Consider buying 10 copies to give away! Our hope is that 100,000 people across more than 1,000 churches will read The Greatest Story Ever Told with the Big Church Read this October. This five-chapter book invites you into the drama of Jesus’ life like never before. With gripping storytelling and raw honesty, Bear Grylls retells the gospel through the eyes of those who knew Jesus best— Maryam (his mother Mary ), Ta’om (Thomas), Shimon ( Simon Peter), Yohanan (friend) & Maryam of Magdala (Mary Magdalene). Their first-hand encounters bring the story to life with intensity, warmth, and deep reverence. At the heart of it all are Jesus’ own words, taken directly from the Bible, letting the greatest story ever told speak for itself.

How It Works

The Big Church Read brings people together to read the same book at the same time. Each session, you’ll read a chapter from the book, then watch a short video from Bear Grylls and Andrew Ollerton (Bible Society). After that, you can use the discussion questions to reflect personally or explore the themes together in a group. Sign up NOW to be kept up to date and receive free resources.

This Is Just the Beginning…

Our hope is that 100,000 people in over 1,000 Churches will read The Greatest Story Ever Told with the Big Church Read this October. But it doesn’t stop there.

As we look ahead to Christmas—the celebration of Jesus’ birth—we believe this is a powerful opportunity to put His story at the heart of our giving. What if, this year, we made Jesus the centre of Christmas again by gifting His story to those who don’t yet know Him?

We’re inviting everyone who takes part to consider consider buying 10 copies to give away—to friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues. Our prayer is that one million books will be gifted across the UK this Christmas, placing the life of Jesus into countless hands and homes.

This is more than just reading a book together. This is an evangelistic opportunity—a simple, powerful way to help others encounter the greatest story ever told.