Imagine being able to find out about God amongst the shops in your local high street. Or to chat about spiritual matters in a car boot sale.
Pop-Up Church Abergavenny is a brand new concept under the Elim Pentecostal Pioneer Church movement. A departure from what we might assume church is, essentially, it’s a roll-up “stall” that quite literally ‘pop-ups’ wherever people are.
Reverend Steve Taylor, who with his wife Elaine established the church in May 2015 expands, “The early New Testament church in the Bible was a body made up of everyday people who supported each other in Christian love. This is what we base Pop Up Church on, by providing a way of people meeting Christians in a non-threatening environment and experiencing a sense of belonging.”
“The concept of church may be seen as irrelevant in the 21st Century,” continues Rev Steve, “But life is stressful, the world in conflict and people are less satisfied with life. At Pop Up Church we give support for people to talk about issues important to them and discover how a relationship with God can be full of life, love and laughter”.
On Sundays throughout the summer months, Pop Up Church Abergavenny had a pitch at Pen-Y-Fal car boot sale. Since December, the church has been appearing in the town centre. Wherever they are they offer chat, prayer and have communion which anyone can join in with.
In addition, Pop-Up Church Abergavenny recently started ‘A Shot of the Spirit’ – a social support and Bible study group initiative which meets at 7.30pm every Thursday at Auberge Bar and Restaurant in Frogmore Street.
“This is an environment where people can feel safe to ask questions and explore Christianity in an open environment.” affirms Rev. Steve, “There are no rules about who can join in. We want to hear about the issues that are important in your life and show how a relationship with God may give you strength and hope.”
Real and approachable, it provides an exciting way to get people together, keeping things simple.
For further information about “Pop-Up Church Abergavenny”, visit them on Facebook or call 07950931527.
Elaine Taylor