Church Beyond Walls

This book shares engaging stories of a community that brought Christian spirituality into public spaces, offering innovative ideas and resources to inspire local churches to connect with a disenchanted world.

"Church Beyond Walls" explores the innovative ways a church community has taken Christian spirituality beyond traditional settings to connect with a society that is increasingly disengaged from religion. Through a series of engaging and sometimes humorous narratives, the book illustrates how a group of visionaries in Brighton, known as BEYOND, have utilized creative approaches to reach out to people who may not typically engage with faith.

Over the past decade, BEYOND has embarked on various imaginative projects, including public art installations, light shows, and walking meditations, all designed to foster spiritual reflection in everyday environments. They have collaborated with local retailers to create spiritual shop window trails and have celebrated church festivals in secular spaces, demonstrating that faith can be experienced in diverse contexts. The stories shared within the book serve as both inspiration and practical guidance for local churches seeking to express their faith in meaningful ways within their communities.

In addition to the narratives, "Church Beyond Walls" provides liturgical and other resources that have been developed through these initiatives. The overarching aim is to create opportunities for transformative moments—epiphanies—where individuals can encounter the divine in their daily lives. This book encourages churches to think outside the confines of their buildings, inviting them to engage with the world around them in ways that resonate with contemporary society.