Tucked away at the back of a cafe in Covent Garden, a group of men and women sit around a cluster of pushed-together tables, with a pile of Bibles in the middle.
Tucked away at the back of a cafe in Covent Garden, a group of men and women sit around a cluster of pushed-together tables, with a pile of Bibles in the middle.
Some have been recently released from prison, others have been out for a long time but are still navigating life outside its walls.
For Duncan Reese, a volunteer from Kings Cross Church (KXC), this Bible study, established by London City Mission (LCM) in partnership with The Message Trust, is one of the highlights of his week.
“The people who come to us want to change. They’ve reached a point in their lives where they are honest with themselves.”
The study begins with “battles and blessings”.
One person shares their health problems. Another shares the difficulties of finding long-term employment. However, there’s also hope and gratitude.
Many have experienced rejection, addiction, and violence. So, this weekly café Bible study is informal, welcoming, raw, and honest. One man who found Jesus in prison has been sharing the gospel with his family and has begun bringing his son.
Luke Carson, London City Missionary, opens the Bible to start the study. As the passage from John 6 is read aloud, the room leans in.
Voices overlap as one after another recounts their experiences and how Jesus is speaking into their lives through the passage.
“THEY READ THE BIBLE LIKE IT’S OXYGEN”
Through partnerships with churches like KXC and organisations like The Message Trust, LCM has created a space where former prisoners can continue their faith journey outside the prison walls.
“A lot of people who come to Jesus in prison struggle to settle into church when they leave. This study is a way for them to still be in fellowship with other Christians. We’re not trying to replace church, but this Friday study is an anchor point in the week for many who know what people have been through,” says Luke.
Luke and the prisons and resettlement team at London City Mission have been training volunteers like Duncan to run the Bible study themselves.
For Duncan, this ministry to prisoners and prison leavers has changed everything.
“I thought I was going in to help them,” he says. “But they’ve helped me. They’ve taught me what real faith looks like.”
“Luke trained me for this ministry. He mentored me. By being with him, watching what he did, I learned how best to communicate the gospel. It gave me the confidence and tools to lead Bible studies and journey with these men.
"My Christian life has been revolutionised through this LCM-supported ministry.”
Central to the ministry is honesty.
“You’re dealing with men who can spot a lie a mile away,” says Duncan.
“They’ve spent their lives around dishonesty. But what they see in this ministry is something real. It’s not salesmanship. It’s not about conversion tactics. It’s just an introduction to the Father.”
Many of those who gather at the Bible study have encountered Jesus for the first time through Luke and his team as they visit men and women in prison, alongside church volunteers. They have seen lives changed inside the prison walls.
But as this Bible study shows, the journey doesn’t end at release. Luke and his team walk alongside these people as they rebuild their lives, offering consistent care and spiritual support.
Throughout the week, the team meets regularly with individuals for one-on-one pastoral sessions. On Thursday afternoons, a smaller group gathers at KXC for Bible study, continuing to grow in faith and community.
The team also ensures each person remains connected to a local church leader or designated point of contact, nurturing a sense of belonging and accountability.
For Luke, volunteers like Duncan are vital to this ministry.
“Duncan isn’t just a Bible study leader – he’s a consistent, caring Christian friend. That kind of friendship is so important for people rebuilding their lives,” Luke explains.
“He also represents the local church becoming mobilised to step into ministries like this. We need the church to do that. London City Mission can’t do it alone.
“Our aim is to train more church volunteers and church partners to minister to Christians who found Jesus while they were in prison and have Bible studies like this scattered throughout London.”
By God’s grace, this ministry is not only changing lives – it’s building a model of true hope and restoration
LCM shares the gospel alongside the local church of London, equipping everyday Christians to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it.
Registered Charity No. 247186
