BOOKCLUB: Surprised By Hope logo

BOOKCLUB: Surprised By Hope

25 April – 6 June 2026

Categories

Everyone

Upcoming Dates

Past Dates

Location

Our office at First Baptist Maryville

Details

Surprised by Hope is a wonderful book — and a genuinely thick theological one. Wright is a world-class scholar writing about some of the biggest ideas in Christian theology: resurrection, new creation, the nature of heaven, and what it means for how we live right now. It rewards careful reading. And honestly? It might stretch some categories you didn’t know you had.

So here’s how we’re doing this together.

We’re offering two tracks — one for readers, one for watchers — and everyone is welcome regardless of which path they take. The goal isn’t to finish a book. The goal is to let these ideas sink deep enough that they start changing how you see everything.

Track 1: Read the Book

Pick up a copy of Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright and read along with the community. It’s available wherever books are sold. Don’t let the thickness intimidate you — we’ve broken it into three manageable sections, and you’ll have several weeks between each meeting to work through your portion.

Track 2: Watch the Video Series

Not a reader? Short on time? No problem. N.T. Wright himself walks through the core ideas of the book in a six-session video series, and it’s completely free to watch. Each session is accessible, engaging, and covers the same ground as the book in a more conversational format. This is a great option for commuters, busy parents, or anyone who learns better by listening.

Access the full video playlist here →

Book Club Schedule

Both tracks converge at the same Saturday morning gatherings — so whether you’ve been reading or watching, you’ll have plenty to bring to the conversation.

  • Saturday, Apr 25
    • READ: Part 1
    • WATCH: Sessions 1 & 2
  • Saturday, May 9
    • READ: Part 2
    • WATCH: Sessions 3 & 4
  • Saturday, Jun 6
    • READ: Part 3
    • WATCH: Watch Sessions 5 & 6

All gatherings meet at 10:00 AM at our offices on the 2nd floor of First Baptist Church of Maryville.

Series Resources