in empty rituals, and neglecting the vulnerable. When these things happen, we can lose our spiritual ​“breath” and become lifeless. Drawing a beautiful parallel, the speaker suggests that the very name of God, Yahweh, can be seen as representing the act of breathing – an inhale and an exhale. This reminds us that our spiritual life is sustained by a constant, close connection with God, as regular and vital as every breath we take. Ultimately, just as Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into his disciples in John 20, we are called to receive God’s life-giving breath, finding renewed purpose and hope by staying in close proximity to Him and breathing in His resurrection air.

Speaker: William Guindi We take a reflective and emotional journey through Genesis 45, where we explore the profound story of Joseph’s reunion with his brothers and its deeper spiritual meaning. We revisit Joseph’s path—from betrayal and slavery to power and redemption—and marvel at his response when faced with the very brothers who sold him. Instead of bitterness, Joseph extends forgiveness, recognising that everything he endured was part of God’s plan to preserve life. His ability to see divine purpose in suffering and respond with compassion inspires us to consider how we handle pain, betrayal, and restoration in our own lives. We also draw a powerful connection between Joseph and Jesus, seeing Joseph as a picture of Christ—both rejected, both exalted, and both responding to wrong with unimaginable love. The moment Jacob learns that Joseph is alive and sees the wagons sent from Egypt becomes a symbol for us of restored hope and revived faith. Those wagons, rich with provision, represent the unexpected signs of God’s love still moving toward us. We’re challenged to live each day in the joy that Jesus is alive and to become “wagons” ourselves—bringing hope, comfort, and the presence of Jesus to those around us. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-wagons-are-coming

Speaker: Lila Gribben We delve into the insightful metaphor of sharpening an axe, drawing inspiration from Ecclesiastes 10:1-10, to explore how we can live more effectively as people of faith. Our discussion centers around three pivotal questions: First, what does it truly mean to "sharpen the blade" from a kingdom perspective? It's not about worldly power, but recognizing and stewarding the divine power within each believer. Drawing on the example of Jesus, practical ways to sharpen our spiritual edge are explored, including intentional reflection, discerning God's timing, the importance of rest, and cultivating a deep connection with the divine. This intentional process, fueled by the Holy Spirit, equips us for impactful service with an eternal focus. Secondly, we challenge conventional ideas of "success," redefining it through a kingdom lens. True success isn't measured by outward achievements, but by fulfilling our unique calling and the vision God has placed in our heart. Whether that vision is global or deeply personal, every individual's contribution is seen as significant. Listen in as we're encouraged to identify our personal vision and seek God's guidance in sharpening our "blade" to serve it effectively. Finally, we tackle the crucial question of self-awareness: would we even notice if our "axe" has gone dull? It highlights the need for honest self-reflection and acknowledging the challenges and "nicks and dents" we accumulate in life. Practical steps for spiritual sharpening are offered, such as being open to trusted feedback, prioritizing consistent spiritual disciplines over sporadic intense efforts, and embracing continuous, small improvements. The ultimate goal is to foster individual growth that collectively contributes to a greater impact for the kingdom. We conclude with a powerful reminder of God's love and an invitation for all to be part of this meaningful work. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/sharpening-the-blade

Amy and Frances share stories from their recent trip to Zambia, highlighting the impactful work of Drop Inn. They begin with Hope Mission in Laka, a project supporting vulnerable girls and boys. The initiative now includes separate homes and plans are underway to build a clinic and expand the school. They also visit a school in Kasama supported by Drop Inn, where hundreds of children greet them warmly — even during the school holidays. The school currently educates over 750 children and is expanding with locally made bricks to accommodate more students and offer full-day classes. A feeding program is also in place, making a significant difference in the children’s health and ability to learn. In Kasama, Richard and Lana — Drop Inn’s local partners — lead several community-focused efforts. Their ​“bucket ministry” provides essential supplies to families, while their sports ministry engages young women through football. These efforts build strong relationships and uncover other needs, such as mattresses and bedding for vulnerable families and orphans. They also support local entrepreneurship, helping to develop a small shop and explore the potential for a sewing business. Looking ahead, they plan to build a school on donated land in a remote village and create a community hub with amenities like a hammermill and guest house. Amy and Frances emphasize the deep, lasting impact of Drop Inn’s work and invite continued prayer for the partners, the communities they serve, and the nation of Zambia. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/articles/zambia-report-2025

Jasiel and Danielli Dourado, originally from Brazil, now working with Ambassadors Football. Not only do they work with kids, training and teaching them through soccer, they have a ministry in Portadown — Anchor Church — that works to serve communities in the local area. They visited us during our Sunday Morning Gathering to share their stories and what God is doing with them now. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/articles/jasiel-and-daniellis-story

In this discussion, we explore the biblical theme of shepherds, starting with Ezekiel’s prophecy, where he calls out the failings of Israel’s leaders and portrays them as poor shepherds. We look at how shepherds were often viewed negatively throughout the Old Testament — seen as lowly in Egyptian society and later met with scepticism from religious authorities. But despite that reputation, there’s something deeply significant about the fact that shepherds were the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth. It’s a powerful reminder of how Jesus chooses to identify with those on the margins — the overlooked and the underestimated. At the centre of this message is Jesus calling himself the ​“good shepherd” in the Gospel of John. This isn’t just about restoring the shepherd’s image — it’s about revealing the true heart of God: a God who cares, who searches, who rescues. It’s a contrast to some of the more distorted or fear-driven images of God we might carry. We wrap up with a personal reflection on why it matters to root ourselves in the belief that God is, at his core, good. Especially when life is uncertain, that trust becomes a steadying force. And following Jesus means living that out — not just in church or formal religious spaces, but in our daily lives. In that way, we echo the spirit of Psalm 23: the Lord is our shepherd, and we follow him wherever he leads. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-lowly-shepherd