MESSY CHURCH
Messy Church is a form of church for children and adults that involves creativity, celebration and hospitality. In Bolton-le-Sands it meets on the third Saturday of the month from 10am till midday at Holy Trinity Church.
- It’s primarily for people who don’t already belong to another form of church.
- It meets at a time (and sometimes in a place) that suits people who don’t already belong to church.
- It typically includes a welcome, a long creative time to explore the biblical theme through getting messy; a short celebration time involving story, prayer, song, games and similar; and a sit-down meal together at tables. All elements are for, and should include, people of all ages, adults and children.
- It’s fun.
- It’s a church for people at all stages of their faith journey and of any age – a congregation that is as valuable and worthy of investment as any of your other congregations.
- It models and promotes good ways of growing as a family: a nuclear family, an extended family, and a global and local church family.
- Its aim is to introduce Jesus, to give an opportunity to encounter him and to grow closer to him.
- Messy Church is part of BRF which believes, with the historic churches, in one God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Messy Church is resourced, supported and enabled by BRF.
- Most Messy Churches meet once a month, although a few meet more frequently or more occasionally.
Messy Church Isn’t
- … just for children –
- … a club – The whole of Messy Church is about worshipping God, having fellowship, exploring faith matters. It welcomes everyone, involves everyone, values everyone, is always there for the outsider. It’s a church.
- … a way of getting people to come to church on Sunday –
- … just for church families – Anyone already belonging to church should be thinking about serving on the leadership team of Messy Church, however old or young they are, and helping others come to know Jesus.
- … just for families – All are welcome: single, widowed, childless, divorced. Church is inclusive, not exclusive.
- … a quick fix – Growing disciples takes time. Messy Church has only been going a few years anywhere. It usually only meets once a month.
- … an easy option – It takes money, time, prayer, commitment and energy from the church and leadership team.
- … a drain on church resources – Yes, it will take money and time, effort and gifted people to run it, but it will give back in return a group of people who are fired up for mission, empowered by using their God-given gifts. It will spark off ideas and inspiration about what church is all about and will renew vision. It will grow goodwill in the neighbourhood towards the church and, most importantly, provide the opportunity to do effective mission in your own community.
- … set in stone – We’re learning all the time. As the network of Messy Churches grows and develops, so the best ways of delivering Messy Church will develop and grow.
