Breaking bread...
with Christians Against PovertyBreaking bread: a small group session. Easy to run. Fun to host. An interactive session, enabling people in this land to thrive.
Biblically-centred. See how it works
“Before CAP, the debt made me vulnerable — not even enough for a milk or bread.”
This was the reality of financial hardship for parents, Wai & Andre… But it doesn’t have to be this way!
“Before CAP, the debt made me vulnerable — not even enough for a milk or bread.”
This was the reality of financial hardship for parents, Wai & Andre… But it doesn’t have to be this way!
Small group format — how it flows
1: Light a candle
Open in karakia/prayer
2: Read Mark 6:30-44
A boy gave Jesus his loaves / fish, giving what he had. Jesus took the bread, broke it… and everyone had plenty.
3: Break bread
In your small group, enjoy one another’s company and break some bread — it could be plain or gluten free.
4: Watch Wai & Andre's CAP story
“When there are stormy days — we’re strong enough. The money knowledge in our kete is passing on to our children.”
5: Kōrero as you share bread
Taste and see that the Lord is good! CAP will provide conversation-starter cards for contemplation.
6: “With my basket
… and your basket, the people will thrive.” Support the next person who calls CAP for help.
5: Kōrero as you share bread
Taste and see that the Lord is good! CAP will provide conversation-starter cards for contemplation.
6: “With my basket
… and your basket, the people will thrive.” Support the next person who calls CAP for help.
CAP sends you free resources
“Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou
ka ora ai te iwi”
With my basket and your basket, the people will thrive
Further information
Respond to a growing need in NZ
This year, across Aotearoa, individuals, mums and dads, want a home that’s free of poverty. Free of unmanageable debt. The cost of living is high… And with a 25% increase in the number of people in financial hardship, CAP is experiencing a wave of people calling CAP, drowning in debt.
These are people in money chaos.
- Before CAP, 1 out of 2 people who call CAP are skipping meals because of debt.
- 3 out of 4 are living with anxiety because of their debt.
👩👦 Sarah says, “I freaked out. Wanting good meals for the kids, but not being able to afford the right foods.”
As people are pursued by money lenders, it’s common for people to lose sleep and become increasingly isolated.
The good news is that every week, CAP and the local church walks alongside over 400 New Zealand households.
These journeys out of debt typically span 2-4 years – as people like Sarah are supported through life’s changes.
When you sign up for Breaking Bread… you can help provide free practical help and long-term support to enable more New Zealanders to:
- Strengthen their financial position and
- Strengthen their relationships — with money, themselves, others & God.
Mark 6... for today
Your small group is invited to sit with the biblical narrative that took place in Galilee (Mark 6:30-44). People gave what they could, then Jesus used that offering so that everyone had plenty… You’ll explore how this pattern remains vitally relevant in Aotearoa today.
This story calls us beyond just having bread, towards remembering the bread of life. We hear parallels in the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”
Explore how parents like Wai and Andre — who once struggled — now enjoy daily bread. Your small group is invited to unpack this life-giving pattern, with CAP and the local church alongside.
Hosts can lead their groups in an atmosphere of reflection, over yummy bread and meaningful kōrero. There will be 2x CAP videos to choose from, highlighting New Zealanders’ journeys from money chaos to financial resilience. Reflect on the profound impact of partnerships — between individuals, whānau, CAP, the local church — and with Jesus.
Hosting ‘Breaking bread’
As a host, it’s zero stress. All you’ll need is some bread! 🍞 It could be plain bread, your favourite sourdough, gluten free, or whatever peoples’ dietary requirements are.
Option: make it extra yummy by adding some pesto/dips.
CAP sends you the other resources you need by mail. These arrive from mid-September. Host packs will include:
- A candle
- Cards to inspire meaningful kōrero
- Video links to watch an inspiring CAP story 🎞️
- Scripture to guide reflection
- Giving/pledge cards.
As a host, your main task will be to play a video and lead prayer.
CAP’s thoughtstarters are flexible enough to adapt to the culture of the group — removing any pressure. And there’ll be a chance for small group members to respond at the end of the group time.
Register your interest today.
💻 Aready registered? Check host page to start session.
Deepening relationships — for local impact
The acts of lighting a candle, breaking bread and immersing in scripture is likely to bring the group closer to one other.
There’s also an opportunity to draw closer to what the Lord is doing, here in Aotearoa.
As CAP and the local church walks alongside clients, stress eases:
- A CAP budget will cover life’s needs (like rent, power, kai) so the stress is released!
- With a plan in place to pay back debt using their own money, people like Wai and Andre grow in confidence as they start a routine of saving.
- Over time, this strengthens peoples’ financial positions.
👨👧👦 Andre says, “I’m proud of us. So, when there are stormy days — we’re strong enough.”
- All of this opens doors for people to focus once again, on what’s most important to them, as an individual or family. Watch as people like Wai and Andre start strengthening relationships… with money, themselves, others, and God.
👩👧👦Wai — “The money knowledge in our kete is passing on to our children.”
Invite others
Take a moment to share ‘Breaking bread’ with other Christians Against Poverty…