The local church is brilliant. As God’s people, we’re all part of one vast family that spans the globe – but the beauty of the local church is that every single one is unique. God has placed unique people with unique gifts in unique contexts, so that they might glorify Him and proclaim His gospel wherever He has put them.
One of the greatest joys during Life ‘22 earlier this year was to see local churches play to their strengths and use the gifts of their congregation to reach people with the good news of life in Jesus Christ. There were so many wonderful stories of how churches across the UK engaged their imaginations, creativity and connections in their communities, and how God worked so powerfully through His people during this time.
Overall, it’s been so encouraging to see that congregations were – and still are – looking not to simply put on engaging events, but to unashamedly proclaim Christ in their context. Here are just 15 examples of what churches got up to, so that you might be inspired by God’s grace and encouraged to keep engaging with your community in creative ways wherever you are.
1. Newcastle, St Joseph’s Benwell
Ladies event with local choclatier
St Joseph’s Benwell hosted a delicious event for ladies in their community, inviting them to come and decorate chocolate Easter eggs with a local Christian chocolatier. Guests enjoyed hearing about how chocolate is made and what it means to find and have lasting life in Jesus Christ. A wonderful evening for sweet-tooths and even sweeter truths.
2. Kent, St Peter’s Tunbridge Wells
Butcher & Beer night
Great meat, great beer, great chat – Butcher & Beer was a fantastic event run by St Peter’s Church in Tunbridge Wells. With an insightful demonstration and food from a local butcher, washed down with some fantastic beers from a local brewery and an evangelistic talk from Tom Heasman, it was an event to savour for all who attended.
3. East Scotland, Musselburgh Baptist Church
Youth Nerf Gun event
It was so encouraging to see churches hosting all kinds of fun and creative events for young people in their communities. Musselburgh Baptist Church took things to another level with their Nerf Gun event. The young people battled it out with their friends and also got to hear the gospel message.
4. Edinburgh, Cornerstone Edinburgh
Think and Drink event
Cornerstone Edinburgh hosted a successful ‘Think and Drink’ event at their local pub The Black Ivy, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a drink and think about the big question, ‘Aren’t we better off without religion?’ Events like these are brilliant for inviting people to engage with the gospel in a neutral, familiar setting where they’ll feel comfortable!
5. South West London, Dundonald Church
Around the Braai with the Bodyguard
6. South West London, Emmanuel Wimbeldon
The Easter Story in Global Art
Emmanuel Wimbledon invited people to experience a fresh way to approach and understand the Easter story through great and intriguing works of art from around the world, and hear an illustrated talk by Art Historian Dr Ursula Weekes.
7. South London, Grace Church Brockley
Millwall FC training event
One for the football fans – Grace Church Brockley gave people the amazing opportunity to have a training session at Millwall FC’s stadium, followed by lunch and an evangelistic talk on racism and the gospel. Afterwards, they watched Millwall FC play Middlesborough FC in a Championship game. Despite the 0-0 draw, everyone was a winner after enjoying a great day!
8. Norfolk, Surrey Chapel Norwich
Dress without Stress event
Over 100 women went along to Surrey Chapel Norwich’s Life event, ‘Dress without Stress’, where a Christian style consultant led an interactive session on tips for how to put great outfits together that suit different body shapes, colouring and personal styles. Alongside celebrating God’s creativity and our uniqueness, guests were urged to find their ultimate security in being clothed in Christ. The talk led to some great discussions and follow up with guests.
9. Cardiff, Highfields Church
Handel’s Messiah
Handel’s Messiah is one of the all-time great choral-works – and Highfields Church assembled a talented cohort of musicians from its church family to give a rousing rendition in front of a packed church building. Guests also got to hear the gospel message in what was a memorable night for the church and the community.
10. Eastbourne, South Street Free Church
Easter flyers
Flyer-ing is often a great way to get the good news out into the hands of people in the community – and South Street Free Church invited its church family to hand out over 5,000 beautifully-designed Life Easter-themed flyers along with some delicious chocolate! These flyers pointed people to a webpage with a video further explaining why the real meaning of Easter is infinitely better than an Easter egg and inviting people along to Easter services and Christianity Explored.
11. Jersey, Jersey Baptist Church
Jersey Baptist Church hosted an evening of cooking demonstrations and great conversation during their week of Life events. Guests were treated to in-depth insights from various church members on how to cook delicious dishes and also had the chance to enjoy them for themselves. The talented panel of cooking enthusiasts also shared their testimonies about their experience of life in Jesus.
12. Northern Ireland, St Jude’s Belfast
Men’s Breakfast event
13. Isle of Wight, Grace Church Isle of Wight
The Mark Drama
14. Derby, St Alkmund’s Duffield & St Paul’s Little Eaton
Murder Mystery event
An evening of delicious fish and chips, a gospel message and a deadly mystery – what more could you want from an evangelistic event? St Alkmund’s Duffield and St Paul’s Little Eaton’s cast of character actors immersed guests in a thrilling murder mystery. James Hughes, St Paul’s pastor, gave a ten-minute talk on the theme of the mystery of Jesus and the true meaning of Easter. There was a wonderful buzz throughout the evening and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Find out more about how to put on your own Murder Mystery here.
15. Wales, Monmouth Baptist Church
Narnia trail
We hope these stories have encouraged you with all the creative ways that churches stepped out to share life in Christ for Life ‘22. Now, what about you?
A Passion for Life is passionate about encouraging, equipping and enabling local churches for a lifetime of evangelism – and we’re here to help you keep going in reaching your community with the gospel of Jesus.
For more inspiration and guidance on how to run specific events and reach particular people, take a look at some more of our mission ideas.
