Impact Café is just one way in which Christian video material can be very effective in communicating contemporary issues and themes to both Christian and non-Christian 'unchurched' groups. Just as the name suggests Impact Café is a place to go, relax, listen to an engaging contemporary theme, and have some goodies at the same time. It is not really a meeting, nor is it a church service - it has a relaxed, café style atmosphere and begins by encouraging people to chat over drinks and snacks, served to their table decorated with flowers and lit with candles.

Impact Café uses what we like to call a 'contemporary reverse exegesis methodology' where we engage those present with a modern theme and then gradually move them (Impact them) to 'What the Bible says, or what Jesus said, or Why we are Christians. We don't find that direct exegesis works too well because the unchurched don't want to know what the Bible says, but they are interested in life themes and can be very surprised that we are too!

A Real-life Café : Once a month on a Sunday evening, the team at Hilton Church, Inverness, Scotland, transforms the church sanctuary into a relaxed Café style atmosphere. The team of young (and some very young) helpers set about offering high quality waiter/waitress service to add to the “Starbucks style” evening while the worship band play background music to create atmosphere.

Once everyone has settled down, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes, the evening kicks off with a blend of music, video clips and a short presentation of some kind around the 'theme of the week'. There may be a discussion that picks up themes which engage on a practical rather than theoretical level. The use of our short multimedia videos adds a great richness to the event and since they can be used to lighten up a serious theme, with a funny clip, or to add a depth and reality that most speakers would struggle to achieve in this post literary age.

Is it any Good?

Well, if you are not yet in your 30's you will probably like it. If you are in your teens or 20's you may think it's like a breath of fresh air!! Mind you we do find that many in the older generations also find the multimedia very thought provoking. It's not a watered down Christianity, or New Age spirituality, Impact Café is a serious alternative to traditional worship and teaching in an age where the church has become largely disconnected from many peoples lives. The reason people like it include:

• A setting that is part of today's culture
• Relaxed conversation about real life issues that helps to deepen friendship sooner
• Thought provoking short video presentations that have impact and allow for reflection
• Input that deals with the issues of everyday life

The notion of ‘table fellowship' in café church goes back to the ministry of Jesus, and has the potential to create significant meetings between people, and to encourage the exploration of life and the gospel.

Examples of subjects that are explored:

• Happiness
• Love
• Fractured Lives
• Inside Out
• Family
• Is there anyone out there?
• Who cares?

Everyone is welcome at Impact Café and we particularly encourage people to bring friends since it is designed to attract and engage with those who are spiritually 'seeking' but who may not normally go to church. The Gospel is meant to engage us and clearly the café style approach provides a warm and non-threatening environment, with media style presentations where people are comfortable to ask questions and get answers.

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